- Seller: Kris B
- Location: Greenfield, Massachusetts
- Mileage: 139,575 Shown
- Chassis #: 1G6CD5159JU303834
- Title Status: Clean
UPDATE – The seller has added additional photos of the car and a video of it on the road!
Cadillac used a version of the name “town car” for its luxury sedan, the DeVille (French for “of the town”), in 1958 for the 1959 model year, just as rival Lincoln was adding a Town Car model to its Continental series. The name evokes class and sophistication, something Cadillac has stood for since its inception. This 1988 Cadillac Sedan DeVille was gifted to the seller, and they have it listed exclusively as a Barn Finds Auction.
Cadillac’s DeVille series defined luxury for decades until it was retired after the 2005 model year. The sixth-generation DeVille was available from the 1985 model year until the end of 1993, and it was Cadillac’s first front-wheel-drive DeVille. Having been downsized from the previous generation, this generation of DeVille was two feet shorter but still had the luxury and interior space that Cadillac buyers expected.
The seller was given this car in 2021 by her grandmother, who lived in Florida and has put around 10,000 miles on it since then. It’s been maintained and has only two minor issues: the power antenna isn’t functioning and the headliner is sagging. This car doesn’t look like it has 139,000 miles on it. The exterior looks flawless in the photos. The Florida sun hasn’t appeared to have been too harsh on the faux convertible top or the white paint. The underside looks fantastic, with just a hint of very light surface rust in a few areas, but it is certainly nicer than it should be for a car that’s 38 years old.
The blue leather on the driver’s bucket seat shows some creases and wrinkling, but hopefully, that can be treated with a good leather conditioner and brought back to life again. The back seat looks nice and has a lot of legroom despite the smaller wheelbase. The aforementioned sagging headliner can be fixed by almost any good upholstery shop. The seller mentioned adding a Bluetooth stereo in place of the original factory model. The base price for a 1988 Sedan DeVille would have been $23,404, or $62,134 in 2024 dollars.
In 1988, DeVilles received the new 4.5-liter OHV V8, which was factory-rated at 155 horsepower. It sends power through a four-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels, and the seller has receipts showing that it’s been mechanically maintained since its ownership. We’ve had headliners installed and power antennas repaired, and if those are the only two issues with this DeVille, the next owner should really enjoy this luxury car.
Bid On This Auction
Harold Odom bid $1,100.00 2024-06-30 10:55:23
Steve bid $1,050.00 2024-06-28 18:43:21
Lisa K bid $1,000.00 2024-06-28 04:41:22
Mick bid $10.00 2024-06-25 08:39:28
The deVille name was first used in 1949 on the Series 62 Coupe deVille. Sedan deVille came along in 1956. Lincoln made a Town Car in 1959 and 1960, but it was a limited production, semi-custom sedan, not a deVille competitor. The term “Town Car” in this case was more of a body style than a model name. The Town Car as most of us know it originated as an option package in 1969.
We had a 1986 Sedan DeVille with a velour interior. (We bought it after our first child was born, and our Cimmaron d’Oro was too small). I wish we still had it. Unfortunately, we traded it in for a Ford Explorer.
The “Large” Sedan DeVille was finally discontinued in 2005.
Nice Cadillac. I had one just exactly like this same everything. This body style doesn’t get much love from some but I liked it then and still do now. Most comfortable car I’ve ever owned. The V8 had plenty of power and would get you onto the highway with ease and would cruise highway speed all day long. The only thing I don’t like about this one is that they changed the radio for one with that blue tooth bull crap guess in showing my age lol. Cadillac always had the best radios. I’ll be watching and maybe even bidding if the price stays reasonable. To the seller good luck with the sale and to the buyer have a nice drive home in Cadillac comfort and style.
BF you just confirmed that you guys are a Equal Opportunity Advertiser. Never thought I’d see one of these advertised on this site or anywhere else but I think it’s a good thing. At least it’s a very nice 88 Candy. I’m very proud of you guys. A 10 dollar opening bid ? Let’s be nice.
Three days and only one bid? Hey Angela, where are you?
When I lived in WPB, FL. in the late 80’s I rented the sister car of this one from a big rental car place to rescue/help my sister in NC. (bf problems), they had an instate weekly special going on (unlimited mileage). The Caddy performed flawlessly up & back, 1800 miles, 7 days. The people at the agency asked if I saw enough of FL. lol