This 1989 Cadillac Coupe de Ville is a one-owner survivor with many positive points. Its mileage is below average, while its presentation is exceptionally tidy. The owner completed a long list of recent work, ensuring the new owner drives away with a turnkey vehicle with no needs or shortcomings. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zen for spotting the Caddy listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Massapequa, New York, for $12,500.
By the time Cadillac launched its Sixth Generation de Ville range in 1985, the land yachts of the previous decade were a distant memory. Every company, including prestige marques, focused on fuel efficiency and developing smaller, lighter cars to achieve that goal. Our featured Coupe de Ville rolled off the line in 1989 and is a one-owner survivor with a Triple-Yellow trim and paint combination. A shade called Flax graces its panels, teamed with a matching Landau-style vinyl top. The car’s presentation is extremely tidy, with no serious paint or panel shortcomings. I can’t spot any rust, and the vinyl is in excellent shape. Cadillac extended the chrome effect from the bumpers into side moldings that ran the full length of the vehicle, giving the car a longer, lower appearance. The exterior brightwork is in good condition, and the glass has no issues.
The biggest question hanging over this Cadillac’s interior is what might be hiding beneath “Cousin It” on the driver’s seat. The cover might be protective, or it may camouflage splits or wear. The only other visible fault is deterioration of the driver’s armrest, because the remaining Yellow leather is in good condition, with only typical age wrinkles. The dash and carpet look good, and the pad is crack-free. The seller’s interior images lack fine detail. Still, I can confirm that it features air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.
Cadillac introduced its V8 High Technology Engine in 4.1-liter form in 1982, with its capacity growing to 4.5-liters by the time our featured car rolled off the line in 1989. The car also features a four-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The HT V8 delivered 155hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque, providing respectable performance. Early examples of these motors suffered a wide range of problems compromising reliability, but this one is in good order. The seller recently replaced the master cylinder, brake pads, and rotors. It features a new water pump, alternator, and radiator. The seller says that it runs and drives well, with typical Cadillac smoothness.
Aside from the question mark hanging over the driver’s seat, this 1989 Cadillac Coupe de Ville appears to have no real problems. It would have cost its original owner approximately $24,960 in 1989, which equates to $67,400 today. You could buy this classic for considerably less, with the seller’s figure looking realistic. The company’s High Technology Engine suffered from early quality control issues, but it is fair to say that any that have lasted this long should be okay. Would you roll the dice, or spend your money on a later vehicle with the Northstar engine? It will be interesting to gauge your response.
I wouldn’t put that seat cover on a bald sheep.
The bald sheep wouldn’t let you put that seat cover on him or her.
Great looking Cadillac, as long as you are not behind it. That ridiculous continental kit has to go.
The bald sheep wouldn’t let you put that continental kit on him or her, either.
I’ve had four of this generation of Coupe De Villes and as nice as they look, I never want to own another one these cars. One wrecked(killed my mom) and sold the other three. They were giving me a lot of mechanical headaches. I hope this one finds a good home.
SEAT cover and no milage makes me worry and suspicious. High milage and under powered bad combination. Take it from a Cadillac fan(automobile mechanic).
The words 1980″s and Cadillac are not a good combination! Everything from Diesel to HT-4100 to4-6-8 cylinder deactivation spelled disaster! Let’s not forget everyone’s dream car, the Cimmeron! The 79″-85″ Eldorado was a beautiful car And this 89″ is a huge visual improvement over the 85″-88′ Coupe’ Deville however the Lincoln Town Car is a better car!!
Right out of the bottom of a cracker jack Box! I have always liked the Look of this car, but the Norstar engine will never be My Northstar! I realize this is sac-relige but the 3800 V6 was one of the best power plants GM ever offered! Even with a six cylinder it would still be better than a Cimmeron!
This whole program was one of the cases where the Oldsmobuicks were far superior to the Cadillacs, with the rock-solid 3800 and less cartoonish styling (apart from the mandatory landau top on the Olds 98 coupes).
Well fortunately, this generation was never ever never available with a Northstar
Please Please get rid of that steering wheel cover. It looks even worse than the seat cover.
I like this! This is one of those colors that you never would have bought new, but after almost four decades it really looks like a classic. Coupe DeVilles are pretty rare as are the Fleetwood coupes, and the miles are good. The Continental kit has to go, and I would love to find a set of lace alloy wheels to put on it. I think the price is the high end of high retail, this car is more likely worth about 8 Grand or maybe $8,500 bucks. And unlike the article says, the 4.5 introduced in 88 never suffered from “a range of problems.”
It’s interesting, colors on new cars are extremely conservative nowadays, silver, black, white maybe an occasional blue green or red! Forty years ago it was very different! The main reason flashy colors are gone is the car rental industry! I worked in car rental for years and one third of all cars you see on the road were former rentals! The car rental industry wanted easy to sell colors and darker interiors ( so dirt wouldn’t show)!
I like how you spelled BORING c-o-n-s-e-r-v-a-t-i-v-e. LOL!
Survivor because nobody would drive a Caddy in that color on a public road
I have a Sedan Deville, Trans Am & Mercedes SL300 in this & similar shades of yellow. Hope to see you on a public road soon!
I bet that continental kit made this car the talk of the retirement community in its heyday. Today, it’s just a reminder of why seniors usually don’t set fashion trends.
They do set trends only they die out soon.
Joking (too soon grandma?)
I love this car! If it had been on Barn Finds a month ago, I might have made an offer (well below the 12 large being asked). The seat cover is awful, the steering wheel cover made me throw up in my mouth, but…are ya ready for it…I actually LIKE the conti-kit on these coupes! Call me crazy (everyone else does). But then again I’m a retired Long Islander (from Massapequa! Where this Caddy is!) living in Florida, so what do you expect? LOL! Really wish I hadn’t just bought a car; this would have been a serious contender!
Terrible color
I always loved Cadillac, however the 1980’s was a dark period for the brand! This car was unique because it was a rush redesign after the 85′-88′ shrunken Deville disaster! The Coupe’ was discontinued in 93′ and at that time held the record for GM’s longest running model! 89′ was the last year without an airbag, Airbags became standard in the 1990 model year!
I’d be a confident buyer, this is a very tidy example and it would nicely fit in my garage. I’d have to carefully remove the Continental kit so as not to cause any damage, store it away in the garage attic.
it’s clean for sure but that’s way too much yellow. then add the seat cover and the steering wheel cover it’s just too pimped out. these were oil leakers as well. everyone i worked on leaked. great if you’re looking for 1.