The 1955 Cadillac Coupe DeVille was one heck of a success story for Cadillac, with over 33,000 produced (almost double the number made in 1954). This particular car is located at a dealership in Tempe, Arizona, and has been listed for sale here on craigslist. Thanks to T.J. for submitting this $16,900 find!
While the first sentence in the ad states that the car is rust-free, later down the seller admits to some rust on the passenger side lower quarter and in the left corner of the trunk. I’m hoping that the last mention consists of what we see just below the taillight. On the other hand, we do see what appears to be original paint and a fairly straight body shell. I should mention at this point that this classic Caddy runs and will be driveable with a rebuilt or replaced master cylinder!
It’s possible that this car has been in Arizona for its whole life considering how solid it looks. Also, it was optioned pretty darned well, with the Autronic Eye (an early method of automatically dimming high beam headlights using a light-sensing phototube to detect oncoming light), factory air conditioning, and power windows). The little air scoops on the rear fenders are for the air conditioning.
You can see the Autronic Eye at the top left of this picture. Of course, the interior will need to be remodeled, but at least all the hard-to-replace shiny geegaws are still in place. An additional “clean” dash pad is included in the sale, along with two extra doors (so you won’t have to worry about that shallow scrape in the third picture).
Don’t you love that air cleaner? And while I’m sure the air conditioning is not functional, the fact that there are still belts turning the compressor is a good sign. The seller also notes that the carburetor has been rebuilt and that the fuel and water pumps have been replaced. This certainly seems like a great place to start if you want a 1955 Coupe DeVille — you can keep the car running while you improve its condition. Sound like a plan?
“…shiny geegaws…” This is why I come here.
Thank you, Steveo! We like you, too 😁
IF..it just needs a new master cylinder this would be fun to drive as is as you slowly fixed the interior and , maybe, worry about paint down the road…or keep that(dreaded word) patina. Personally I would be torn having had very nice 56 Coupe De Ville in this colour. Either way..every great Caddy deserves a good home..
Getting rid of all that rust will be very expensive. Restoring the interior will be in excess of 10K. No telling what the frame and floors look like.
Hope someone can give it the labor of love it desires. The color is phenomenal.
17 grand for a project car? It’s a great foundation to rebuild but you will never get your money back that you will spend to make it nice. I’d pay about $7500 for this one, make it safe to drive and drive it as is
“While the first sentence in the ad states that the car is rust-free,….”
Huh?
Is it still for sell