Is it just me or is naming a car like this 1988 Cadillac DeVille as a “d’Elegance” version the height of pretentiousness? C’mon, it sounds a bit uptight, right? Almost snooty. The reality however is that this Sedan DeVille may not be exactly as it’s described so maybe my screed is all in vain. Let’s look more closely and see what we have here. This very shiny Caddy is located in Chicago, Illinois and is available, here on craigslist for $6,200 or the best reasonable offer. Thanks to T.J. for this tip!
The Cadillac d’Elegance “package” was just that, an interior dress-up option that converted the opulent living room into an even more elegant environment. The problem is, that option was dropped from the DeVille after ‘the ’84 model year and it continued on with just the Fleetwood model. So, this car appears to be just a Sedan DeVille with gold-colored badges. Regardless, it’s in excellent condition considering its 86K miles of use of 34 years of existence. The onyx finish looks perfect and the overly padded vinyl top, known by Cadillac as a “Full Cabriolet Roof” shows to be in good nick too. It’s unfortunate that cheesy, chrome-plated wheel covers were all the rage in this era. I guess this car wouldn’t look like a Cadillac if it weren’t so adorned, however.
Fortunately, this DeVille is powered by a 155 net HP 4.5 liter V8 engine and not Cadillac’s dreadful 4.1-liter predecessor. The seller claims that this sedan, “runs and drives like a beauty” – an odd simile but I get what he’s trying to express. The seller assures anyone of interest that this car has no mechanical issues. The image provided certainly isn’t compelling but maybe the thought is that a prospective DeVille buyer won’t care how the engine looks. A well-photographed engine bay can sometimes tell quite a story, however!
The interior is not in keeping with what I expected – the black leather upholstery and stately dash are all business. It’s a nice departure from the overstuffed bordello maroon velour get-up that is so often found in similar rides. The seller claims, “One owner vehicle always garage kept maintenance always up-to-date“. That’s easy to believe along with the understanding that the seller, likely isn’t that one owner. That’s not stated specifically, but this car would seem to be a flip going from the original elderly owner and through, to the current seller.
Here’s the conundrum, the individuals, and generation, that bought a car like this DeVille originally, are probably no longer with us, or at least are no longer driving. And individuals today who are now the age that the original buyer was on the purchase date, probably have no interest in such a vehicle – especially if it were termed as a d’Elegance (glad that’s off the table!). Today, I’d say this car is more a curiosity item, a Cadillac leftover from a time when the former Standard of the World largesse was being crammed into a contemporary compact front-wheel-drive package. Regardless, for $6,500, or best reasonable offer, this DeVille will likely find a new owner soon, one that will appreciate this Sedan DeVille for what it was, wouldn’t you agree?
In 1988, I wouldn’t have taken a second look at this car. Being from a GM family, I really liked the C4 Corvette but it wasn’t the most practical car for me at that time. Since I am now an “elderly” driver, getting in and out of a C4 Corvette is too difficult and suddenly this car looks like a comfortable driver which I wouldn’t mind having in my garage.
“Bordello velour” lol!
Advice to Jim ODonnell: Don’t let your wife know that you know what the inside of a bordello looks like. It could result in great pain if you do let her know. Don’t ask how I know.
Oh, I don’t really know, just stuff that I’ve heard…
JO
This car offers a practical transportation solution given the high price of used cars, etc. Drive it, take care of it, answer a few questions at the gas station and attend the occasional car show. I would look for some Cadillac alloy wheels and relegate the wires to the truck.
I would drive this in a heartbeat. I have an AMC Eagle wagon and a tdi sport wagon.
I owned several of the early 80’s Cadillac d’Elegance Sedans….mostly all diesel because I could buy them cheap and I knew how to keep them going.
Really heady stuff back then, earning $3.50/hr and driving those great cars.
Unless you can afford to meticulously maintain it leave it.
I’m glad I am seeing more and more 20 somethings showing interest in this era of cars. My nephew has a 94 Lincoln Town Car. It’s his baby! My neighbors son has a 83 Mercury Capri etc.
This car is out of fashion but not as out of place as one might think. Beginning with the 1977 model year downsize, Cadillacs were still quite large but more maneuverable. The 4.5 V8 was not a performance car engine but provided smooth power. The high level of equipment was always a blessing on a luxury car and the ride smooth. My dad owned Cadillac for years the last two being a new 1977 Coupe Deville and then a new 1980 Fleetwood Brougham Coupe . The sedan for sale presents well but devoid of provenance and needing a thorough inspection beinh a 33 year old used car. Cadillac replacement parts now are not affordable. It could be enjoyed as a daily driver in smaller city traffic and comfortable cruising to car shows.
other favorites editions….
The Mercury ” de sade ” ✨️
Volkswagen ” karat ” ✨️
I recently bought a 91 version of this car. When they were new I was too young to afford one and now that I’m in my 50s I want something that is smooth, quiet, and comfortable, and these Cadillacs fit the bill. It’s truly shameful that nobody makes a decent luxury car anymore. All the manufacturers think they have to make rough riding cars ready for the nurburgring. If I want to race I will take my corvette. For just sheer pleasurable touring I will take my 91 Cadillac or my 76 continental.
Had a few of these. Pleasant, comfortable and reliable cars.
I’ve never owned these model Cadillacs. However my father bought an 86 Sedan DeVille some years ago. It was his first Caddy but I was very surprised how roomy it was being that I was used to the “Big” Caddy’s of the past. I’ve owned several Cadillac’s back in the day. My first Caddy was a 1971Sedan DeVille I purchased in 1983 at 17 years old. I had a 74 Sedan DeVille, a 78 Coupe DeVille, an 80 Coupe DeVille and an 85 Fleetwood Brougham Coupe.