Some auto styling fads seem to fade away about as quickly as they emerge, but one that stuck around for a while was the tailfin, which was most popular during the 1950s and early 1960s. Designers tried to outdo each other when it came to the size and shape of rear fins, with the 1959 Cadillac de Ville among those getting more than an honorable mention when it came to mass. However, in addition to being large, they also succeeded in the good looks department. This 1959 Coupe de Ville here on eBay could use a restoration, but it appears like decent material to work with if you’re seeking a late fifties luxurious project. This one’s in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with the high bid currently standing at $19,700.
The fins aren’t the only attention-getting factor here, as the exterior is painted in the factory Wood Rose color, with the seller stating that much of the outside finish is still original. This one’s only had two owners, with the Cadillac said to have been stored for thirty years before the seller’s acquisition. A lifetime spent in the dry climate of NM has also helped to keep the car solid overall. A few spots of rust are mentioned, including areas above the rear wheels and in the lower front fenders, but the body appears pretty good for the most part.
Once the Coupe de Ville was out of storage, the seller performed some maintenance to get it running again, including fuel system work, such as changing the rubber hoses and cleaning out the steel lines. The gas tank was also pulled, which revealed that it was spotless inside, and then the original carburetor was rebuilt. The engine oil and transmission fluid were changed, along with a new master cylinder and power brake booster added, followed by a fresh set of tires. The owner also mentions that there are no leaks underneath anywhere. It’s said to still need a few tasks to become a daily driver, but all of this sounds like a good head start.
We don’t get a good photo showing the entire interior, but the back seat doesn’t look all that bad, and while a thorough cleaning would probably improve its appearance, this one’s probably deserving of some new upholstery all the way around. A close-up of the speedometer shows a broken section in the dashboard above, so the covering here will certainly need to be replaced. This luxurious cruiser still needs a lot of work, but it’s got plenty of potential and appears to be at a reasonably good starting point. Is this 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville one you’d consider taking on as a project?
Any car buff of a certain edge will immediately think of this when the Cadillac name is mentioned in past tense. The outrageous tail fins became the first icon when it was said, and remain so especially when an “in your face” car made its entry.
Restore it and drive it. Regardless of where it goes it will evoke feedback-negatively so from some perhaps but it will always get noticed.
Noticed for sure, only negative feedback would come from tree huggers…
These are BIG cars.I’ve seen this one around our neighborhood,
and finally talked to the owner at the big car show in downtown Roanoke,
Star City Motor Madness.
Already sold.
It’s not a Coupe de Ville, but a Series 62 coupe (confirmed by the seller via the VIN). Also, a Coupe de Ville would have small rear-fender badging to that effect.
For 1959, the Series 62 became the Series 6200.
I believe it was “Iron Resurrection” that did a 59 or 60 and Shorty made numerous comments on the complexity and weight of the front bumper and grille. This one looks to deserve at least renovation if not restoration.
Those tailfins are deadly! Lives have been lost falling on them.
It’s not a Coupe de Ville; it is the less expensive Series 62. The de Villes did not have a Cadillac crest below the bodyside molding on the front fenders. Instead, they had Coupe de Ville or Seden de Ville above the bodyside molding on the rear fenders.
SOLD for $25,170.
I had a ’59 Series 62 Coupe, white with grey interior. That was a great car. My brother totaled it ~ he never drove one of my cars again.
Nice Caddy! This is my favorite year of Caddy’s of all time and the seller seems to put some work in it to make it road worthy. This one is savable!