It happens so often. We take on a project like this Cadillac but life gets in the way and the project stalls. This 1957 DeVille is a perfect example of that situation. Listed for sale here on eBay, it is located in Gentry, Arkansas. It is listed with a clear title and a BIN price of $12,500, but there is the option to make an offer.
This photo shows the worst rust issue that is present in this car, which is in the front floor on the driver’s side. It is most definitely repairable. There are a number of clear shots of the underside of the car and these indicate a solid base to work from. The external shots of the car also don’t indicate any major problems. There is some rust appearing from under the body-side trims, but otherwise it looks ok. All of the external trim is present and looks okay, although some of it will need re-plating. All of the glass also looks to be in good order.
The previous owner removed the dash and door trims in preparation for a repaint, but this is as far as it got. Everything appears to be present, and at least when he removed these items he was kind enough to bag and tag all of the components. The front seat has been recovered ay some stage, but the seller says that the original material is still in place under this cover.
The rear seat is in really nice condition. When I compare the existing front cover with this I know which I would prefer. I would be inclined to have the front seat recovered to match this one. The headliner is also present and seems to be in good condition.
There’s more good news mechanically for this Cadillac. It runs, drives and stops. The seller does emphasize the fact that it is by no means ready for the road, but he has driven it. It does have a fluid leak from the steering box and one from the transmission around the gear selector shaft, but otherwise it doesn’t appear to have any other major leaks and both the transmission and power steering operate. The original fuel pump has failed so the seller has mounted an electric one near the tank, but a permanent solution will need to be found. The brake master cylinder and wheel cylinders have been rebuilt but haven’t been bled. They do operate if you pump the pedal. The seller is also including a rebuild kit for the brake booster.
A bit of a search around revealed that the majority of similarly equipped cars to this in really good condition are selling for prices in excess of $45,000. I located a few project-grade cars currently on the market. None of them were as complete or as solid as this example, and every one of them was priced higher than this car. This has the makings of a really great project, and a beautiful car to own once the work is completed.
There’s a lot more rust in the floor and trunk if one looks closely.
IMHO, it seems a bit overpriced, considering the condition…
$4500 max.
My friend’s Mother had one in the same color back in the early 1960’s. We waxed it with Blue Coral every spring. They owned a chicken restaurant less than a mile from their house. Each Spring, we would also replace the entire exhaust system, front to rear. We learned to use anti seize on the bolts, and get pipes and mufflers from NAPA, with a 2 year warranty. We also borrowed a floor jack and 4 jack stands.
We were paid in all the fried chicken we could eat.
These were true “Jungle-Cruisers”, back in the day when bigger was better. You Jack
In the luxury car market the Caddy of this year is not very luxurious by later standards.
The motors hp numbers were nothing spectacular but suffecient torque was available to get and keep moving till around 110 mph.
Sound deadening everywhere and quality rugs and upholstery, cigarette lighters and ashtrays available front and back with sometimes a vanity mirror in visors.
Lots of mechanical and trim parts still available, even original radios and their heavy duty frame and steering components durable.
Driving one of these with early power steering, plush soft springs and shocks, gave one no road import at all, and its air was almost cool.
Seems a fair price for an easy non full bore restore and drive without busting bank account deal.
Not high value even with max restoration, but if I had even one grandkid wanting entry level to old autos I would advise them towards this auto.
Not that common, but with updated interior appointments, suspension, larger warmed over Caddy mill and tranny, perfect paint and trim, an auto that would stand out at any cruise or car show.
An auto that would take far less $’s than the f’n popular rusted hulk Chev, Fords, Dodge or Plymouths being put out today.
One of my favorite years for a Caddie, I prefer this to the carry-over 1958 model with the dual headlamps. For the asking price, I’m sure there are better ones available.
I drool over these things! Always wanted one. Still do. Yes, a lot of rust. But, this baby is 62 years old. Treat her right and she can be awesome. I also think the price is a bit high, for the condition. But, the owner has taken the time to show us almost everything about this wonderful lady. Best wishes for everything to the new owner.
Putting that dash back together could be a nightmare.