Full disclosure: I’ve never owned a Cadillac, but I’ve been on a bit of a Caddy bender with this 1968 Eldorado, 2009 DTS, and this 1951 Series Sixty-Two. What gives? I dunno, I like old full-size cars (OK, the DTS was an exception), GM marques in particular, and I’m attuned to what Cadillac once was – more on that to follow. The examples from the late sixties are my favorites, so that’s why I chose to review this 1969 Coupe Deville, a listing that is courtesy of Scott – this is definitely one to review. It’s located in Sandy, Oregon, and is available here on craigslist for $16,000.
I don’t consider Cadillac today to be what it once was, but I still consider it a GM standout compared to today’s forgettable Chevrolet and Buick divisions. Perhaps it’s because there is still the preferred sedan body style (CT4 & 5) available. Back to the subject at hand, Caddys built in the era of this ’69 Deville had beautiful, rugged, chiseled lines that spoke of authority – and the guts under the hood to back up the presentation. Nothing ostentacious here, just refined elegance.
I’m trying to ascertain this Coupe Deville’s hue, and I think it’s either Chateau Mauve Firemist or Chalice Gold Firemist, but I cannot tell with certainty. In some images, it shows as a dark red/purple shade, while in others, it looks brown. Regardless, it presents beautifully with a nice shine and depth. The seller adds, “It was stored in a garage since 1980…the exterior has some parking lot dings & scratches like a late model car, no rust or damage a coat of paint would make this a serious show car.” From what I can spy, a “coat of paint” (let’s call it a professional respray – it’s not a fence) would be superfluous – it’s fine as is. The contrasting vinyl top covering is said to be original, and it is well preserved and not afflicted with the foibles that so often plague that feature. The only detraction, and it’s subjective, are the 1977 vintage wire wheel covers – I’d prefer the original pieces, and for those who feel the same way, they’re included in the sale.
Under the Great Plains-sized hood is a 375 gross HP, 472 CI V8 engine that is said to “drive awesome.” Joined to this outsized powerplant is a Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic transmission, and this powertrain combination was the sole configuration available for a Deville.
Cadillac Deville offered a cloth and leather upholstery combination in ’69, but our subject car appears to have gone with the optional full-cow. The seller refers to it as “showroom,” and I must admit, it’s in fabulous condition. The instrument panel is OK, really no great shakes for a car of this stature, but there’s nothing wrong with it either. I think the thing that amazes me the most is the near-perfect condition of the oyster-shaded carpet – that’s a tough one to keep clean!
To me, this is a Cadillac! Some may find its appearance to be glaring (I don’t – I’d suggest it’s understated) and its size to be anachronistic or a throwback, and actually, it is; that’s what I like about it. The seller states, “Hard to find a nicer survivor car.” I’d agree, how about you?
Great article J.O. Beautiful and powerful car, agree with your analysis. I’m sure this is Angel 😇 approved 👍
I’m sure she will, I know I do. But that color. I haven’t seen
anything else like it. Now, I,ve seen the GM color called Lake
which is a very deep purple. You could get this color on Cadillacs from ’34-’40(?). I might try and recreate it to put it on a print someday. Maybe a ’29 Cadillac Town Sedan? I dunno. Right now, I’ve got the stuff to mix it, but haven’t tried it yet. As for this car, I’d sure love to own it. That way, I’d be sure to get a date. When I had my ’66 Calais 4-door hardtop,
I had no shortage of young ladies wanting to drive it. My ’59
Lincoln Premiere, not so much.
Not Only Angel approved, but certified By The GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT PRESERVATION SOCIETY. This is Cadillac at its BEST. The price is a Bon Marche, provided overall condition is as good as it seems. Close inspection is always best. Not sure of the color. But unless lighting is dark, it’s NOT Chateau Mauve Firemist. You’ll Never find a current Cadillac (or any current Luxury vehicle) to equal it. This is worthy of STANDARD OF THE WORLD!
I was runnin’ down the road in my new Cadillac, I had a fine fox in front, I had 3 more in the back.( in my dreams) In case you haven’t noticed, music, especially rock and roll, is #1 with me. Cars and music just go together. Told my kids, when on my deathbed, I want headphones with Lynyrd Skynyrd on “wuh-oh”.
I can’t think of a car where more songs have been written about. ZZ Top, the Boss, the Clash, Chuck Berry, one site says over 10,000 songs with Cadillac in the title or lyrics. No other car has that distinction. My old mans last Caddy was very similar to this. Unsure of the year, but a full size. My mom said the doors were too heavy for her, but my old man, upon leaving the driveway, shouting to the neighbors, “Look you bunch of ( expletives), Jerry A is driving a Cadillac”, as we all slunk down in our seats. Little harsh, you say? Well, duh, where do you think I got it from, but he, shall I say, deserved it. He went to fight for our country, settled a “moshav” in Israel in 1948 with my mom,, worked hard, had dozens of cars, finally, in the 70s, he got his Caddy. He was very proud of that car. We all know what happened next. By the time he needed a new car, the “down sized” Caddys were out( 1977?) and he wanted no part of that, and switched to mini-vans. Make no mistake, as the ’69 Chevelle was the epitome of the musclecar, this car was as good as it got in America in 1969. Amen,,,
We’re bad, We’re Nationwide
I had 15in. Wheels and those hub caps on my Chevy Luv…
Dad had a blue 68 Sedan de ‘Ville. One of his quotes was “Nobody ever says it drives like a Lincoln”
Beautiful style and power to move it. This is a deal if it checks out.
Beautiful Coupe De Ville! I love the wire hubs, they really dress it up a bit!
The first Cadillac that I ever saw up close and rode in was a ’69 Sedan De Ville, Gold with a cream vinyl top and the most beautiful gold brocade interior that I have ever seen. It was my neighbor’s first and last Cadillac as he was lured into a mid ’70’s Mercedes Benz’s after that. He had very good taste and went on to a 300 SEL 6.3, mint green. He kept that a lot longer than the Cadillac but both were stunning cars to a 12 yr old!!
Just beautiful. Angel’s beloved ’69 Cadillac.
Dookie brown. Otherwise, really nice car!
Back in the day when I worked at a Mobil station as a beginner mechanic, the guy who managed the gas portion had a beautiful baby blue ’68 Coupe de Ville convertible, and his friend had a dark green ’69 Coupe DeVille. Everyone referred to them as the Cadillac Kids. They kept them in terrific condition, and at one point one of them waxed the paint down to the primer in some areas. Both of them had their cars rolling on Cragar wheels and Carnegie radials with the dual pinstripe whitewalls. I just loved the look of Kenny’s 69, and if this Caddy was in Florida I’d be going after it. Oh, I, too, joined the Cragar and Carnegie whitewall club too on my ’63 Bonnieville coupe. We got to be known as Cragar city after that. Lol.
These were very impressive Cadillacs. They truly represented everything that Cadillac was meant to be. A friend of my mother bought a new one in 1969 and drove all over in it. She was very proud of it. It was the two-door hardtop as well, and looked very nice. This is what Cadillac was and could be again. They need to change their ways soon and stop building trucks and Euro trash cars!
Love it!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Ya’ll know me so
Yes, this is definitely “Angel” approved.
I really didn’t like these when they first came out. The very first time I saw them was at a toll booth on the NJ Parkway on a car carrier being delivered to a dealer somewhere in NJ early September 1968.
My aunt & uncle next door (not Vito, Rick W) had a new 1968 Sedan de Ville and I was hooked on the stacked headlight and tons of chrome rear bumper and lights.
The shorter lights without all the chrome on the ’69 were a huge disappointment. The trunk looked boxy.
The front went back to horizontal headlights but at least the morning lights were reminiscent of the ’65.
The next time I saw one was October/November when I was driving my 1962 Lincoln Continental convertible in the homecoming parade and a local dealer supplied two 1969 de Ville convertibles for the parade.
Oh, and that cockpit! What is with a portion of the dash being on the driver’s door?
As I said, hated these when they first came out and everyone loved the ’70 refinement over the ’69.
The ’69 grew on me to the point where I have to have one, coupe or convertible before I die.
I’m also not a fan of the ’70s refinements.
But gimme, gimme, gimme!!
Nice, and LOADED, but no cruise control.
Yeah there is, William. Find the pic with the picture of the left side of the dash. It’s the old thumbwheel style similar to the climate control.
Matter of fact, it’s above the climate control.
There is a cruise control William. Find the pic of the left side of the dash. It’s above the climate control.
Has the numbered thumb wheel similar to the climate control one with a “on”, “off”, & “auto” switch.
Hope my post shows up. Guess I shouldn’t have added the emojis
It ended up in the trash – emojis will get you every time. I pulled it out and now it’s posted.
JO
Thank you, Jim! (Insert heart emoji here)
You are welcome!
JO
Someone chime in Angel? I believe Cadillac offered ostrich leather seats in 1969 only. The only complaint I recall although trivial to me was the high back front seats with the headrests reportedly blocked the rear passengers view out of the windshield. My response would be get in sit down shut up and enjoy the ride. Beautiful car!!!
Hi Frog!
Long time no hear from. Glad you’re still hangin’.
Yeah at first I thought the high back seats were a bit weird but, as with everything else on the ’69 Cadillac, it grows on you.
Had the chance to inherit one of these in ‘85- Wisteria Poly, but 21 year old me wasn’t interested. I did inherit the house though.
Look at the Craigslist add. States odometer has turned over, so 141k miles.
That flies in the face of what the seller claims. They can’t both be right.
JO
I think that’s a gorgeous, understated interior / exterior and top combo. I have a 72 coupe with that 472 motor, and it is plenty strong. Plenty torquey.
One still unusual item for the time I noticed was the stereo radio. Not many FM stereo stations back then, let alone car radios.
You could also get the mono radio, too.
I also noticed the up and down arrow buttons on each side of the push buttons. I’m assuming this is a signal seeking feature. Have not seen this. Maybe someone else can confirm.
Another car to add to Angel’s corral, although by her comments, it may be in a darker corner! LOL!
In the Craigslist ad it is written twice as 41,000 and once odometer has rolled over. Everything looks to good to be 141,000. I don’t see carpet wear or brake pedal wear that would be showing at 141,000.
Morning 🌅 Angel! I’m so glad that you approved this gem. And yeah, I could see you tooling around in this car. But I still would like to see you try driving that ’29 Town Sedan. Looks like it would definitely be a handful with no power steering and that 3-speed transmission with no synchros for the gears. My other SIL drives a tractor trailer for Publix Supermarket out of Lakeland Florida. And while she can drive most anything on wheels, I think she might have her hands full with that one. Well honey. I’ve got to get moving and clean my bathroom and finish
the Oldsmobile. See ya’ later! 💋 And yeah, I DID find my cartoon thingies!
As for the color; maybe Nutmeg Brown Firemist per the brochure?