If you compiled a list of classics from the 1950s with the most iconic styling, Cadillac’s 1959 range would be a contender. The enormous fins and bullet taillights are unmistakable, and thanks to modern safety regulations, we will never see their type again. This Caddy is a Sedan de Ville, purchased by the seller from the original owner’s family. It is begging for love, but its rust-free status makes it a viable restoration candidate. All it needs is an enthusiast with the time and dedication to return the vehicle to its former glory. The seller has listed the de Ville here on eBay in Yucaipa, California. They set their BIN at $18,000 with the option to make an offer.
Despite the economic recession of 1958, consumer confidence was rebounding in 1959, especially for the more affluent members of society. Therefore, there was no better time for Cadillac to release a new de Ville range. The fins trend, pioneered by Virgil Exner’s “forward look” philosophy, had reached its zenith, and the ’59 Caddy graphically demonstrated that. They probably weren’t the biggest fins available during that model year, but when combined with the bullet taillights, you were unlikely to mistake one of these cars for a vehicle from another marque. This 1959 Sedan de Ville is a solid classic that has hibernated indoors for forty-six years. The seller purchased it from the original owner’s family after discovering how solid it was. The underside shots reveal dry surface corrosion, but this classic is free from penetrating rust. It is missing its hubcaps, a couple of small trim pieces, and the windshield is badly cracked. The Dover White paint is tired, and there are plenty of minor scratches and chips. However, the de Ville would be an ideal candidate for anyone contemplating a DIY restoration.
Cadillac earned a reputation during this period for developing V8 engines producing impressive power and torque. Of course, with this Sedan de Ville tipping the scales at well over 4,800 lbs, it needed something special to deliver respectable performance. This car’s 390ci V8 was up to the job, churning out 325hp and 435 ft/lbs of torque. It was never going to win a Traffic Light Grand Prix, but that wasn’t the object of the exercise. When combined with a four-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, and effective sound deadening, the Sedan de Ville could comfortably cope with virtually any traffic situation while cocooning its occupants in splendid isolation. The seller confirms that while the Caddy is complete, it doesn’t run or drive. However, they have stated that they will try to breathe life into the V8 if they get the chance.
This Cadillac’s interior needs plenty of love, but there are a few positive attributes we shouldn’t ignore. The most crucial is that it appears to be complete because, apart from the carpet, I can’t spot any missing items. The first step would be for the new owner to perform a deep clean to eliminate four decades of accumulated dust. That would also provide the opportunity to assess the overall condition and determine what requires replacement. I believe that someone fitted a new front seatcover, because the material doesn’t match the back seat or the door panel inserts. The dashpad has seen better days, and budgeting for a complete retrim would be wise. After all, it’s better to have the money and not need it than to need it and not have it. I’m surprised it doesn’t feature air conditioning, but the buyer receives power windows, a six-way power front seat, the desirable Twilight Sentinel, and a pushbutton radio.
If I could choose one word to describe this 1959 Cadillac Sedan de Ville, it wouldn’t be “subtle.” The company designed its 1959 range for people who were successful and weren’t afraid for the world to know it. I struggle to think of a modern luxury car with inherently bold styling, because the automotive world has become quite conservative when developing its high-end models. However, if you want to slip behind the wheel of a classic that makes a bold visual statement, the ’59 Sedan de Ville would be a worthy candidate.
Any other tube junkies recognize this car? Pure speculation, but,,,anyone familiar with the show “American Restoration”, the Rick Dale ones, that I enjoy. It’s one of the very few scripted shows and he really does his own work. Anyway, his neighbor and good friend Rick Harrison of nearby Pawn Stars, wanted to give his son Corey, who I don’t care for, a birthday present. Rick D. suggested a “couch” made from a car trunk. Rick H. agreed. So Rick D. finds this exact car in the desert, so to cut the back off for a couch. Even the missing drivers window where the kid, Tyler, who is a good kid, can’t get out of the car once loaded on the car trailer, and they break the window. When they get the car back to Vegas, Rick decides the car is too nice to cut up, and finds another for the couch. Naturally, he does an outstanding job, presents it to Rick and Corey, ooh, ahh, what a great gift, pops, BS’er, I see it’s for sale now. Wha’ choo tink?
I don’t care for Rick OR Cory…they’re both know-it-alls.
If they really wanted to sell it they would start breathing!
It’s not really in that bad of shape, but it’s going to take some time and still a lot of cash to chase all issues that will arise. The new owner will certainly want to address their desires too. The selling price is not realistic either. Making it a show piece will drain all your reserves. Id keep it rough and enjoy this one. realistically it needs a proper slip and frequent use or it’s going to “die on the vine”
It does have A/C…. Compressor is not present.. If it was a non A/C car the radiator would be behind the support… Thnat’s just one give away
What happened to the taillights? How about the undercarriage? What are the floorboards like?
for 18k buyer should get the proper paperwork. seller shouldn’t milk the buyer for more money. get it to run.
Back when a Cadillac was a CADILLAC!
This was nothing but the parts car for the one in his garage! Since it’s priced like a Coupe De Ville in the same condition, and missing all the expensive parts, it makes me sick sometimes just watching these cars get treated like anything more than the junkyard candidates they left for someone to restore spending more on the final project than they could buy a nice one for! I sold one of these back in 1984 for $250 as a parts car with running engine and trans!
He’ll try to get it running,if he can find the time? Please, don’t touch it.
What’s with the taillights?
While these windshields are still available, they are very expensive! GLWTS.
It has potential. Looks like most of it is there. But there is a lot of work getting this thing back on the road let alone restoring it. I can only guess what a wraparound windshield would cost.
Seller says he’ll see if he can get it running if he has ‘a chance’? For 18k that should have already been looked into. You are in deep on a massive project at the current buy-in. Looks like all the seller has had ‘a chance’ to do is put a couple new tires on it to get it rolling. Where is the value in the price being asked?
Cool car. It doesn’t get much better than this for 1950’s American excess. But it’s a long way from trolling the roads of anytown USA.
I always thought I wanted a 2 door one for the looks and had to settle for a 59 Impala
It’s not bad in any one spot but it just needs everything. It’s tired and these things are always a time consuming and expensive process. I don’t see it going anywhere anytime soon at this price.