With life seeming to move at a frantic pace, there is no shame in occasionally sitting back to recharge the old batteries. For enthusiasts, doing so behind the wheel of a classic car sounds attractive. That is the opportunity awaiting the new owner of this 1976 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. It presents well for an original survivor, and the odometer reading of 66,000 miles suggests it should offer its new owner years of faithful service. The Caddy is listed here on Craigslist in Palatine, Illinois. You could drive away into the sunset by handing the seller $15,850. I must thank Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this luxurious survivor.
Cadillac released its Fourth Generation de Ville Series in 1971. Although the country faced many changes in emission and safety regulations designed to encourage manufacturers to downsize, Cadillac marched to the beat of a different drummer. The tape measure told the story, with the cars released from 1974 until 1976 the largest de Villes in the company’s history. They also offered significant increases in interior space, which most buyers welcomed. Our feature car is a picture of restrained elegance in Georgian Silver with a matching landau-style vinyl top. The paint shines beautifully, and with no mention of prior restoration work, it could be original. There are no significant issues with the panels or paint and no evidence of rust. The vinyl looks excellent, and the only defect worth noting is some break-up in the contrasting red pinstripe. However, rectifying this would be easy and inexpensive if the new owner wishes to lift the presentation a notch. The fender skirts accentuate the vehicle’s length, the chrome, and tinted glass are spotless, and the whitewall tires add the perfect finishing touch to this classy classic.
Cadillac offered a selection of interior trim colors and materials, with this car’s original owner choosing Red leather that looks supple and inviting. There is no visible wear on the upholstered surfaces and minimal UV damage. The photos suggest the back seat may have never seen service, and the only fault I can spot is a crack on the dash pad above the vent. Reproduction pads in Black retail for around $220, and it would be a matter of applying the appropriate dye or paint to achieve a factory appearance. There is visible wear on the chrome edging around the dash woodgrain trim. That isn’t a deal-breaker because several companies sell kits for under $50 that would eliminate that fault. The luxury appointments may seem limited by today’s lofty standards, but buyers in 1976 would have felt like royalty every time they climbed aboard this Caddy. They received climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power front seat, cruise control, a rear defogger, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio with a power antenna.
The seller supplies no engine photos, but we can safely make a few assumptions. Cadillac introduced its 500ci V8 as the standard motor across the de Ville range in 1975. Buyers could order that giant with optional fuel injection, but there is no evidence that this classic’s engine bay received that upgrade. That means the driver has 190hp under their right foot, which feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed TH-400 automatic transmission. Standard power steering and power brakes cement this car’s luxury credentials. Outright performance figures are largely academic in a vehicle of this type, although the Coupe de Ville acquits itself well for a car tipping the scales at 5,025lbs. The journey down the ¼-mile should take 18.8 seconds, with the Caddy running out of breath with the needle nudging 116mph. Less impressive is the fuel consumption, with this Coupe struggling to achieve better than 9.8mpg. However, buyers who had the funds to walk into their local Cadillac dealership and drive away in a new Coupe de Ville probably had the money to keep fuel up to these thirsty beasts. The seller claims this de Ville has a genuine 66,000 miles on its odometer, although they don’t mention supporting evidence. It runs and drives perfectly, making it ready to hit the road for a spot of relaxed motoring.
My love of luxury cars is not new, and it is not a sign that I’m getting older (although I am). They offer the chance to sit back in splendid isolation while you watch the rest of the world whip itself into a frenzy. Some people will refer to this 1976 Coupe de Ville as a Luxo-barge, and its size and ability to drink deeply from its gas tank at the slightest provocation could support that claim. However, if the new owner uses it during the weekend to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, its fuel consumption is a minor consideration. The seller’s price looks highly competitive in the current market, and its odometer reading is low for its age. I want to think it has at least another forty-six years of service left to offer its new owner, meaning it could also be a wonderful family heirloom. Is that a thought you find tempting?
It’s such a shame that the fit and finish of the panels holding the brake/reverse lights is so poor! Otherwise, this “Grey Ghost” is one beautiful survivor, and last of the 70’s luxury behemoths! GLWTS!! :-)
Agreed, it almost looks like the whole rear bumper is sitting 2” too low but then the bottom edge looks right. Very weird
Cadillac tried to use that soft plastic around the bumpers starting in 73/74 with the idea that those DOT bumpers that were on shock absorbers could go in and out and the plastic could take it and go back into position without damage. Heat warped them after a while and post accident, even when the cars were new, they never fit exactly the same again. The hard plastic repros we used in repairs in the late 80’s & 90’s actually looked better but you had to fabricate a way to mount them to the car. They used this system all the way up into the first front drive body style deVilles if I remember correctly.
I always liked these models. The plastic pieces in Cadillacs of this generation all seem to do that overtime. Interior pieces included. The top of the speedometer surrounds on almost every single caddy of this era sag – no matter the mileage.
Maybe I have Halloween on the brain but something about this color and the chrome fittings that reminds me of a fancy coffin. With a red vinyl lining. Dracula’s ride?
Though if you’re into big American cars, you may as well go with the biggest ever and for 16K this seems like a pretty good deal.
🎶 🎹
” Baby, we can talk all night
But that ain’t gettin us nowhere
I told you everything I possibly can
There’s nothing left inside of here
And maybe you can cry all night
But that’ll never change the way that I feel
The snow is really piling up outside
I wish you wouldn’t make me leave here
I poured it on and I poured it out
I tried to show you just how much I care
I’m tired of words and I’m too hoarse to shout
But you’ve been cold to me so long
I’m crying icicles instead of tears
And all I can do is keep on telling you
I want you (I want you)
I need you (I need you)
There ain’t no way I’m ever gonna love you
Now don’t be sad (don’t be sad ’cause)
‘Cause two out of three ain’t bad
Now don’t be sad (’cause)
‘Cause two out of three ain’t bad
You’ll never find your gold on a sandy beach
You’ll never drill for oil on a city street
I know you’re looking for a ruby in a mountain of rocks
But there ain’t no COUPE de VILLE
Hiding at the bottom of a Cracker Jack box ” 🎵
When big got bigger. 25L/100 KM consumption in the midst
of “fuel crisis” and some idiots came along with even bigger
engines. Well, also in Germany appeared at that time a 6.9 litre …..
They used to say that 1hp per cubic inch was very respectable v8 engine.
This caddy delivers 190 hp from. 500 cid, or an anemic 0.38 hp/ cubic inch. And she has a lot of weight to haul around as well.
Beautiful well maintained car however.
It may be a 350ci.
They didn’t put a 350 in these.
This car has been for sale since spring. I don’t know why it hasn’t sold yet. I find the body lines & the color combo to be quite striking!
If I had the money, I would be very tempted!
500ci all the way for 75-76 DeVilles The 472ci was it’s predecessor for the 71-74 DeVille which I once owned a 74 I brought 1983
Nice looking Caddy,but why don,t he replace the front and rear bumper fillers? It make the car look bad. Nice car and descent price . Compared to the new junk cars they put out now. At least the cost of gas could make up for the sore ride you get in todays–so called cars. I like it.
I miss my ’76 Coupe de Ville d’elegance
They were elegant and comfortable
Our blue’76 Coupe DeVille was the smoothest Cadillac of all the ones my family owned. Great vacation car!❤️
What a nice car, these just glide down the road so smooth I’ve owned a few big caddies nothing newer than a 76 eldo loved them all
I had a red 73 with black leather. Like riding down the highway in my living room. Today’s cars, all JUNK. How do I know? I have worked at dealerships since 1973. Every passing year, more money for less quality, more problems and these check engine lights and TPMS lights. UGH. $15,000 for this. All day long. At least if some punk in a 30 year old Honda with no insurance runs into it, you won’t die. He will.
Adam, this thing goes 0 – 60 in who cares.
I’m surprised you even bothered to look it up.