We’ve recently seen some fantastic low-mile survivors at Barn Finds, and the trend continues with this 1979 Cadillac Coupe DeVille. Its overall condition is as good as you will find in the current market, which is a tribute to careful ownership, a garage-kept life, and an odometer reading of 21,000 miles. Using the term “as-new” is fraught with danger, but there is little to criticize with this classic. I must thank Barn Finder Dennis H for spotting it with his finely-tuned classic radar because it is genuinely exceptional. The seller has listed the Caddy here on Craigslist in Mattituck, New York. You could drive it away by handing them $19,000.
Cadillac introduced its Fifth Generation DeVille range in 1977, marking a significant milestone for the badge. It would be the last featuring rear-wheel-drive and would remain on showroom floors until 1984. Our feature car emerged in 1979, with its original owner ordering it in Light Blue Firemist with a matching Landau-style vinyl top. The listing is short on history specifics with this car. However, the low odometer reading and a life garage-kept when not in use make its overall presentation and condition unsurprising. The paint shines beautifully, and the vinyl top looks flawless. Cadillac’s build quality suffered during the late 1970s, and the panel gaps on cars like this demonstrate that they had lost that almost handmade feel that had been a hallmark of earlier models. It isn’t horrendous, and some patient tweaking by a meticulous owner might close them to a level previously seen at the decade’s start. There is no evidence of rust, and none is mentioned by the seller. The filler panels haven’t suffered the usual level of deterioration, the trim sparkles nicely, and there are no glass issues.
The stunning presentation and preservation continue when we examine this Caddy’s interior. The Pale Blue leather upholstered surfaces show no wear but feature the wrinkles that are part of this material’s character. The carpet has some slight wear on the outer edge, but its condition is above average. The dash and pad are excellent, and there are no issues with the acres of woodgrain trim. Luxury and comfort features include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a tilt wheel, remote exterior mirrors, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player.
Cadillac began attempting to tackle the subject of fuel economy with the Fifth Generation DeVille. The 500ci V8 was consigned to the history book, with our feature car powered by the 425ci version that appeared in 1977. This motor sends 180hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. It will be no shock to learn that power assistance for the steering and brakes was standard fare. The Coupe DeVille wasn’t a jet off the line, but it was competent in heavy traffic and would cruise comfortably all day at highway speeds. The seller claims our feature car has a genuine 21,000 miles on the clock but does not mention supporting evidence. They say it has been meticulously maintained, although there is no information on how it runs or drives.
There is no denying this 1979 Cadillac Coupe DeVille presents superbly, but classic ownership is about more than looks alone. Evidence supporting the mileage claim is vital in determining its possible value, and if that doesn’t exist, potential buyers must weigh up the risks and be prepared to roll the dice. It is worth noting that the seller’s price is at the top end of the market, making that documentary evidence more crucial. However, if it exists, owning this classic could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to pursue it further?
A very nice example. Although to be on the safe side a thorough check up would be needed. Parts to maintain are still plentifull and affordable and if its something real odd many shops exist to refurbish the oem stuff. It would be a good buy
Without proof of mileage, I wouldn’t take the risk but that’s just my opinion
@Adam – Though these cars were much smaller than their mid-70s predecessors, the doors of the coupes were still very large and very heavy. It was very common for GM’s late-70s A-, B-, and C-body coupes to have their hinges rebuilt after a few years. Even low mileage cars weren’t immune to sagging doors. We’re likely looking at door fit from a body shop, not the factory. That complex cut line at the A-pillar looks like a nightmare to align without factory jigs.
I was the second owner of this exact model .wife drove it to work. We used it as every day driver. Took it to Florida on vacations several times. The425 motor was just fantastic. Sold the car to a neighbor with 287 thousand miles. On it. Only thing I had to replace one rocker arm and pivot. Got one from a junked car as they are not around new. Caris on 4 th owner with little over 400 thousand.read axel had new bearings.trans just like motor standard service.
I love that these low mile yachts are emerging from garages across the nation, where grandparents drove them to the groceries and churches and parked them in the nice clean garages. However, I have reservations about this being a 21,000 mile garage kept car. Note how the pinstripe don’t follow the fillers between the rear fender and bumper, so that’s been replaced, nothing really lines up well, the sun faded trim beside the drivers seat back, the tired looking engine and bay …etc…etc. I’d research this good and if it’s 121,000 real miles then offer them 10 grand. That’s about what sold for when it was new.
I dunno, Cooter. The body fillers look original, and are in great shape, not all wrecked from sun and exposure. The engine and bay could certainly use some cleaning up, too bad seller didn’t spend the extra few bucks to get engine detailed before pictures. Trunk is pristine. I’d like to see the underneath before condemning the low miles. If I didn’t already have a 75 Toronado and a 76 Riviera, I’d be tempted!
On all GM cars of the latter 70’s, when a door looks out of line or is hard to close, try lifting the latch end and see if it will wiggle up and down when fully open.
The 1st things to go are the hinge pin bushings, and next (because most owners will not fix the problem when it starts) is the that the latch end will beat out the latch pin from the body pillar because most 3rd/4th tier owners will continually just keep slamming the door.
Hinge pin kits (were) readily available from GM, it’s not a quick/easy fix because its best to remove the door to replace them, but it can be done in your garage/driveway with a helper and a floor jack.
The only really permanent solution was “buy a 4-door next time”.
Lots of 70s vintage cars had door hinge issues. All the same problem too much weight on the door and not built strong enough. At least it was that way with lots of two doors,
My ’74 firebird which has one of the longest & heaviest doors of all still has nice tight original door hinges! Even after 220,000 miles. Tho the car has always been garaged, not driven in bad weather, & the hinges are sprayed with white lithium grease periodically.
I would think then that rain & snow accelerate wear on the hinge bushings too, as do possibly heat & cold temp extremes, & high humidity not present in a good garage.
I had the same model which I bought as a temporary daily driver while I had another car being worked on. While it was in good shape, I didn’t enjoy driving it. Steering just generally pointed the car more or less in the direction intended. Suspension was so soft the car would gently oscillate in all three dimensions (including rocking back and forth) if you ran over the slightest imperfection in the road. Can’t imagine how people back in the day could have found it a pleasant experience. Maybe I’m just imposing my modern sensibilities of what’s considered luxury?
Power steering on Fords, Mercs, & Mopars was even slower to respond back in the day than GM’s, tho on some GM models you could order a quicker steering box, but not many did, apparently.
& if you watch the original Hawaii Five-O, when McGarrett or others drive up to a destination in their huge full size big fords & mercs, when they stop, the front of the cars usually bob up & down a few times. Must have had really cheap factory shocks back then.
lol
When I was growing up my family only drove Chryslers so maybe that’s partly where my preference for more direct steering and stable suspension comes from.
that motor looks like 75000 miles not 21000
For some reason I think this is a very cool car and I would like to own it. If ii was closer I would definitely want to go see it. I also it would have to be very impressive for me to accept the 20 K buy in.
My mom was a Caddy girl… she started in 1962 with a Sedan Deville, moved on in ’72 with a land yacht Coupe DeVille with the monster 472, then in ’82 ‘dad got her a slightly used ’79 Dove Gray Coupe DeVille with plush velour interior and the 425 V8 moved it about its business quite easily. She would keep that car until her passing in 2012. It looked the same in 2012 as it had in 1982. Garage kept its entire life the only fault was a crack in the dash which was there when they bought it. Dad finally let it go in 2014 for the paltry sum of $5500… it had 74k miles on it. I drove it once to their place in the Keys, got a ticket on the 7 mile bridge after driving 12hrs at well, above the speed limit speeds, which it loved to do. Nothing rides like the Cadillacs of those eras today.
I bought this car. It is 21,000 original miles and it is spotless. Very very little door sag. Fully tuned up and running like a gem. The undercarriage of the car is this clean how’s the rest. It is now part of my collection.