I think as Cadillac’s go, traditional Cadillacs that is, 1970 was my favorite year. What followed in ’71 was too oversized and visible, while the ’70 still had a refined, purposeful, and more restrained appearance about itself. And our example today is a DeVille convertible from my favorite year, dare I say it, a survivor? Let’s look and find out. This 1970 DeVille convertible is located in Marlboro, New Jersey and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $19,300, with 38 bids tendered so far.
Now the truth of the matter is that the redesigned ’71 Cadillac DeVille wasn’t much larger than the ’70, length and wheelbase differences were minimal. The real size difference was in the weight with a difference of almost 400 lbs. credited to the ’71. And the ’71 just looked bigger and heavier, it was completely minus the “fleet-of-foot” look that the ’70 possessed – assuming that an 18.75-foot long car, weighing in a 4,750 lbs. can actually have a fleet-of-foot-look. Approximately 15K DeVille convertibles found homes in ’70.
The seller describes the exterior of this Cadillac as such, “The beautiful white exterior shines great with some minor imperfections from regular use“. He adds that the convertible top is only about a year old having been placed over a rebuilt and refinished frame. The floors, trunk, and frame are claimed to be solid and the chrome and stainless are referred to as “mint“. The wire wheel covers, which don’t appear to be original, are in sharp shape as well, though they are an acquired taste. Finally, the seller adds, “This car was restored to last another 50 years and will put a smile on your face every time you drive it“. OK, so no, it’s not a survivor but it is a beautiful original-looking example.
Refined power under the huge hood occurs via a 375 gross HP, 472 CI V8 engine working through a Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic transmission. Buick’s big 455 CI V8 always gets a top drawer mention for its substantial 510 lb. feet of torque. Well, move over Buick, this Caddy stump puller weighs in at 525 lb. feet! The seller states, “The original 472 / 7.7Lt V8 engine was fully rebuilt about 2k miles ago. Everything under the hood was taken apart refurbished/rebuilt and re-installed back“.
The interior of this DeVille convertible is a knock-out and the seller claims, “The seats, carpet, door panels, dash, and other miscellaneous interior parts were also replaced or refurbished just a couple of years ago“. OK, that helps explain its condition and detracts a bit more from my original “survivor” suggestion. As has been stated before, top downing is hard on upholstery but this blue leather environment looks as if it has barely absorbed as much as a single sunray. The seller mentions that the A/C works but could use a recharge. The entire interior environment needs nothing!
The seller sums up this Cadillac DeVille convertible by proclaiming, “This is by no means an over the top 100k build but a great above-average driver, with minor imperfections here and there from regular use“. Maybe it’s not over the top, but this Caddy is in doggone outstanding condition! If you’re looking for a superior summer cruiser, packaged in an automotive form that hasn’t been offered in years, here’s your chance. Any interest?
In the pictures on eBay it looks like there is a rust issue on the bottom edges of the doors.
I’m definitely wondering whether they put leather back into the interior, he gives a fairly good description of restoration on many aspects of the car but does not mention if vinyl was used in place of leather. It would seem to me, based on the rest of his description of restoration process, if he had spent the money for leather, it would have been mentioned. The interior does look very good with correct pattern, but I’m not convinced it was done in leather as original. In either case, it is a beautiful car.
Leather doesn’t look like vinyl.
And the too often seen steering wheel cover which always turns me off.
I drove my grandfather’s ’70 convert after he’d put over 300K on it. Yup, he did. That barge rocked like a kayak on rapids, the springs had sprung.
horns on hood get boss hog
The car is overpriced for the condition. Something is not right with the upholstery as well. Anyway, the 1969 models looked better. 1970 was slightly redesigned with poorer results. The really big 1971 models drew everyone’s attention and made the preceding generation look old. The width and length of the 1971 redesign were no larger than todays trucks and SUVs which are too wide for country highways or parking places. Those drivers frequently fall off the edge of the road. It is dangerous when they turn their wheel, pop up unto the road and slightly come onto the opposing lane. But big vehicles ride nice due to their long wheelbase as did the 1971 generation of Cadillac. They were quiet too.
This has Boss Hogg written all over it!
When the seller says “AC probably needs a charge” it is plausible deniability speak for “needs a rebuild, an RC134a conversion and at least one major component like a compressor or evaporator. If it only needed a charge it would be a no brainer for the seller to pop for one as it would make the car much more sell-able. This car has been carefully photographed. Its pretty but I would go stand next to it and look it over carefully before thinking about buying it.
A/C systems are sealed units …. recharging on necessary if there is a leak somewhere!
The car looks nice, the interior looks great. Even on my phone though I can see the front quarters have been done and don’t line up well. Another reader mentioned the rust in the doors. The steering wheel cover is probably because the wood veneer ring around it is flaking off. Which a lot of them did. Yes, stand next to it, look hard. It’s a pretty car, yet white hides a lot, and I’ve seen too many rust problems with these convertibles in the past. I hope it is as clean as it looks.
Get those incorrect wheel covers off. At least they didn’t stick a standup hood ornament on it.