For quite a few years – up until just recently, really – this era of Cadillac product was quite forgettable. The Malaise era wasn’t kind of the domestic automakers, but it was seemingly particularly cruel to large luxury vehicles that suffered the most severe retraction from their former selves. Perhaps that’s why we take note when a nice one shows up for sale, as so few were preserved for future enjoyment. This sixth generation 1987 Cadillac DeVille coupe wears one of the best color schemes out there for a Caddy of this vintage, featuring light yellow over an identical leather interior. The seller notes he bought it from the original owner in 2016, and it’s now listed here on eBay with bids approaching $5,000 with no reserve.
The DeVille of this era was borderline compact compared to its predecessors, and the target market of consumers wasn’t at all pleased to see this compact Caddy come on the market. Still, if you wanted an American-made luxury coupe, your options were slim, and the DeVille at least had the familiar namesake to encourage life-long Cadillac buyers to stay loyal through the lean times. But this Caddy was different not only for its proportions, but also because it was front wheel drive. Heavens! What happened to Cadillac? Well, they were surviving, and at least the DeVille still offered V8 power and loads of luxury features, including a new-for-’86 car phone that cost nearly $3,000 on the dealer options list.
This DeVille comes with a padded roof, along with additional padding throughout the interior. The emphasis on luxury was still apparent even if the dimensions had changed, with options like cornering lights, automatically dimming rearview mirror, and tufted leather seats all still available. The seller notes the back seat and trunk look like they were never used, and that there’s only mild wear on the driver’s seat. The cabin really does look damn near mint here, with no obvious flaws to report. While it’s not stated specifically, based on the seller’s attention to detail, it seems likely the air conditioning still works, but you’ll want to contact him to find out for sure.
The 4.1L V8 engine benefits from recent coolant flushes and an oil change and is said to run well. The seller has also made other repairs in his short term of ownership, including a new power steering rack and pump; new front struts and tie-rods; fresh front brakes; a replacement A/C compressor; new drive belts and battery; and a recent alignment. The engine bay is clean and orderly, and there are no signs of major leaks at present. The seller is anxious to move this DeVille along as he needs the garage space, so perhaps he is willing to cut a deal when the right person comes along. Only one way to find out! Thanks to Barn Finds reader Larry D. for the find.
I picked up an ’87 Cadillac DeVille just like this one from an estate I cleaned out. It was white with a dark blue leather interior but otherwise identical to this one. I serviced it, got it running and gave it to my wife for a daily driver. It was in good condition, everything worked and she enjoyed driving it but it consumed fuel like it was going out of style; the worst fuel consumption of any car I ever had. Also, while the HT-4100 had reliability issues, I never had any problems with it; it ran and performed very well. I eventually sold it because of it’s thirsty nature and found the wife a beautiful Lincoln MKZ.
This DeVille looks like a nice car in excellent condition and apparently well cared for. The pale yellow interior and exterior are quite attractive and I always thought these were good looking cars. Another plus is that this generation of Cadillac was smaller than the previous model DeVille. It will be interesting to see what this one sells for.
Mine leaked like a sieve. No fixing it according to experts. The engineers took the failed concept of the Vega all aluminum 4 cylinder with no top deck to the cylinder block and said “we can make it work this time.” Tiny sheet metal water pump didn’t help either.
I like the cheerful yellow color, the easier to park exterior dimensions and the full compliment of Cadillac luxury features. Front wheel drive does improve traction on wet and snowy surfaces with the weight of the engine over the drive wheels. The small V8 is barely adequate and one can’t verify mileage and hidden defects from the photos . However, judging on appearance alone, this Deville would make a ride for old car cruises and shows.
Malaise-Orado for sure.
I wish young people would ask their parents about the malaise era before commenting about it. This vehicle is very far removed from the 1970s.
You may now respond with an “OK Boomer” remark.
The Malaise Era extended into the 80’s. Well into the 80’s. Despite having a V8 it only made 140 hp. The Buick V6 installed in the Buick Park Avenue and the Oldsmobile 98 made 160 hp. Plus quality control in American cars was suspect at best. So this car is very much a product of the Malaise Era.
Mike. Most people generally agree that the malaise era ended with Jimmy Carter with Ronald Reagan bringing an end to that political time. YMMV.
Anther “meh-mobile” from GM’s origami period. Feh.
What do you get when you cross a K-Car with a Cadillac?
This.
Piece of junk 4100 engine. I would run, not walk, the other way.
I had two of these and enjoyed them. Both were reliable and comfortable. The 4100 engine did have sometimes severe issues but mine were good.
Located in:
Middletown, Connecticut
A yellow-over-yellow Coupe deVille was my dream car during my Cadillac phase, which lasted from 1973 to 1984, owning five cars ranging in model years from 1963 to 1978. I never had a good chance to buy a yellow one, but my ’78 Coupe D’Elegance was such a sad case I never bought another Caddy.
I still think this color combo is just about perfect, though. I have to admit when I first saw it I thought “I need that.”
Ended: Aug 26, 2021 , 1:00PM
Winning bid:US $5,300.00
[ 14 bids ]