Compact Caddy: 1963 Cadillac DeVille Park Avenue 42K Survivor – Sold?

November 30, 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

If you’re looking for a challenging trivia question for your fellow car enthusiasts, one could be, “How Many General Motors Divisions used the Park Avenue brand name?” While most car enthusiasts associate “Park Avenue” with Buick, in the early 1960s, Cadillac used the moniker for their short deck model.  Specifically, From 1961 through 1963, Cadillac built a limited number of four-door sedans with oddly shortened rear ends.

Why? For the 1961 model year, the product planners at the Cadillac division of General Motors made an abrupt course correction, or maybe it was more of a temporary detour. Suddenly, they decided that maybe Cadillacs were getting too long and challenging for drivers to handle, particularly in the big cities where maneuvering room and parking space were at a premium.

So, with relatively little fanfare, Cadillac introduced the Short Deck model. This creature was built on the same 129.5-inch wheelbase chassis as the standard Cadillac, but with the rear quarter panels and deck lid shortened seven inches. This reduced the overall length from 222 to 215 inches, creating oddly stunted proportions.  How much the shorter deck helped in parking maneuvers is hard to quantify, but the difference in appearance is remarkable. And in a period where luxury cars were sold by the foot and the pound, the short deck model seems like an odd development in the Cadillac product line.

With only an estimated 2,600 examples produced during their short three-year model life, finding an early 1960s Cadillac Park Avenue for sale is a rare treat.  This Dusty Rose 1963 Cadillac DeVille Park Avenue for sale, last spotted on Craigslist in October 2023 in Rapid City, South Dakota, might be the lowest mileage survivor quality example around.  With only 42,000 original miles, this Park Avenue is a nicely equipped example in a great early 1960s color.

Last offered for $32,000, 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 similar second-generation Cadillac DeVilles of all body styles.  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 falls this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $26,000. The premium in this case is for the extremely low mileage, and survivor quality condition.

The 1963 Cadillac DeVille Park Avenue was a stunning example of luxury and automotive craftsmanship during an era when American cars were known for their elegance and extravagance. This iconic Cadillac model, part of the DeVille series, embodied the essence of mid-century American luxury and has since become a classic symbol of that era.

The 1963 Cadillac DeVille Park Avenue was a masterful work of automotive art. Its design exuded opulence and grandeur, reflecting the automotive trends of the early 1960s. The vehicle featured a long, sleek body with clean lines, a signature characteristic of Cadillacs of that era. The front end boasted a massive chrome grille with sharp vertical lines, flanked by quad headlamps that gave the car a distinctive and imposing presence on the road.

The Park Avenue model was the pinnacle of the DeVille series, with exclusive design elements that set it apart from its siblings. One of its most prominent features was the “Sweepspear” trim, which extended from the front fenders to the rear quarter panels, accentuating the car’s length and elegance. The Park Avenue also featured unique badging and emblems, proudly declaring its position as the most luxurious DeVille model.

Step inside the 1963 Cadillac DeVille Park Avenue, and you will find yourself in a world of luxury and comfort. The cabin was spacious, accommodating up to six passengers with its front and rear bench seats. High-quality materials, including sumptuous leather and fine wood veneers, were used throughout the interior to create a rich and inviting atmosphere.

The Park Avenue’s interior was appointed with lavish details, such as chrome accents, soft carpeting, and a full array of power-operated accessories. The dashboard was a work of art, featuring an array of round dials and controls that exuded sophistication and style. The Cadillac crest could be found on the steering wheel, as well as throughout the cabin, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to excellence.

Under the hood of the 1963 Cadillac DeVille Park Avenue was a powerful V8 engine that provided a smooth and refined driving experience. The 390-cubic-inch (6.4L) engine produced 325 horsepower, delivering ample power for effortless acceleration and highway cruising. The Park Avenue’s automatic transmission ensured a seamless and relaxed driving experience, in line with the Cadillac tradition of prioritizing comfort and ease of use.

Despite its imposing size, Park Avenue featured advanced suspension and engineering that made it handle remarkably well for a car of its era. The Cadillac ride was known for its smoothness, and the Park Avenue lived up to that reputation with its balanced suspension and precise steering.

The 1963 Cadillac DeVille Park Avenue was equipped with a range of innovative features for its time. It had power windows, power brakes, power steering, and a climate control system, all of which contributed to a luxurious and convenient driving experience. Additionally, the car was one of the first to feature an automatic headlight dimmer, a pioneering safety feature that reduced glare for oncoming drivers.

The 1963 Cadillac DeVille Park Avenue remains a highly sought-after collector’s item today. Its combination of stunning design, luxurious interior, and powerful engine makes it a symbol of the golden age of American automotive craftsmanship. Restored examples of this iconic model continue to command attention at classic car shows and auctions, and its enduring appeal is a testament to its timeless elegance and style.

In conclusion, the 1963 Cadillac DeVille Park Avenue was a paragon of mid-century American luxury automobiles. Its distinctive design, sumptuous interior, and advanced features made it an embodiment of the opulence and extravagance of the era. With its powerful V8 engine and smooth ride, it offered a driving experience that was as refined as it was luxurious. Today, it remains an emblem of classic American automotive design and a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that Cadillac was known for during that era.

The Resurrected Garage YouTube Channel provides an excellent comparison between an early 60’s Cadillac DeVille versus a Park Avenue:

A vintage survivor-quality Cadillac four-door hardtop that can fit in your garage.  That’s what this 42K original mile 1962 Cadillac DeVille Park Avenue offers.  Even better is that the car features the stunning Dusty Rose color inside and out.  A bonus is the working factory A/C in this downsized land yacht.

If you are serious about buying this DeVille Park Avenue, 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 compact Cadillac featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this 1962 Cadillac DeVille Park Avenue for sale? Please comment below and let us know!