• Seller: Bob L ehman
• Location: Stanley, New York
• Mileage: 65,589 Shown
• Chassis #: 6D69S8Q164460
• Title Status: Clean

Choosing the right project candidate can be challenging, particularly for those who prefer their car with luxury touches. That’s where this 1978 Cadillac Sedan DeVille could fill the void. It is a solid and unmolested two-owner vehicle with 65,000 miles on the clock. The owner believes it needs to head to a home with someone willing and able to return it to active service. Therefore, he has listed the Caddy with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Cadillac introduced its Fifth Generation DeVille range in 1977, coinciding with its 75th Anniversary. It followed the industry-wide downsizing trend, but the Sedan DeVille could still seat five people comfortably. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1978, with its original owner ordering it in Columbia Blue with a contrasting vinyl top. It has sat in its current location for years but hasn’t suffered unduly from the experience. The paint exhibits oxidizing, but treating the exterior to a wash and polish would be fascinating because the results might be surprising. There are never guarantees, but the presentation may be good enough for the winning bidder to contemplate preserving this classic as a genuine survivor. The passenger-side rear filler has suffered the typical crumbling issues, and the driver’s side seems to be heading in the same direction. Replacing the offending items is an option, but there might be a better solution for potential buyers to consider. Several companies manufacture high-quality kits in fiberglass that will replace every filler on a ’78 Sedan DeVille. These don’t deteriorate and offer a permanent solution to this shortcoming at around $550 for the complete kit. No significant exterior rust is visible, and the underside shots reveal nothing beyond surface corrosion. The vinyl looks intact, the trim is in good order, and there are no glass issues.

Lifting the Cadillac’s hood reveals the original 425ci V8. It sent 180hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. Power assistance for the steering and brakes were standard features reinforcing the DeVille’s luxury leanings. The Fifth Generation Sedan DeVille was significantly lighter than its predecessor. Although the power and torque figures appear modest, their low-end delivery made these cars surprisingly spirited performers that could cruise effortlessly at freeway speed. It is unclear when this Caddy last saw active duty, but the owner indicates the engine turns freely. The fuel in its system is old, meaning a fuel system flush and clean would be the first step required to coax it back to life. The bulletproof nature of the mechanical components means it may not take a lot of money or effort to return this classic to a roadworthy state.

This Cadillac’s interior isn’t perfect, but it has many positive attributes. The seats feature White leather that carries nothing beyond the typical wrinkles that are part of that material’s developing character. I believe a deep clean, and the application of a high-quality conditioner may be all that is required to have them feeling supple and inviting. The contrasting Blue carpet should present well after a deep clean, and the timber trim is in good order. The headliner is sagging, although the lack of rips and physical damage means it may be salvageable for a new owner willing to be patient. The driver’s armrest and wheel are cracked, but I had little trouble locating suitable secondhand replacements on one of the usual online auction sites. The new owner can hit the road in the lap of luxury behind the wheel of a car that features air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s mirror, cruise control, a remote trunk release, a tilt wheel, intermittent wipers, and an AM/FM radio with seek function.

The world has become a hectic place, with life screaming by at a frantic pace. Many people wish to escape from the hustle and bustle, and doing so behind the wheel of a classic car is an excellent way to do so. A high-performance vehicle is the ideal choice for some, but others prefer their car with lashings of luxury. That is the opportunity offered by this 1978 Cadillac Sedan DeVille. If that prospect sounds irresistible, the solution might be a bid away. You never know, but today could be your lucky day.

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