Two-Owner Survivor: 1982 Cadillac Coupe DeVille d’Elegance

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Some enthusiasts crave nothing less than a classic that offers luxury and isolation from the outside world. The concept of high performance plays second fiddle to exceptional comfort and a wide selection of options designed to make every journey feel special. The thought that the candidate is a low-mile turnkey proposition with a known ownership history might prove irresistible. Those characteristics perfectly describe this 1982 Cadillac Coupe DeVille d’Elegance. Its only flaws seems to be minor panel and paint imperfections, but it is loaded with options and has 50,000 miles on the clock. Its next road trip could be to a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Blaine, Washington. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to $9,900, with time remaining for readers to throw their hats into the ring.

The seller indicates that this Cadillac is a two-owner classic that has spent most of its life in Canada. It has been garage-kept from the day it left the dealership and is claimed to have never seen rain. Its Cedar Firemist paint retains an impressive shine, although the paint on the hood has faded. A reputable shop should have no trouble addressing that and touching up the minor dings in both doors. There are a few small chips, but none require attention if the winning bidder wishes to preserve this classic. The original owner selected a Redwood Landau-style vinyl top that is in as-new condition. The panels are straight beyond the noted imperfections, and the underside shots confirm the Caddy is rust-free. The trim and tinted glass look spotless, with the original wire wheel covers and whitewall tires cementing the car’s luxury credentials.

Cadillac buyers spent decades becoming accustomed to lifting the hood to find a V8, making this DeVille unusual for the uninitiated. Its engine bay houses Buick’s 4.1-liter V6, producing 125hp and 205 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a four-speed TH-200-4R automatic transmission. The combination doesn’t sound high on excitement, but it made the Coupe DeVille a competent open-road performer that consistently bettered fuel consumption figures of 24mpg. That figure demonstrated that the company focused on efficiency after years of producing gas-guzzling monsters. The seller claims this classic has only 50,000 miles on the clock, and supporting evidence may exist among the collection of documentation that includes the Window Sticker, Owner’s Manual, Warranty Card, and Service Manuals. Potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition that runs and drives perfectly.

If any aspect of this Cadillac is a genuine highlight, that honor could fall to its interior. Finding anything to criticize is virtually impossible, and the fact it retains its original factory floormats is admirable. It is upholstered in Burgundy cloth and vinyl, free from wear and abuse. The lack of crumbling plastic and UV damage indicates that it has spent its life hidden away when not cruising the streets. There are no signs of abuse and no aftermarket additions. The original owner loaded it to the brim with options, meaning occupants can sink back into the lap of luxury. They receive air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power front seats, power trunk lid release, the illuminated entry system, cruise control, a tilt/telescopic wheel, Twilight Sentinel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.

There comes a time when escaping the pressures of the modern world is essential, allowing a person to sit back, relax, and recharge their batteries. There are many ways to achieve this, from luxury retreats to camping holidays. However, some people can’t afford the time to undertake such activities and must seek their respite in short bursts. Doing so inside this 1982 Cadillac Coupe DeVille d’Elegance sounds like a fine way to achieve that goal, which may explain why it has attracted nine bids. I expect that figure to climb, but will you submit a bid so it becomes your Great Escape?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Connecticut mark

    Beautiful car , too bad it has that engine.

    Like 17
    • ACZ

      I’d rather have the Buick V6 than the Hook & Tow 4100. The V6 had weak head gaskets, but the HT4100 had weak everything. The best would actually be the diesel.

      Like 6
    • Chuck Dickinson

      Probably more trouble-free than the boat anchor HT 4100 or the diesel.

      Like 8
  2. Zen

    Rare with that optional d’Elegance pillow-top seats interior, and too bad with that pitifully pathetic underpowered engine. GM never recovered from the 80s and the crap they insisted on building, it turned off so many buyers who went Jap and never looked back.

    Like 7
  3. Chris Cornetto

    Oh boy, I am surprised it made it 50,000 miles. There is a very clean 307 powered one at the local pull-a-part right now in dark blue. The odometer is showing 67,000 and from the underside and under the hood, it is likely still on its first time around.

    Like 5
    • ACZ

      Must be an 86 or later. The HT4100 was used through 1985.

      Like 1
      • Chris Cornetto

        Might be an 86 because it has no third brake light, either way it is/was just as nice as this one featured. I knew someone with an 81 Sedan Deville with that V6 crap and yup a VW micro bus would beat it, not to mention he went through 2 trannys in 40,000 miles. The second tranny failure sent it to the dump.

        Like 1
  4. TheOldRanger

    Beautiful car, these were great for the highway… but the engine left a bit to be desired. Where’s Laurence… I want him to see this statement… 😁

    Like 7
  5. Kenneth L Gaar

    I’m not absolutely sure but this may have been built for the Canadian market. Never heard of a Cadillac with a v6. Very under powered. The Northstar does just as good MPG. Nice car but not worth that price for me.

    Like 4
    • Zen

      I knew someone who had one on Long Island, NY back in 1990. I’ve only seen one or two others.

      Like 3
    • ACZ

      It was an available option in the US.

      Like 2
    • KH

      Canadian dealership sold it I think based on the window sticker

      Like 1
  6. robert proulx

    A very nice example, a nice detailing job would make it even better. As per the engine although no power house was at least reliable compared to early HT4100’s and the diesel’s.

    Like 3
  7. Robert Levins

    What a beautiful car! I’ll take it, like right now! DO NOT be afraid of this Buick 4.1 litre V-6! They are great engines and probably was the BETTER CHOICE in 1982. Just take of it. Put on “ flow – through “ dual exhaust and the horsepower will jump to 140+. Gas mileage will go up around 3mpg or so. That’s about all you need to do for a bump up in performance and you’ll have an AWESOME Cadillac Coupe de Ville ‘de elegance that has decent performance and stunning looks/comfort ! It’s definitely a keeper! AND – if it doesn’t get to high in price, it’s WORTH every penny! Try getting this color combo today! Great article.

    Like 6
    • ACZ

      The 4.1L V6 was a great engine in 1980. For 1981, Buick lightened the engine block some 40 pounds and had bad head gasket problems as a result. That took a great engine and ruined it. They tried a number of different type head gaskets but none really fixed the problem. The last gasket was Teflon coated and worked fairly well but still couldn’t solve the problem. After a number of attempts they finally discontinued the engine. This did NOT affect the 3.8L V6. That one was still solid as a rock.

      Like 2
  8. $ where mouth is

    wow what a beautiful Cadi, the colors are exceptional.. the engine, rediculous.
    in a what if i had it scenrio :
    id put a Vortec or LS in it and bam,, maybe some true spokes or a taller yet subtle and classy wheel..
    this sure is an elegant charriot ;)

    Like 3
    • ACZ

      The best use of “Put an LS in it” ever.

      Like 3
  9. Driveinstile DriveinstileMember

    I believe here in the US the 4.1 Buick V6 was optional and if im not mistaken I think you got a Credit ( money off) for it. We had an 82 in the family with the 4100HT in it and it just didnt hold up. Never could hold a candle to the 78 with the 425 we had. We had a family friend with a Buick Electra with the 4.1 V6 and it was no powerhouse, but it was reliable and held up for about 200K miles in it without too much trouble. It was actually slightly better than my 77 Olds Delta 88 with the 260 V8.

    Like 3
    • KH

      You are correct sir. This one shows a credit in the window sticker.

      Like 2
  10. JoeNYWF64

    I would not want to try go up a steep mountain with this V6 full size car, fully loaded up with adults & their luggage & the a/c on. Might be even slower than a ’73 biscayne with the 250 CID straight 6. lol

    Like 2

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