Life seems to be progressing at a frantic pace, and it is sometimes challenging to keep up with the endless change. There are times when it makes perfect sense to step back, take a deep breath, and smell the flowers. Doing so in an automotive sense should be possible for the next owner of this 1973 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. It presents superbly as a low-mile survivor, seemingly needing nothing but a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zappenduster for spotting the Caddy listed here on Craigslist in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The seller set their price at $14,900, meaning that someone is going to score a lot of metal for their money.
Cadillac’s Fourth Generation de Ville range graced showroom floors from 1971 until 1976. The design was essentially new, and these would come to be the largest vehicles to wear the Cadillac badge. However, the crisp styling allowed the Coupe de Ville to carry its size quite elegantly, even when lumbered with the dreaded 5mph bumpers. Our feature Caddy rolled off the line in 1973, finished in Dark Red with a Black vinyl top. The seller doesn’t mention a history of repairs or restoration, suggesting that this could be a genuine survivor. The presence of snow in the supplied images may lead some readers to question whether there could be hidden rust, but there is no evidence of problems that I can spot. The paint shines warmly, the top looks crisp, and the panels are straight. The trim and glass are excellent, suggesting that there is plenty of good news for potential buyers.
This is a 1970s Cadillac so, naturally, there are plenty of creature comforts. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, a Cartier clock, a mirror-mounted compass, a tilt wheel, a rear defogger, remote exterior mirrors, and an AM/FM radio with a power antenna. The Black leather and brocade seat covers are free from significant wear, while the carpet and remaining upholstered surfaces are equally impressive. The faux woodgrain is crisp, and there are no issues with the dash or pad.
Buyers ordering a 1973 Coupe de Ville could choose from a 472ci V8 or…that was it. Cadillac teamed the V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission, while power assistance for the steering and brakes were standard features. Power and torque figures fell from 345hp and 500 ft/lbs in 1971 to 220hp and 365 ft/lbs in 1973, but the change wasn’t as dramatic as the numbers suggest. With manufacturers transitioning from quoting gross to net outputs, this Coupe de Ville won’t suffer in the performance stakes when compared to a similar car that rolled off the line two years earlier. The seller claims that this Caddy has a genuine 66,000 miles on the clock without mentioning verifying evidence. They do confirm that it runs and drives well, making it a turnkey classic that seems to need nothing.
This 1973 Cadillac Coupe de Ville is a gentle giant that appears to need nothing. From its tidy exterior to its equally impressive interior and the 472ci V8 under the hood, it will offer someone a luxurious classic motoring experience that won’t break the bank. The seller’s price appears realistic, and with values climbing, it could represent a solid long-term investment. If you’re sick of living life at a million miles per hour, slipping behind the wheel of this gem could be the ideal escape. That has to make it worth considering.
Thanks for the write up AC.
🎹 🎙 “… And there ain’t no Coupe de Ville, hiding at the bottom of a CrackerJack box…..I can’t lie, I can’t tell you that I’m something I’m not no matter how I try… I’ll never be able.. to give you something, something that i just haven’t got… Now there was only one girl that I have ever loved, and that was so many years ago”.. 🎶 🎵
The ’73s only had the front 8×8’s to ruin their styling. ’74s got the girder in back too. This car is a nice example, cow catcher not withstanding. I always liked the look of a short-cab long-body, and the Coupe pulls it off nicely. The only downside to these and any other early 70s emissions-equipped vehicles with big engines, is with their propensity to consume fuel and today’s gas prices, you’ll have to pick and choose when and how often to drive it.
Must be the last one left they didn’t blow up in “Kill the Irishman” CT Dave
A Cash For Clunkers survivor. Had a friend who had a late 70’s or early 80’s Sedan DeVille and surrendered it for CFC to get a newer more fuel-efficient vehicle.
So much to love. From the shear size to the brocade interior and halo roof. This one is a beauty. It may have looked better without the big bumper but really it’s okay.
I had a 1971 Coupe DeVille in the same exterior colors. It literally was like driving a living room down the road. Quiet, room for four across in both the front and back seats in a pinch. Power to cruise at extra legal speeds. Like riding on a cloud. Had a rear tire blowout at 70 MPH, the rear end dropped down a little bit. That was it, no swerving or problems at all. My only complaint was that it got 11 miles to the gallon no matter how it was driven. It truly was a land yacht!
Way better deal than that 20k Nova..That’s for sure..
I spotted some paint overspray in the wheel well which shows a potential repaint. Winter weather is very unforgiving when it partners with salt. Still alot of car for the money.
My Dad had a beautiful 1973 Fleetwood Brougham. What a pleasure to drive. Every time it was gassed up the gas attendant would ask if there was a hole in the tank. The new caddy’s can’t touch this. Looking for a 73 Fleetwood Brougham
Those big Cadillacs are too big for many garages and today’s parking spaces. On the open road, the Coupe deVille rides like a dream. The luxury equipment and the styling earned Cadillac buyers respect and admiration in 1973 as a successful person. The red exterior is colorful but dignified. We have no clue about the Caddy’s past or true mileage but it is worthy to be in any car show but isn’t a practical daily driver.
show me da real car, the Castilian !
https://www.hagerty.com/media/car-profiles/the-cadillac-fleetwood-castilian-is-a-coachbuilt-longroof-with-maximum-zoot/
I have a beautiful 72 CdV I bought about 6 years ago with 34K miles and leather interior. Interior perfect. I paid used Kia money for it. It’s my driver, though I only drive around town, just a few times a week at most. Now it’s got 46K miles on it. I’ve always had hot rods, sold my two Vettes and llooked for a roomier car. This was it, and I’ve never regretted the change. It’s a BIG attention getter, and people just love this car, as I do. People ask if I rue the cost of gas, and the answer is, “I paid $14K for it. Who cares about the cost of gas?”
Sharp looking Cadillac plus no plastic bumper fillers to disintegrate.
I always thought that the huge black block that houses the wiper/washer controls that was oddly stuck to the side of the drivers door looked way out of place. It’s as though someone forgot to add the controls to the dash design and then a quick but ugly fix was created.