1976 Cadillac Sedan DeVille

Description

Hard to believe that behemoths like this immaculate 1976 Cadillac Sedan DeVille were once commonplace on America's highways. In fact, 1976 was the final year for both the big car and the big engine, with 1977 bringing an all-new, small Cadillac and a downsized 425 cubic inch V8.

Showing about 58,000 original miles, this is one of the most well-preserved '70s luxury cars we've ever seen. The Crystal Blue Firemist paint was an extra-charge option in 1976 and was accurately reproduced when the car was repainted a few years ago. This sucker's nearly 18 feet long, but it wears it well, spanning that long wheelbase with 4-door hardtop bodywork that's a tribute to the senior Cadillacs of the past. It fits together extremely well, and even with the great size of the doors, they open and close easily and need little more than a gentle push to latch firmly. Trouble spots like the area around the fender skirts and the plastic fender extensions surrounding the vertical rear bumper ends are very good on this particular example. The chrome remains excellent, including the massive bumpers and grille, and the sleek hardtop roofline is augmented by little opera windows and a vinyl top that remains in very good condition.

The remarkable interior demonstrates state-of-the-art luxury in 1976, with a wide bench seat wrapped in blue leather that offers enough space for three passengers up front. The luxurious tufted leather is totally '70s cool and nicely preserved. Deep pile carpets keep it hushed inside, and the intricate and stylish door panels show no cracking or other signs of age that are typical of cars like this. Almost everything was standard equipment in 1976, including the automatic climate control, power windows and locks, and a tilt column, but this one also carries a power front seat, cruise control, a rear defroster, and an AM/FM stereo that still sounds pretty good. The back seat offers spaciousness only found in limousines today, and there's a positively gargantuan trunk, complete with spare tire, jack assembly, and the original cover.

Until recently, the 500 cubic inch Cadillac V8 was the largest production engine in the world. Designed for effortless power and torque, it's remarkable in its unobtrusiveness. It starts quickly and settles into a nice clean idle, and with all those cubic inches, it handles power accessories without strain. Performance is typical of the era, with a quick-witted TH400 3-speed automatic as a willing dance partner, but honestly the engine makes so much torque you'll probably never feel it downshift. The engine bay is rather tidy for a mostly original car, with aftermarket valve covers, a new alternator and correct dark Cadillac Blue paint on the engine. Thanks to literally being a little old lady special, the chassis is quite clean with even things like the original catalytic converter still in place. Standard wheelcovers downplay the luxurious car's immense size and are protected by a set of 235/75/15 whitewall radials.

With a driving experience that's unlike anything else you've ever experienced, this is the ultimate in '70s luxury. And it's pretty amazing that you can get this much Cadillac opulence for the price of a used Honda. Call today!