While there is pretty much nothing but bucket seats in a modern car, back in the ’60s, domestically speaking, it was those with sporting intentions that were so adorned. A Cadillac, like this 1967 DeVille convertible? Forget it. But wait, it was an option and as out of place as it may initially seem, it was a nice and appropriate option. Why not, it’s a Cadillac, right? It can be whatever its designers thought that the “Standard of the World” should be. PRA4SNW offered us this Canoga Park, California-based discovery and it’s available, here on craigslist for $17,500.
The seller opens the listing with, “This is a 1st and only year original bucket seat, center console, and recliner optioned car” but I know the bucket seat arrangement was available in both ’66 and ’68. Regardless, it’s a nice alternative to the living room couch-sized bench seat usually found in Cadillacs of this era. The upholstery, in general, looks good, and that’s no mean feat with white. The seller claims 35,600 original miles, though it’s not authenticated, but if it’s accurate that may explain the interior’s condition. The interior’s condition is also indicative that the interior hasn’t experienced too much fun-in-the-sun time due to top-down mode. The seller mentions that his Caddy is equipped with a “Memphis Audio” sound system which sounds like one of those boom-a-boom stereo getups, but if a prospective buyer isn’t interested in losing his hearing completely, he’ll remove it and drop the car’s price to $15,500.
The exterior gives me cause for concern as the driver’s side fender leg and rocker panel are doing the wavy-gravy thing – lots of Bondo is what I would surmise. The passenger side image is not as revealing but if in fact, the driver’s side is hiding rust, I would imagine that the passenger side is a candidate for the same problem – rust doesn’t discriminate. The finish, overall, shows well and still has depth and some shine. From what can be seen, the power folding top checks out.
The seller tells us, “Car is in good condition and turns over but does need some TLC to make yours“. That “turns over” comment makes me wonder about the operational capability of the 340 gross HP, 429 CI V8 engine – maybe it’s just wording. Further added is, “Car is equipped with a new Pertronix electronic ignition with flamethrower coil, Power Master alternator, HD battery, new plugs and cables, new rebuilt original 4 barrel carb, and regularly maintained” and all of that makes me think that there are no running or driving issues – worth an inquiry for interested parties. Transmission? Automatic of course.
Cadillac had a pretty fair year in ’67, they came in eleventh place in the domestic production race with a total volume of 200K – a high water mark. There was no mistaking a Cadillac in this era, its 224-inch length and 4,600 lbs curb weight made a visual statement all its own, and that’s before you delve into its notable features. This example presents well and seems fairly reasonable but I’d want to know more about that “TLC” business, and what it all entails before I would make a move, how about you?
As I look at that driver’s side photo, I wonder “Did I do the body work on this car?”.
…and were you drinking, Rex?
I think you’re right about previous, and maybe shoddy work on the lower body parts of this car, but if most of it is solid, it’s worth doing. It’s a 67 deVille convert with a unique interior in good shape. Budget for the bodywork, but certainly get a look underneath first.
Def drinking, Ramone!
Looks like a BONDO Ville ! BONDO, James BONDO! Looks shaken, not stirred! 067. 🔫
Wish I had some of that original Stroh’s fire-brewed beer – was a favorite back in the 70s … is a long-lost barn favorite for sure …
See ya around Billy
I’ve never understood the point of bucket seats with column shift in any car. Why bother?
Way easier for the couple sitting up front to jump in the back seat without exiting the vehicle. My 1st car was a 67 Olds C.S. set up the same way. VC
Buckets (and split-bench seats) were often ordered to accommodate different heights of driver vs passenger. If the shorter person is driving, the taller person is folded into the dash. Buckets were also perceived as “sporty” as available in Riviera, Impala SS et all.
The split bench allows for passenger and driver to both be comfortable. Fold down center arm rest is an added comfort.
My six-foot tall father would certainly have appreciated this seating set-up when he was teaching my five-foot tall sister how to drive.
The poor guy was practically pinned under the dash!
That’s what turned me off on the 92 Eldorado.
Um….sorry, but my late father’s ’65 De Ville had bucket seats. Console, but oddly, column shift? He bought it new. I stupidly sold it around 1999 for $3,000. It’s navigating roads in New Zealand now.
Looking at my original owners manual for my 1965 Cadillac, I see no reference to bucket seats.
If your ’65 Cadillac did not come with factory bucket seats your owner’s manual would not indicate them. My ’65 had the big, chunky buckets, with individual power adjustments on the side large map pockets on the reverse, seperated by a lockable console. A heater vent and small courtesy light was on the back of it. The seats, which folded forward for rear seat access, did not lock, and the unoccupied passenger seat would slap forward when breaked hard. I understand bucket seats were available on the 1959 Eldorado.
My owners manual showed all the options available, whether mine had them or not. I also checked my original 65 Cadillac dealer flyers with all options available, no mention of those. My 69 coupe had seats like you described. Both were powered with pockets etc.
Yours is definitely a new one on me.
This car will be with a fortune soon. It is slated to star in the next James Bondo movie titled From Rusta With Love. 🤣
I guess your never too old to get to see something new. I’m an old Caddy lover and owner. This is a new one on me. Now I get to say I’ve seen them all.
Bucket seats were available through 1968 on the deVilles
Looks like the whole driver’s side is creased along the bottom. Other than that, it’s a beautiful car.
Love me a 60’s Caddy convertible.
God Bless America
GOD did bless America with luxury liners like these. 🇺🇸. But we’ve 😔 to SUVS 🤮!
I had 3 Cadillac Convertibles and never liked them. My average non convertibles I kept for approx. 12 years.
The convertibles, less than one.
To be fair, I liked installing crystal chandeliers and wall sconces. Obviously that would not work in a convertible. I had several 1960 Coupes. They were far superior with their factory refinements over the 1959.
I took my drivers test in my grandfathers pink 1960. I passed of course, I was driving that here and there since I was 12.
I had one of these restored in the 90’s. It was beautiful when done. Wish mine had the bucket seats.
There is something wrong with the convertible top bows. The roof looks caved-in on the driver’s side photo. The “DeVille” script is also missing from the rear quarter panels. I would agree the interior looks original and in decent shape other than the discoloration. I hate the inappropriately wide whitewalls on this car.
Don’t be Cruella 😉 to this Deville! And those are spots. Perhaps a new COAT is in order? 🤣 😂
If you did the paint work, would it be the Coat With Your Arms? 🙄🤔😆
I could do with out the hip-hop sound system and flaming exhaust.
The lower fender rust issue is very comon on mid to late sixties Cadilacs no matter where you live.Must have been no drainage?
This one is neat but it is a goo box. Bucket seats were not unusual as many rolled through the wrecking yard in the 80s with them. I have a 70 Deville convertible with them. Different type seats but the same console box. I believe that console box ran from 65 to 70 and also shows up in Eldorados of that time period. The car is nicely optioned but it will need a ton of body work. From the photos the ole’ gal looks thick in places.
If I bought this car, I would take the 2k discount and lose the sound system. Even with the work it needs, it’s not the low class of car to have a thumping bass giving people a headache 2 miles away.
With the rust issues, first thing I’d do is put it up on a rack and give a thorough exam underneath.
Then I think the belt is missing from the a/c so “needs a charge” is the least of that concern.
After all the “tlc”, interesting car with the buckets.
I’ve always liked the slanted headlights on the ’67 & ’68s, too.
Cadillac never had slanted headlights. Stinking Lincoln’s had them in the late fifties.
And the final 3200 1961 DeSotos! 😉.But Cadillac had stacked headlights from 65 through 69. Right? But please don’t be hatin on Lincoln. I’ve had both, each with it’s own virtues 😌.
What I meant was the headlights aren’t straight up and down like the ’65 & ’66s are.
And other cars.
Had a friend that had a rust bucket like this. One day, he was backing it out of driveway on to the street and it broke in half! Needless to say, the tow truck driver was not too thrilled…
A late friend of mine had a ’67 Biscayne. Going home from work one night he felt the body shift on the frame! Lol! He wasn’t too long with that car!
Those ’60s GMers were a little famous for that.
That problem came up with my 80 Bonneville Brougham. Fortunately repair shop caught it before I was left Dead On Road. Car was in the shop after being towed when rear axle dislodged.
Though I’m more into Lincolns of this period, being a good 700 lbs. heavier despite being (officially) 3″ shorter, and capable of breaking its speedo whereas the Caddy couldn’t (laying some credibility to the gross-vs.-net argument, though not in its popular guide), I have to say it’s nice to see the occasional example of Caddies like this one being showcased. What doesn’t make sense to me is how all these showcases neglect to mention a very novel detail of the drop-tops: Caddies of this time, and the corresponding Lincoln ‘verts, employed *glass* rear windows in their drop-tops, as opposed to the clear(ish) plastic films used on other ‘verts of the time. That isn’t so awe-inspiring nowadays as all ‘verts of all makes built today do this; but in 1967 it was an impressive advancement in convertible technology, however expensive. Nobody ever makes mention of that detail, and I think it should be mentioned.
Another neat feature of Caddies (and Lincolns) of this year that’s never mentioned was their standard-issue employ of a bypass feature (labeled “BYPASS” on Lincolns, “EMERG” on Caddies) built into the power-window system, allowing the driver to operate any window in the car without needing to flip the key on. Many people aren’t even aware of this novel feature. Cadillac ditched the bypass feature after ’68, Lincoln after ’69; and in my expert opinion that was a mistake: It was just as much a convenience feature as it was an emergency backup for a system failure.
That’s really funny. Lincoln’s could only break their Speedo going down hill with a Caddy pushing them. Their 460 was no match for Caddys 500. I was up past 120 several times in my 65 Cadillac, my 69, my 73. I backed off at 100 in my 76 only because the speedo stopped at 100. Lincoln’s are faster to the junk yard but that’s it.
In 6th grade my friend’s parents had two of these Caddies exact same color one cvt.one ht.He stole the keys we went joy riding around school with the top down smokin cigs at lunchtime.What a gamble but fun s hell.He made a U-turn in a yard and knocked over a gas meter like a toothpick without damage.It was time repark it like it never moved.Never got in trouble for that mischief.That was in 77/78.Still in great condition that pair of Cadillacs.Sad ending;Cars end up sitting for a few years, convertible under a tree top down collecting leaves and mulberries.Brought back good memories.
Jay, my grin got wider & wider as I read your story. Too funny!
Here’s a story of mine that didn’t turn out so well for me.
My Dad was kind of a pack rat saving wood, etc. for God knows what. I wanted for years to clean out the garage.
My chance came when I found out my cousin was getting married in Mich.
At this time I didn’t have so much as a driving permit. So I said I didn’t want to go & during the week I snuck the extra key to the ’66 Chev. pickup out of my Mom’s change purse. They left & I was free! I started Fri. night throwing out a lot of stuff taking it to the dump which was a far cry from the landfills today. Treated myself to a nice roast beef dinner at the local greasy spoon & even went to church! LOL!
Things went well until I was cruising around my small home town Sunday after all was done and turned a corner a little sharp & sliced the right rear tire on the sewer grate.
While my Mom lectured me, Dad didn’t say too much & I paid for the tire on adjustment with the dealer.
Still brings a smile to my face when this memory crossed my mind.
Thanks guys and LOL for Iighting💡the corners of what’s left of my mind 🤔 with my own memories as well as yours. So many great times and some not so great, especially involving various cars. At this stage of life I am a Vintage Rolls Canardly, Roll down one hill and Canardly get up the next. Make your memories now. They can’t take them away! 😃
Among my memories is when my late brother (very successful business man) had a 78 Series 75 Limo. Having owned numerous upscale vehicles, that 75 was outstanding. Riding in it felt like royalty or a star. Seemed like other cars moved aside out of respect to let that black BEHEMOTH pass. Today, most so called Limos are glorified trucks 🚚! But I can still enjoy piloting my 2007 Town Car Signature Limited and getting admiring looks and comments! 👍
This exquisite example of American design and ingenuity shows the rest of the whole world that the term “too much” is absolutely not a factor when you can afford what ever you want. People who drive Cadillacs can also afford to drive Chevys but don’t. People who drive Chevys can not afford to drive Cadillacs so they don’t,
Tlc for a Cadillac can get very expensive, especially when it is a convertible of this age. It is a very pretty car, overlooking the shortcomings. I’m surprised that the bondo is able to stay in place with that bass pounding out those percussive booms.