If you harbor a soft spot for luxurious classics, you may be irresistibly drawn to this 1971 Cadillac Sedan De Ville. That is understandable, because with a genuine 38,000 miles on its odometer and a spotless White leather interior, it doesn’t appear to have a single weakness. It is a turnkey proposition promising years of relaxed motoring pleasure. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Randy J for spotting this amazing Cadillac listed here on Craigslist in Dunnellon, Florida. The seller set their price at $18,999 for a classic that seemingly needs nothing.
Cadillac launched its Fourth Generation De Ville range in 1971, offering buyers three body styles. This first-year example is a Sedan De Ville, and examining the seller’s photos confirms that it is in exceptional condition for its age. Many vehicles of this type from this era fell from favor in the face of rising fuel prices and a growing focus on smaller models, but this Caddy has managed to avoid neglect or a trip to the scrapyard. Most of its Almond Firemist paint is original, as is the contrasting White vinyl top. The overall appearance suggests that it hasn’t been neglected or abused. The paint shines richly, with no cosmetic issues. The vinyl top looks excellent, and the fender skirts accentuate this classic’s long and low lines. The panels are laser-straight, and rust isn’t an issue. The trim and glass are free from problems, while the narrow whitewalls provide the perfect finishing touch.
White interior trim, whether it is leather or vinyl, typically doesn’t age well. It is prone to stains and discoloring, and wear can become evident as it exposes the dark foundations beneath. However, this Cadillac has avoided those perils, with the leather exhibiting nothing but the wrinkles of elegant aging. The contrasting Black carpet adds to the visual appeal and, as with the dash and pad, appears to be in excellent condition. This Sedan De Ville comes with all of the creature comforts you would typically expect, including air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt wheel, a rear defogger, and an AM/FM radio. The seller performed a major A/C refurbishment, replacing many parts and upgrading the system to R134a refrigerant, resulting in a system that blows ice-cold.
General Motors initiated the process of adapting its models to lower-grade fuel in 1971, and the Cadillac Sedan De Ville was no exception. However, with its 472ci V8 engine still generated a very healthy 345hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque. The Caddy fed those ponies to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. As befits a car of this caliber, power-assisted steering and brakes were standard equipment. Although the seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for their mileage claim, the buyer will receive a selection of welcome documentation. The collection includes the original Window Sticker and Bill of Sale. The seller recently treated this classic to significant work, replacing the brakes, radiator, and fuel pump. They also replaced the fluids, ensuring that this classic is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
This 1971 Cadillac Sedan De Ville is a stunning survivor, and its overall condition is consistent with that of a classic that has been a treasured possession throughout its life. Finding anything to criticize is seemingly impossible, meaning that it should provide its new owner with years of faithful service. The seller’s price is at the top end of the market, but the condition justifies the figure. Have you ever owned a Cadillac from this era? If you did, are you tempted to pursue this one further to relive that experience?
If Hagerty’s valuation is to be believed, the ask on this Caddie is spot-on at 18K. They even have graphic tables and charts of values over time and sales results etc.
They need to have a “likely buyer factorial” button which calculates the likelihood of there actually being someone out there in 2025 willing to pay 18K for a ’72 Cadillac 4-door.
However, the car is painted in code #1031 Pumpkin Spice, so the timing may be right.
Spot on Rex. Big difference between book value and street value in 2025. These land yachts especially the more door versions from all makes are looking at a soft market moving forward. Derby boys will pick it up at 1/10 of the asking price. Sell the drive train to recoup $$$. Drop a 350 and “bang”.To be clear. Im not a derby guy or fan.
SOS Angel! Actually running a test. My Comments on several posts (Baracuda and 63 Plymouth) posted with time for revision but disappeared. I haven’t had that happen before. Anyone else? Will check back later.
Your comments were just pending moderation.
Jesse,
When have I ever used profanity or gotten political or just plain mean? LOL
You know I’m just teasing you.
Thanks for the explanation.
Just seeing a Cadillac from this era with its sheetmetal still intact is a treat. Its a unique color too, I don’t remember seeing many, if any in that color combination. They always seemed to be brown, gold, or green. 18K seems steep to me…. Then again….. A bag of groceries seems steep to me these days. It seems to be very well preserved and I believe the mileage claim, although a peek underneath would be nice.
There is only ONE thing I don’t like about the 1971 Cadillacs….. they removed the “V” under the Cadillac crest. This was a two year fopah from 1970 through ’71 and returned in 1972.
Weird color, too. I don’t believe I’ve seen another ever in this color.
I’ve heard this color described as “fecal dun”, which is uncannily and unfortunately accurate.
Waaaay too much money for a turdish flopper.
Where do these original examples come from? This caddy is a beauty! I like the color and the fact that it’s a four-door hardtop! All the chromes there, the fender skirts, and the interior looks great. Instead of building, stunning automobiles like this, Cadillac builds SUVs! They’ve thrown their heritage away!
I’m going to disagree with you guys on the color. I’m partial to brown, gold, tan, etc. And I think the color is a perfect compliment to the roof and interior. Nicely loaded up and I’m assuming power trunk, too. Still would be nice to have underside pics. I’d offer $15k tops.
Well, Jon, please offer……. then I’ll drive you and the mrs. around.
If I don’t get my butt back behind the wheel of a Cadillac soon I think I’m going to explode. 🤯
How ya been, Jon?
A face only a mother would love – sorry to say so. Wonderful side view though. I had a ´65 with stacked headlights – I like those a lot! Including the interior and dashboard.
My friends mom had a ’73 Chevy Impala painted this color. Definitely didn’t see a lot of cars in this color.
I’m always going to be fond of any car painted in a copper shade like this one. I had a ’73 model of this same vehicle. I only drove it for a few months because although it was only 1976, the car was falling apart. After the third major component broke, I traded it for a ’72 Eldorado, which was only a little bit better. Both were gorgeous cars, though, and I still think so. I hope by now, this ’71 has everything sorted out. Regarding the electric trunk closer someone mentioned, I suspect this car has that, as well. Cadillac included that feature for many years. It was always one of my favorite things about all of my Cadillacs, even the ’63 Fleetwood I drove in college.
My Uncle John had one of these for a short time though he didn’t
own it. It was a loaner car from
Fanning Cadillac in Bloomington,
Illinois. Seems like the owner lent Unc
this car after he had dropped more than $10K on the owner’s desk to order a custom built Fleetwood 60 Special sedan. The
Fleetwood was ordered with the same kind of HD stuff you got in
hearses and ambulances back then. Things like HD electrical and cooling systems, and a very
stout rear suspension which would allow him to tow large tandem axle trailers without the rear end squatting. Then, before my Uncle took possession of it, the car was fitted with a 500 watt
linear amp and the radios needed
to run his roofing and coating business he bought in the ’50s. Yeah, he could’ve done the same thing with a truck of some type, but he believed that if you owned a business like his, you had to look the part. And folks lemme tell Ya’ with that car he certainly did. Both cars, the loaner, and the
Fleetwood were painted dark brown metallic with cream vinyl
rooves and leather and brocade
interiors. I recall riding in the loaner car just after I turned 16.
Unc dropped by to show it off one
night in 1970 or so. Did I like ’em? You bet I did! Did I want one? Hell yeah! But I was quite
content with my ’66 Calais 4-door hardtop. Never got a Fleetwood
like my Uncle’s but it’s still on my bucket list of things I wanna own or go do before I go to meet my
maker. First and foremost would be a shop big enough to hold a few Caddy’s and build that self
charging mobility scooter 🛵 I’ve
been working on for some time now. And as Angel 😇 once said,
maybe I”ll get one in my 3rd life.
Hi Angel 😇! Glad to see you back here again! I knew the Queen couldn’t stay away from her subjects for long. And yeah, if GM called this color Pumpkin Spice, then it would be a really great car 🚨 to drive over the holidays– provided you don’t get
snow and ice where you live. And
for God’s sake if you wanna keep all that white stuff in perfect shape, get some seat covers and
a dash pad 🗒️! At least you could drive the car WITHOUUT
worrying about spilling your Pumpkin Spice late(?) and sending your BP into the twilight zone.
It’s got a Nixon / Agnew bumper sticker on the trunklid, LOL! I zoomed in expecting to see Port / Starboard.
This is one nice clean unmolested Caddy. This is a survivor.
I was a mid teen when my dad’s sister had her new ‘71 Fleetwood Brougham. It was a brown metallic with matching brown vinyl top and gold Brocade cloth interior. I got to drive it from time to time and even as a teen I could appreciate the ride – the QUIET ride – and all of the Fleetwood amenities! And this is spoken by a blue blood Lincoln guy! If my wife would let me have this car I’d buy it in a split second REGARDLESS of the color. Haven’t seen an ugly Cadillac of this vintage yet.