NEW! Award 118: 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille – Sold?

September 26, 2023, Update – We confirmed the listing for this “ClassiFIND” expired, so with no replacement found, we’re assuming this ride is “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

A celebration of 1959 car Tailfins would not be complete without featuring a Cadillac. Cadillac started the tailfin element on their 1949 models. With nearly every other manufacturer developing their own mile-to-wild tail fin designs in the following model years, Cadillac stylists for 1959 said, “Hold My Beer.” The 1959 Cadillacs will forever be immortalized as the tail fin kings as this model year featured the highest and longest tail fins of any Cadillac, or any other car for that matter.

This white 1959 Cadillac Coupe Deville for sale, last spotted on Craigslist in August 2023 in Ronkonkoma, New York (Long Island), is reported to be a 45K original mile example with working factory air conditioning.  The child of the current owner is listing the car on their behalf, who hints they are ‘sacrificing’ their Cadillac due to an impending move. What’s not clear from the description is whether the paint is original to the car, so you’ll need to confirm that when you contact the seller.

While many 1950s vintage cars are starting to see prices soften as their enthusiasts age out of the hobby, sale prices for 1959 Cadillacs remain steady.  Convertible 1959 Cadillacs regularly achieve six-figure transactions. However, pricing for hardtop models is much less, hovering around the high $50s to low $60s.  Unfortunately, the seller and his child appear to not realize that fact.

Last offered for $82,000, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is above this guide’s six-month rolling results trend for first-generation Cadillac Coupe DeVilles of all body styles produced between 1959 and 1960. We note that the average price in this instance is swayed heavily by the premium prices convertible versions till demand.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can get a sense of what comparable examples sold for recently:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask is nearly $30,000 above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of only $53,200.  Similarly, the downloadable 2023 Old Cars Price Guide Big Book indicates the seller’s price falls well above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $65,000. Even the often optimistic Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the asking price is over twenty thousand above this source’s #1 “Concours” appraisal of $59,300. With all of this data not supporting the lofty asking price, we have no choice but to give the seller our latest “NEW!” (short for “No Effin Way!) Award for an asking price that is not in line with recent past sales.  It will be interesting to see whether the extremely low 45K original miles are enough for someone to pay the premium requested here.

The 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille is an iconic American luxury car that epitomizes the extravagant and flamboyant design trends of the late 1950s. It belongs to the second generation of the DeVille series, which was a sub-series of the Cadillac brand known for its opulence and innovation. The 1959 model year is particularly famous for its over-the-top styling, massive dimensions, and distinctive features that make it instantly recognizable even today.

Its bold and dramatic styling cues characterize the 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille. One of the most notable features is its imposing front end, which showcases a massive, jet-inspired bumper with prominent Dagmar-style bumper guards and chrome detailing. The grille is a signature feature, consisting of horizontal and vertical chrome bars forming a unique V-shaped pattern, which gives the car an unmistakable face.

The car’s front fenders are adorned with large, bullet-shaped, rocket-inspired chrome trim pieces that extend rearward, emphasizing the car’s length. The dual headlights are housed in chrome pods that flank the grille, creating a distinctive and futuristic look. The rear of the car is equally eye-catching, with large, vertically stacked tailfins that reach upward to give the car a soaring, rocket-like appearance. The taillights are integrated into the fins and are often referred to as “bullet” taillights due to their shape.

The 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille has a body that’s characterized by its long, low-slung proportions and sweeping lines. It rides on a full-size General Motors C-body platform with an overall length of around 225 inches. The car’s wheelbase measures approximately 130 inches, contributing to its smooth and elegant silhouette.

Inside, the 1959 Coupe DeVille offers luxurious appointments that were synonymous with the Cadillac brand. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, featuring high-quality materials, plush seating, and intricate detailing. The dashboard is designed with a symmetrical layout and incorporates a range of chrome accents and stylized controls. Various amenities and convenience features were available, including power windows, power seats, and air conditioning, which were considered cutting-edge for the time.

The 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille featured two 390 cubic inch (6.4 Liter V8 engines). Standard was a 325-horsepower version featuring a single Carter AFB four-barrel carburetor. Optional was a 345-horsepower version topped with three Rochester two-barrel carburetors.  These engines provided ample power and smooth performance, in line with Cadillac’s reputation for delivering refined driving experiences.

The 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille has become an enduring symbol of the excess and extravagance of the late 1950s. Its bold design, oversized tailfins, and luxurious features captured the spirit of the era, making it a beloved classic car among enthusiasts and collectors. The car’s distinctive appearance has made it a popular choice for various forms of media, including movies, television shows, and advertisements, further solidifying its iconic status in American automotive history.

The Auto-Intel With Greg YouTube Channel provides this 1959 Cadillac Dealer Slide Show:

With only 45K original miles and featuring working factory A/C, this 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille is a striking combination for sale in its white and red colors.  We would like to see pictures of the engine compartment and undercarriage, especially when the seller is currently asking a twenty thousand premium over what these cars currently change hands for. Time will tell whether our pricing assessment plays out.

If you are serious about buying this Coupe DeVille, you can start the conversation by using the contact information provided by the seller in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please mention that you saw their Cadillac featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Yea or Nay: Do you agree or disagree with our pricing assessment?  Please comment below and let us know!