When you see an enthusiast vehicle pop up from your hometown, it tends to spark some additional interest. I can’t explain it; maybe it’s curiosity about whether you know the owner or once passed by the car when it was in daily use. This 1980 Cadillac Coupe DeVille is a rare two-door diesel model, and it’s located in my old stomping grounds of Poughkeepsie, New York. The seller notes the diesel-powered Caddy has under 40,000 miles and has been kept in storage since 2006. Find it here on craigslist for $11,500.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Zen for the tip. The Cadillac is powered by an Oldsmobile-derived diesel V8 that does not enjoy a sterling reputation among enthusiasts. In fact, going back to the time in which it was made, most GM experts agree it was a poorly conceived engine design that did significant damage to the reputation of diesel motors in the U.S. Head gasket issues were rampant, and anyone keeping a car like this on the road has likely swapped out the original head bolts for upgraded aftermarket components. The seller doesn’t tell us much about this specimen, but is there a chance its low miles indicate it remains completely original under the hood? The interior certainly looks factory fresh.
The creamy yellow paint is period-correct and appears to be in excellent condition. The bodywork looks fantastic on both sides, and given how much snow Poughkeepsie gets each year, someone was clearly careful not to drive it in salt and muck. The original hubcaps show plenty of shine, and the chrome mirrors look mint. A thick coating of dust also suggests it has been stored indoors for over a decade. The question is: was it carefully stored because someone loved it, or because it was too troublesome to operate?
The Oldsmobile 5.7L produced 105 b.h.p. and 220 lb.-ft. of torque. A 3-speed automatic came standard, and 0-60 took over 20 seconds. That’s just astounding, not only for how sluggish it is but also because someone at GM allowed it to reach production. However, the hysteria over fuel economy and efficiency likely dominated the conversation at the time, much like the current push for EVs being everywhere despite the charging network being severely lacking. The seller will likely need to find the absolutely perfect buyer for a car like this, but hopefully, someone will enjoy this diesel-powered survivor.
Run Away…
Believe it or not… The Olds 260 V8 was 105 hp and 205 ft pounds of torque ( less than the 350 Diesel). And, it was installed in the full size Delta 88. ( I had one). That would have been one hilarious drag race to watch between my Olds and a Cadillac with the Olds Diesel. That being said, I dont think all the GM Diesels were bad. And by 1980 had many of the bugs worked out. I actually had a neighbor that had a white ’80 Coupe DeVille Diesel like this and it was a great commuter for him to go to work and back.
This one looks like a creampuff and I think if bought for the right price, would be a great Cars and Coffee conversation piece.
There won’t be many complaints about a lazy seller on this one, it’s the advantage of having a light colored car that doesn’t show dirt and dust. I wouldn’t trust that rust isn’t an issue without a thorough inspection, 26 years in Hudson valley New York is a long time, and the pictures in the ad aren’t detailed enough to tell. It’s basically a project after sitting 20 years, regardless if it’s in a garage or not. There is a lot of downside risk to a buyer at that asking price.
Steve R
” That’s just astounding, not only for how sluggish it is but also because someone at GM allowed it to reach production.”
Only 10 years earlier, their 472 engine was the most powerful engine they ever made in those years, and big Caddys with highway gears would still be as-fun-as-hell to drive. Then these came out. Nice, comfortable cars, but you’d want to open the door and use your foot to help it get moving. No wonder so many people went for Honda and Toyota.