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Last Year With Fins: 1964 Cadillac Coupe DeVille

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One thing I’ve noticed is that most of the large Cadillac finds I see are four doors–this one bucks that trend. This 1964 Coupe DeVille currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio and is listed for sale here on eBay at the bargain opening bid of $200 with no reserve.

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The left front fender has been replaced, but apart from that this car looks remarkably original. The seller tells us that it’s showing 84,213 miles and that the sheet metal on the car appears to be solid despite the surface rust, but they suggest that it will require media blasting prior to painting. The more serious rust is on the bottom of the passenger side front fender, and that some previous body work is evident on the driver’s side quarter panel.

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1964 was the last year of tail fins on Cadillac, and while subdued compared to earlier cars, they are still a prominent styling feature on this model. The seller does have the fender skirts for that sleeker look–you can see them here in the trunk. That is a huge trunk! Are any of you old enough to have snuck into drive-ins in trunks like this? We can see from the 1976 Pennsylvania license plate that this car has been off the road for a long time. The ad also includes the information that the bumpers and all the trim are in good shape, and says that the trunk pan is solid but there’s some rust in the seams under the trunk lid. Of course, with a curb weight of 4,696 pounds and a length of 223.5″ (!) there’s a lot of metal to rust!

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The seller describes the interior as “in decent shape for it’s age, it just needs to be cleaned.” I’m not sure I’d be quite that generous, but if you replaced just the panels that needed replacing I suppose you could use it–it just depends on how much wear you are willing to accept. At the current price, I don’t think anyone has room to complain, however!

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1964 was the first year for the venerable 429 cubic inch V-8. It was stated to have 308 horsepower but a huge 447 ft-lbs of torque. The air conditioning is a welcome sight, even with no belt on it, as it will make a conversion to R-134 that much easier. The seller says they have not heard it run — it would sure be nice to know whether the engine is free or not! But again, at this price you’re making money at scrap cost! Let us know if you’re interested in the comment section.

Comments

  1. Avatar randy

    I am curious to know if the hot market is bringing these cars out of the woodwork, or if barnfinds is bringing these cars to our attention that have been on the market already.

    This would be a great cruiser, and the price is right. This would be one to bring back and drive, I see no profit for a flipper here.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jason Houston

      Many are already on the market, as seen by the references to eBay and craigislist.

      Like 0
  2. Avatar rancho bella

    Absolutely worthless except for parts.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jason Houston

      Well, a good way to dissuade anyone from bidding is to show a dirty, neglected car sitting in a vacant lot with lots of trash blowing around. But for sure, there’s an opportunity here for anyone who can see past the trash and neglect.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Rick

    Randy is right, this one is not a flipper, and will take a lot of $$$ and elbow grease and to make it presentable. Not one I’d proudly drive as is, or even in primer (if it even ran that is). There are lots of Cads this vintage that are in much better condition and can be had for a few thousand dollars that would be a much smarter way to go based on cost/benefit analysis

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Rex Kahrs Member

    Yeah, not much here but parts in my estimation. But it did make me think…was it ’64 or maybe ’67 that marks the apex of GM? Certainly by 1970 the bean counters had taken all the good stuff out of their cars. I’d say 67…the ’67 Skylark is the bomb-diggety. All the 67 GMs were awesome.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jason Houston

      The reputation that sustained GM for decades began in the 1930s, peaked in 1957,then tapered sharply, recovered again with their mid-size successes, then crumbled for good after 1977, when all five lines went on the same engine/body platforms.

      Like 0
  5. Avatar Rex Kahrs Member

    As I look at the pictures again, I realize that the bean counters have done away with a trunk lock, and went to a simple concrete block to hold the deck lid down.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Vince Habel

    It is already over parts car price.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar piper62j

    Too big and too expensive to build.. Best of luck to the buyer..

    Like 0
  8. Avatar JimmyinTEXAS

    The $515 non refundable PayPal deposit is to cover his attorney’s fees for writing his disclaimer…
    I must agree with the conciseness, any restoration will be a labor of love or it will wind up a parts car then the crusher…

    Like 0
  9. Avatar john C

    If one desired to ‘live in the country’ this would be a spacious automobile to crash in for the summer. Happy New Year all….

    Like 0
  10. Avatar OhU8one2

    Personally I like the 63′ more. Why? Because the fins were taller,had the 390 ci motor. The 429 was known for oil leaks. I actually had two 63’s. A coupe DeVille and Sedan DeVille which I bought as a parts car. Think I paid $1000.00 back in1990 and both of them ran,rather well I might add. Anyway I sold the rear clip to a guy that made couch’s out of certain cars,you see them at all the big auction’s. I got $600.00 for that,and sold both rear fender skirts for $400.00. And I got my money back,plus still had the rest of the remaining parts for my coupe. Honestly that 63 Caddy coupe I wish I still had to this day. Fell on hard times and had to sell. Check out the car Chip Foose did on Overhaulin, for the police officer,that is one of my absolute favorites.

    Like 0

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