If I were selling a 1967 Cadillac DeVille convertible, as is here on eBay in Woodbridge, Virginia, I probably wouldn’t photograph it on a trailer. It offers glaring visual proof that this is a non-runner who hasn’t gotten much attention recently. The owner, who leans in on the unmolested state of this big Caddy, wants $14,500.
“This is not your average project car,” says the vendor in defense. Instead, it’s a “100 percent complete, unmolested 1967 Cadillac DeVille Convertible. The engine starts, and the car moves under its own power, but expect to perform mechanical, cosmetic, and interior restoration. This car has been dormant in long-term storage, preserving a level of factory originality that is nearly impossible to find today. This is the ideal candidate for a high-end restoration or a patina cruiser.”
Patina, it’s got in spades, including a sun-baked hood/trunk and shredded top addressed with a crude tarp. There’s plenty of surface rust underneath, but no visible rust-through. It might be lurking somewhere in hidden crevices. The owner claims the frame is “structurally sound.”
The tires are new. These cars aren’t rare, exactly—18,200 were produced. But in nice shape it would sure be a fun weekend cruiser. And it runs and the interior isn’t horrible. Power comes from the numbers-matching 429-cubic-inch V-8, with the from-the-factory air cleaner, factory blue valve covers, and AC components.
That’s the original Pinecrest Green poly paint, and the original Sandalwood leather, the owner says. It’s not necessary to point out that the original top is still in place. Options on this car include automatic climate control (I wonder how well it worked back then), six-way power seats, and Soft-Ray tinted glass.
The leather seats are said to be free of rips, cuts and tears (but isn’t that mold on the seat backs?), the dash pad is straight, and all the interior trim is in place. The missing hubcaps and fender skirts are in the trunk, and all the factory tags and labels are with the car.
Classic.com puts a ’67 Cadillac DeVille at an average of $21,975 in good condition, though its research showing restored convertibles going for $47,000 and $48,000. Would you be underwater selling this car for that after restoring it? Quite possibly. It’s best if you can work on it yourself instead of farming the car out to an expensive shop.
The prices seem to keep getting crazier and crazier this spring.