2004 Cadillac DeVille

Description

The demise of the Lincoln Continental convertible in the '60s ended a long tradition of American convertible sedans. Fortunately, the tradition continues with awesome hand-built cars like this 2004 Cadillac DeVille built by Coach Builders Limited who are renowned for their ability to craft hand-built works of art that rival anything the OEMs could build.

The great thing about this DeVille is that there's absolutely no sacrifice in having a convertible. It's still a big, comfortable, full-sized American luxury sedan, albeit with the ability to go alfresco when the mood strikes. Coach Builder's Limited preserves the DeVille's original profile with a beautifully fitted power convertible top that's an engineering marvel. The rest of the body, however, is completely stock and looks fantastic in the Pearl White factory finish. With just over 36,000 original miles, this one has never been a daily driver and still feels tight, which is quite remarkable for a 4-door without a roof. There's no evidence that this is anything but a factory build, as every corner, edge, and panel is finished to the highest standards and hidden by carefully made bright trim. The most notable feature is the hoop that remains where the B-pillar used to live, which is surely the reason this convertible feels so tight and seals up so well, and it actually gives the big convertible a sporty look when the top's stowed.

Inside, it's still a traditional luxury sedan with room for six. Sumptuous tan leather seats are the same ones Cadillac fitted in 2004 and showing virtually zero wear since then. Legroom is expansive, and despite not being built as a convertible, the steeply raked windshield provides great wind protection, even for back seat passengers. All of Cadillac's power options remain, including power windows and locks, cruise control, automatic climate control, and all the airbags remain in place, and the climate control system is powerful. Digital instruments live inside a handsome woodgrained dash and the big steering wheel is wrapped in leather and has stereo controls at your fingertips. The workmanship in the back seat area where the top mechanism lives is impressive, and the tan convertible top stows itself with just the touch of a button. Top up, it's fully insulated so this DeVille whispers along much like its hardtop siblings and casts a dashing profile, complete with heated glass rear window. Even the trunk remains fully functional and big enough to swallow a month's worth of luggage.

Power and performance are impressive, thanks to Cadillac's 4.6 liter Northstar V8. This powerful yet silky V8 simply ignores the added weight of the heavily reinforced bodywork, and has the most thrilling soundtrack this side of a new Camaro. The 4-speed automatic transmission is a great touring partner, and the suspension remains supple and well-damped. Since the convertible conversion touches nothing under the hood, it should remain reliable for thousands of care-free miles and can be serviced at any Cadillac dealership. And since it hails from a warm climate (obviously), you know rust isn't a problem. Power disc brakes at all four corners inspire confidence, although this isn't a sports car but a grand tourer in the finest tradition of convertible sedans of the past. Flashy chrome alloys are the right choice, and wear 225/60/16 Vogue whitewalls that still have a lot of life left in them.

Powerful, smooth, and still quite elegant, this convertible sedan is the latest in a long line of great American motorcars. Call today!