Well Maintained San Mateo Red Respray 472ci V8

Description

1968 Cadillac DeVille Convertible

When you were a kid and a big Caddy would pull up, you probably told your friends, "Someday I'm going to drive one of those." Of course, Cadillacs were the image of success; the larger the car, the more successful you were. In the 1960's, Cadillac was most synonymous with success.

The mantra here at Classic Auto Mall is to be as accurate as possible with photos and descriptions of consignments because most of our clients are buying over the internet, from literally all over the world. We emphasize factual descriptions, and with this particular consignment, the consigner happens to be a car inspector...a very thorough one at that. So, this description is an abbreviated version of the consignor's more detailed documentation, which will be included in the sale.

Exterior
What is a better way to say you have arrived than driving into your neighborhood in a mile-long Cadillac convertible? Matador Red lacquer with white interior and an almost new white top. Consigner states that the power top hydraulics will eventually need service, however we found it operating normally. A 20-year-old respray covers the original factory Regal Silver Poly (Code 16), and is showing its age a bit. Some bubbling is seen where repairs were done on the original body panels at that time. Bumpers show some pitting and bubbling. Consigner states that he has a replacement right front bumper end, left and right front bumper end fillers, and replacement front turn signal lamps, which are included in the sale. Currently wire wheel covers are attached to all 4 corners, and the original dog dish covers can be purchased for an additional negotiated cost or sold separately. Brite work and stainless steel moldings need a good polish, but they are original to this car. The "DeVille" badges for the left and right rear quarter panels are included, as are replacement hood and trunk crests and "Vs".

Interior
A 15 + year old restoration on this interior is showing some age, but overall is very presentable. White eight-way power bench seat is up front, and a spacious white bench is in the rear. Seats are covered in leather and vinyl. Carpeted floor mats and clear mats are seen covering the floors. Original dash and door panels with original woodgrain are present, as are all original gauges, knobs and controls. Aftermarket seat and floor consoles with cupholders have been installed and are easily removable. AC will need a rebuild or upgrade to the new high-pressure system and is currently inoperable, however heater and defroster fan and thermostat work. There is a climate control system installed, and actually a backup system...the convertible!

Drivetrain
An original, well maintained 472c.i. V8 with Edelbrock 4bbl carb sits within the unrestored engine bay. Documented service includes a complete tune up, plugs, wires, distributor, condenser, set timing, tune up carb, including idle air mix and temperature-controlled choke, replace belts, fuel lines & filter and air filter. The 3-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission has also been well documented and maintained, including a fluid flush, new pan gasket, speedometer gear & sleeve and governor housing gasket. Differential fluid was also changed.

Undercarriage
A few areas of surface rust are noted. Frame, body mounts, floor and trunk panels are solid. Power front disc brakes, including new lines and master cylinder were upgraded in 2018 and rear drum brakes were totally rebuilt in 2016. New wheel cylinders and seals. Four-wheel alignment. New front heavy duty and rear air shocks, front sway bar links and bushings were installed.

The consigners list of "wish to-do's" is very concise and meticulously thought out. The car as it exists today is a solid vehicle that runs great, shifts smoothly and could literally be driven anywhere, the result of $20 thousand in documented mechanical service and replacements that have been performed over the last three years. In summation, we have a good overall example of a reliable, classic Cadillac that comes with a concise list with estimated pricing of "to do's" to bring this car up to whatever level its new owner desires be it a reliable weekend driver or concours status. Drive it anywhere today as-is. It is admired and presents well at local shows and cruise-ins; it received a "Dealer's Choice" Award at a Cadillac LaSalle Club show at Delaware Cadillac in 2017.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 300 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.