The De Ville is one of Cadillac’s most recognizable brands, in play for 57 years (starting in 1949) across eight generations of production. It began as a trim level of the Series 62 and evolved later to become a standalone product. This 1964 edition, a 2-door hardtop known as the Coupe De Ville, looks like a survivor-quality vehicle that’s not perfect, but nice enough to where that may not matter. Located in Hartland, Wisconsin, this faded Caddy is available here on eBay where $10,900 hasn’t reached the reserve, but you can call it your own for $16,500.
In 1964, the big Cadillacs were in their fourth year of a 4-year cycle, so styling changes would be limited (and the tailfins were still there, but smaller). The powerplant grew from 390 to 429 cubic inches and got a bump of 15 hp to 340. The GM Turbo-HydraMatic transmission would become standard equipment and De Ville production represented nearly two-thirds of overall Cadillac output at 110,000 units. The Coupe De Ville (or as the seller calls it, De Ville Coupe) was a big seller at 38,000 copies.
We don’t know the near-60-year history of this Caddy. We assume it’s all original and in pretty fair shape for its age. Most of the seller’s photos are close-ups, so it’s hard to be 100% sure. The grey/blue paint appears to be faded and might benefit from a good detailing. The interior, too, may be okay but the photos don’t give us a broad view of much. 58,000 miles is less than 1,000 a year, so this is likely a car that’s only been used occasionally until the past two years when it was a daily driver.
The listing is worded as though a crafty dealer had written it, yet a private seller is said to be involved. I’d prefer a few more solid details and better photos than descriptions like “the grey exterior and luxurious interior are a perfect match for the timeless style of this vehicle”. But maybe that’s just me.
Great styling on these ’64s. 16K seems like pretty reasonable money, but I’d still want to see the car in person.
It is Coupe de Ville, Coupe De Ville. Small d.
Actually it’s Coupe deVille. Two words.
In high school about 1974 I had a ’64 Sedan de Ville in this same color. I paid 385 bucks for it, had about 85,000 miles on it. Mine was in nice shape but not this nice. I also had the climate control a/c and needed a heater core. What a nightmare of a job. I really wished mine was a non a/c car like this one since it didn’t work anyway. Seeing what old cars are going for this looks like a good deal.
Two transmissions were offered that year: Hydra-matic and Turbo Hydra-matic. Anyone care to chime in on pros and cons of each? I forget now which one my ‘64 convertible has….
Imho the series 62 was the recipient of the older Hydro. I believe the deVilles, Eldos and Fleetwoods all were equipped with the turbo.
Cool Coupe DeViL !! – so many changes were only a year away ( all of them being already in the works, of course)…
– last year horizontal headlights ( till ‘69)
– last year for true tail fins – last year for flat, framed side glass – first major body change in 5 yrs. -last year before 7 litre
engine…
I know mine had the Turb-hydramatic 3spd (PRNDL2L1) I bought parts car that had the old style Hydramatic 4spd (PNDLR). I’ve read 2 things about this.
1. That it was running update that didn’t start until mid-year.
2. All de Villes had the newer style and the series 62 (in ’65 would be named Calais) had the older style Hydramatic..
I don’t really know which one is true.
It’s unusual to see Cruise Control on a 1964 anything, although Cadillac had the best possibility of it.