This Sedan Deville is a well-maintained one-owner Cadillac with only 50,000 original miles. It’s for sale here on craigslist for $10,500, and the new owner can pick it up in Los Angeles, California. Other than being a sterling example of a Malaise Era land yacht, this fifth generation Cadillac is also part of the first wave of downsized offerings from GM. Sans fender skirts and about a half a ton of weight, with a taller cabin, the new configuration gave buyers more space everywhere – for legs, heads, and cargo. Cadillac’s hallmark chrome grille was preserved, now bracketed by square, wraparound headlamps. It’s an unmistakable face. Thanks to Zen for the tip!
Resident in the engine bay is GM’s beefy 425 cu. in. V8. Big block though it may be, output amounts to less than 200 hp but the car’s lighter weight helps maintain the zero to sixty time at around 11 seconds. A Turbo-Hydramatic four-speed brings power to the rear wheels. (In one more generation, these cars would be front-wheel drive.) Built for comfort, the suspension was focused on absorbing road aberrations; electronic air ride was an option and is considered superior to the regular level-ride spring system – when it works.
The interior is the Deville’s strong suit. Available in a wide variety of colors and fabrics including full leather, and sporting faux wood accents, flamboyant courtesy lamps, and plenty of power accessories, the Deville did not disappoint. In fact this new generation of Cadillacs broke sales records. Despite this example’s low mileage, the surfaces have been afflicted by sun-fading – not surprising given that it’s been in California since new. The carpets might benefit from shampoo; and the trunk is a bit sloppy. A few weekends worth of work could transform this car’s appearance.
This car is straight as a pin. The bodywork, paint, chrome, trim, and lenses are better than most cars we review here. These owners checked the box for the optional, “Tuxedo grain” vinyl top, also looking spiffy. Comparable Sedan Devilles are not hard to find. Over at Hemmings, this 34,000 mile ’78 is for sale with an asking price of $22,900. If that’s too rich, hang out at this site, where a ’78 out of long ownership sold for only $7700. What would you pay for this swanky Caddy?
I think that it’s a pretty reasonable price for a very nice and handsome car.
A ’78 that needs nothing but a new face behind the wheel? Buy the best one you can find and this looks like the order. Money is spot on.
Too bad new cars don’t come like this.
I like this one and was going to have a look today. The car is actually in Baltimore. I’ll keep looking.
The only thing about this car that I don’t like is it’s from the apex of the malaise era. It’ll be a good sleep aid while you’re driving it because excitement left the building once engines were choked off. Still, if driving a sedate luxury sedan is your thing, you couldn’t go wrong here.
I had a ’78 Sedan de Ville…triple dark green, with leather interior. A great car until 55,000 miles. Then the carburetor had to be rebuilt and a little while later the transmission had to be rebuilt.