BF Auction: 1969 Cadillac Sedan DeVille Wagon
- Seller: Mike M
- Location: Nampa, Idaho
- Mileage: 88,982 Shown
- Chassis #: B9220993
- Title Status: Clean
UPDATE – The seller has asked us to auction this Cadillac Wagon again but with a lower reserve! Be sure to take another look and bid below.
There was a time when buying a Cadillac meant you were moving up in the world. But what did you do when you reached the top? Well, you ordered a Cadillac Station Wagon, of course! Cadillac has a long and surprising history of offering luxury station wagons, but they never built them in significant numbers as they were rather pricey. The seller of this example purchased it from the original owner’s family. It had been in storage in Arizona for many years, so it needed some work to get it back on the road, but the seller has been enjoying it since getting it going again. While they would love to keep it, they need the space in their garage for other projects, so they are offering it here as a Barn Finds Auction!
In 1969, there weren’t a lot of options for luxurious people movers. A Cadillac like this was the only option for a big family needing the ultimate luxury vehicle. The reality is that the handful of these built didn’t see use hauling kids to school or going on family vacations. No, they were purchased by celebrities and wealthy individuals who wanted something exclusive that stood out. Having seen this Cadillac in person, we can attest to how much it stands out! As striking as it is in photos, they don’t do it justice. According to the seller, the car’s original owner was a business owner in Fargo, North Dakota, who initially leased it through their business. Once the lease was up, they purchased it, moved it to their cabin in Northern Arizona, and drove it occasionally. Eventually, they parked it in their garage in Arizona with their GMC motorhome, and that’s where it stayed until the seller purchased it from the original owner’s daughter.
Cadillac knew these wagons wouldn’t sell in big numbers, so they commissioned coachbuilders to perform the transformation rather than build them in-house. ASC in Michigan performed this conversion and started with a standard Sedan DeVille, but the task wasn’t exactly straightforward. The DeVille’s roof was extended, the trunk area opened up, and the rear fenders were modified to work with the wagon’s extended roofline. Some parts were likely pulled from the Chevrolet Wagon parts bin, but it’s hard to say, as there were only a few built, and there aren’t many records on how they were put together. During his research, the seller found reports claiming that five were built to use at the Indy 500 to haul executives around, and ten additional cars were built and sent to dealers to be sold. This is one of the ten sent out to be sold to the public.
As you would expect, the interior is well-appointed. The car originally featured ostrich-look leather, but the front seat was reupholstered. The interior is otherwise original, with the rear seats retaining their original upholstery and are in lovely condition. There are a few minor flaws here and there, but overall, it’s in good shape. The seller notes that the A/C doesn’t currently operate and will need to be gone through. Also, the telescoping steering column does not lock in place, the horn isn’t working, and the driver-side rear window does not operate (thankfully, it’s up).
Under that massive hood, you will find a 472 cui V8 rated at 375 horsepower. After purchasing it, the seller installed a new radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, belts, alternator, and performed a full tune-up. The brakes were serviced, with new brake shoes up front and shoes and wheels cylinders at the rear wheels. The fuel tank was removed, professionally cleaned, and dipped to get clean fuel to the rebuilt carburetor. A new fuel sender with all-new rubber fuel lines were installed. Finally, a new battery and fresh tires were installed. It runs great and moves this massive car along nicely, as seen in the video below. The engine bay could use some detailing, but that doesn’t affect usability. Even with this massive engine, there’s plenty of room to work in this engine bay.
This is a truly interesting and rare find! We are honored to be helping find a new home for it. While it isn’t in perfect condition, it is one of the best examples we have seen. With a little bit of work, it could be like new again, or you could leave it as is and enjoy cruising in it. One thing is for sure: you won’t see another one just like it at car shows or on the road! So, if you’d love to own this rare Caddy wagon, cast your high bids below and leave any questions for the seller in the comments. Also, look at all 300+ professional photos of this beauty in the gallery below.
Bid On This Auction
CPappas bid $26,100.00 2024-06-05 08:21:59
Fast1 bid $26,000.00 2024-06-04 08:27:46
Life_on_the_Creek bid $24,950.00 2024-06-04 08:25:27- Fast1 bid $24,000.00 2024-06-04 07:22:58
- Life_on_the_Creek bid $21,900.00 2024-06-02 20:38:50
- Tom L bid $21,000.00 2024-06-02 10:36:51
- Life_on_the_Creek bid $19,995.00 2024-05-30 22:27:18
Mark bid $16,750.00 2024-05-30 14:33:04- Life_on_the_Creek bid $16,500.00 2024-05-30 14:31:01
PMD1965 bid $13,800.00 2024-05-30 12:39:59- Life_on_the_Creek bid $9,500.00 2024-05-30 08:12:33
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Comments
Sweet Jesus what a car! Wow
To Paul…I would be happy to have this Cadillac carry me to Sweet Jesus. With current funeral vehicles looking as they do Per my instructions, my cremains will be carried to my grave in my Town Car!
If only!
On my absolute wish list.
Terrific station wagon. Absolute class and style.
Pair it up with a vintage Airstream trailer, and go cross country.
That would be an amazing set up
See the USA in this Caddy today! Definitely not a typical post! Actually didn’t know about Cadillac wagons. The large number of photos is a plus and should push the bidding. Though not a HEARSE, it would be more appropriate than any current funeral vehicles.🏆 👍
Classy and Mean At The Same Time, would love to drive that!
Plenty of room in this big boat. Beware of niece and guy! Recall NASH with reclining seats causing surprises 😮 when enjoyed by young people! Could cause a different kind of Door Dash eventually to a maternity ward. 😉
My first car was a family hand me down 54 Nash Ambassador. Performed great at the drive in movies.
How true. And don’t forget Henry Ford for criticizing Cadillacs tilting wheel which allowed extra space in the front seat for certain activities. He also made the back seats much smaller to prevent that as well.
Thanks for sharing…. we were all on the edge of our seats wondering if this appeals to Bob…..
Cut the snark, Bucky. Makes you look small. This is a good times site.
I strongly suspect you are correct – and given that seller apparently claims that his “research” shows five were built for Indy 500 duty and another 10 for dealers I would like to see the documentation which I strongly suspect doesn’t exist. People should realize that making unsubstantiated statements when trying to sell a car casts their entire credibility into question if the truth or correctness can’t be shown
Yes, CCFisher is correct. There were no factory built Caddy wagons back in the day, all hearses and ambulances were custom coach built.
Do the research yourself, and come to a conclusion. Taking a shot at someone’s character because you can’t spend 3 minutes on google makes you sound pretty uneducated. This site is for positivity, not talking down on people and their cars. Get a new hobby.
At no point was it stated that Cadillac did the wagon conversion. The verbiage used was when Cadillac had this wagon put together. It also states it was ordered from a Cadillac dealer. ASC a coach builder in Michigan built them in 1969. As far as 5 them being used at Indy and 10 more being produced, that is what my research has shown . I never stated I had documentation. Feel free to do your own research and get back to me. You know what a real buyer would do. Have a great day
That’s a mite harsh. Sellers often pass on what they have been told. Many years ago down South one of these wagon conversions sat outside a house across the street from me. It’s roof line was not nearly as pleasing and as integrated as this one is. All in all I think this conversion is one of the better designs I have seen. I would look at the car just on the merits of what is in front of you and all in all it’s a very pretty conversion design wise and the interior looks of a piece. The non locking telescoping steering wheel might be a problem if you had to slam on the brakes :) Not much to do to make it completely usable…except where gas is five bucks a gallon :)
I always thought Cadillac station wagons were only purchased by funeral homes/Mortuaries.
I had no idea a regular, non-hearse wagon was ever made
Hang around. They pop up, here, every now and then.
This is the only one I’ve ever seen in person
I worked at a paper company in Chicago in the 70s … we were next to another paper company whose owner had an Eldorado station wagon … I never saw the front end, and only from a three-story window, but this was ’71 and the taillights looked like a 69-70 model … he also had a Jag station wagon so they were probably one-off …
CJ, you are correct. While it’s beautiful and the nicest example I’ve ever seen, it left the factory as a hardtop Sedan DeVille rather than the more expensive longer wheelbase Fleetwood. Small differences (the upholstery style, the roofline and the Cadillac emblem on the hood) confirm this.
Even so, I’d like to park this one in my garage if I still had the means…and the garage.
You are 100% correct ion your observations.
No Fleetwood was ever a H.T., all were Sedans with footrests.
So it’s a 4dr H/T wagon like my ’57 Mercury ! It would have been wise to take photos with all the side windows down.
It says in the description that the left rear side window doesn’t work and is in the closed position.
I’m truly disappointed with the technology on this vehicle. I was expecting an intercom between the driver’s seat and the third row seat to politely state ” don’t make me come back there ” !!! (LOL)
That is funny because in my 65 Caddy,I had installed a CB in the front and one in the back so I could converse with my passengers. My crystal chandelier did tinkle a little though.
To Cadillac Kid… Every Land YACHT deserves it’s own Crystal chandelier. Also should be garaged on white and black marble tile floor with swag velvet draperies and several Crystal chandeliers hanging! 👍 OTT excessive luxury! Too Much is NEVER enough!
You mean, like this?
Oh the Crystal Chandeliers 🎵 light up the glory of this car! 🎶 This Glorious Land YACHT is really quite a star! 🎵 The stately marble floor is a beauty! That is clear 🎶 and I love those gleaming Crystal Chandeliers! 🎵 .👍 🏆
This would definitely be Charlie’s PRIDE! LOL and thanks.
a #1
ACZ: “Nobody gets to meet the Duke. You meet him once and then you’re dead!”
Never seen a Caddy wagon that wasn’t a hearse. The white roof helps to keep the hearse look at bay imo. Can imagine a great comfy ride but can’t imagine how often you’ll need to stop for gas with a 472ci engine. That’s massive!
Absolutely! While we pass the little POS, they can barely pass Gas! While we are Driving in STYLE.
This would have been a Sedan de Ville prior to being converted into a station wagon as the Fleetwood had a crest on the front of the hood vs a V. My parents bought a 1969 Sedan de Ville in 1969 with the leather seats. Very comfortable car and performed great. I was turning 16 then and loved driving it the few times I was allowed. It averaged 7 MPG, and once on a trip driving from Northern California to Southern California it averaged 10 MPG. My Dad was ecstatic. It had a 27 gallon fuel tank and would go about 270 miles between fill ups with premium fuel. Gas was only around 32 cents a gallon then. Back in those days you knew a luxury car as soon as you saw it. Not today!!!
That seven miles per gallon would have been DOWN HILL, with a good wind behind it LOL
I have owned many Cadillacs since my first one(1965 Sedan) at age 16. Never bought any other make car to this day(I’m 65 now), OMG! When did that happen??? I never ever took a vehicle to a garage for a repair either but I will admit, it is getting more difficult to get up from the ground after working under them. Anyways, I really liked the 69 horn set up. No pressing a ring, no button, just a constant inlay around the wheel. Your thumb was always there to press it. I do feel that my 65 was far superior in the interior design but years do change. I would like this one. I’d put my steering wheel on that was from an Oldsmobile 442, my dash tach from a Buick GS and my dash pods with gauges. I added them to my 69 many years before a flood totaled it.
Now a 1947 Vintage Rolls Canardly (Roll down one hill and Can ardly get up the next) I have fortunately owned numerous upscale vehicles. Favorite Cadillac was a 1989 Brougham deElegance. Should never have let it go. Now Cadillac makes NOTHING that deserves to be called The Standard of the WORLD! Here’s to happy motoring for many more years! Am clinging to my 2007 Town Car Signature Limited, which per my instructions will literally carry my cremains to my grave!
I had a ’48, not ’47 Rolls-Royce (station wagon) but “Shooting Brake” was the preferred nomenclature – with its 4.25 six cylinder engine and 4-spd transmission it had to trouble with hills.
Hi, RICK W! I have seen fewer than five Caddy station wagons — and the ones I have encountered on the road are from about this vintage. Love the colour of this one as the sun sets it off in the videos! But, Caddy or no, at to-day’s prices, I would DREAD that 7 M.P.G. gas-mileage! Would need to install hardened valve-seats to withstand the unleaded fuel. Can’t afford this one anyway. But it WOULD be a “gas” to drive it around!
Cadillac seems bent on making cars to compete with BMW for some reason today, instead of trying to be a better Cadillac. The Cadillacs that ring my bell are all the ones from 1960 and up through the ’74 model. They were all big, stylish and comfortable cruisers.
The doctor I worked for in 1971 bought a new, pale yellow Fleetwood Wagon and I took care of it for the next ten years. It was always fun to be loading groceries in the back of it in front of the grocery store ( our monthly trip to the store would just about fill the entire floor with paper bags, behind the middle row – and STILL be just under $100 !!! ) There would usually be someone on the sidewalk who would say “I Didn’t Know Cadillac Made A Wagon” . . . then, I’d have to tell them “the story”.
. . . and also, as stated in this listing . . . our ’71 Fleetwood really DID take the kids to school ( I spent many hours sitting in the “carpool line” ) We also used it on just about every trip and “ride in the country” we went on, too. The original cost of our Fleetwood in 1971 as a “normal” car was around $10,000 – after the custom work was finished, it sold for $21,000 ( which was a lot for a car back in ’71 )
I’d like to know who in Fargo, North Dakota had this vehicle – Overvold’s was the dealer as shown on the protect-o-plate. I don’t think Clif Overvold is still alive but I’ll be in Fargo tomorrow and will be passing a photo of this thing around to see if any of the guys remember this car!
Hey Jim, Truman Tryus was a dentist in Fargo who owned this beautiful and very rare Caddy and can remember it well. Cliff passed away many years ago but they were the Cadillac dealer back then so I would have to assume it came from that dealership. Can’t believe it has survived and great seeing it again.
Thanks Kevin – now I have a name – guys I talked with on Sunday remembered he was a doctor of some kind but couldn’t put a name on him. Must have been a good dental practice to afford something like this!
As promised, a follow up on this car. Leased through Overvold Motors, the car was owned by a doctor of some sort and was seen parked on the streets of Fargo many times, probably until it moved to Arizona as per the original posting about the car. Overvold Motors is long gone – I was correct, Clif Overvold passed away. He ended up in the State (mental) Hospital in Jamestown where he died.
Hi, RICK W! I have seen fewer than five Caddy station wagons — and the ones I have encountered on the road are from about this vintage. Love the colour of this one as the sun sets it off in the videos! But, Caddy or no, at to-day’s prices, I would DREAD that 7 M.P.G. gas-mileage! Would need to install hardened valve-seats to withstand the unleaded fuel. Can’t afford this one anyway. But it WOULD be a “gas” to drive it around!
This would make a neat family car, so much neater than a new Escalade, GLORIFIED suburban. If you can afford this car especially for something to take on trips, the price of gas is immaterial.
If only it was 10 years ago when literally no one gave a hoot about wagons (no one still should but me) and the owners gave cars like this away because they couldn’t sell them.
Regardless of provenance I love the car and would love and hug it and name it George.
Big wagons were great in demo derbies, where a lot of them ended up.
I agree with all of the above comments which lament that a Cadillac these days is in name only — you can not buy a snazzy large prestige body-on-frame, rear-wheel-drive car with all of the luxuries that Cadillac used to offer. Thank you, government regulators who cannot simply let us alone to enjoy life in America!
If consumers wanted to buy big luxo barges, that’s all you would see on the roads.
Tastes change, and even though Caddy and Lincoln held onto the large cars a lot longer than others, they had to do what would bring the customers to the door.
Owned by a dentist in Fargo when new. Still remember it driving through the neighborhood
And I’ve never seen a Caddy “wagon” that wasn’t either an ambulance or a hearse.
You don’t see too many of them. I had only heard of them. This is the only one I’ve seen in person.
To PR4… IMO the buying public has been down the Yellow Brick Road by the NOT so wonderful Wizards of the auto industry, extolling SUVS, crossovers and melted jelly beans focused on BIG profits. The younger buyers have no clue as to what these glorious LAND YACHTS offer in OTT excessive comfort and CLASS. And most people can’t afford to buy one of these overpriced POS, having to lease at prices that stretch their budgets. The Peasants now produced are revolting! I’m on to VERSAILLES! 🏰
They were coachbuilt but you could order them through the dealer.
Factory built or not, that is one damn fine automobile.
I know it’s hard to justify the extra engineering required for such a low production vehicle, but the visible rear tailgate hinges are more befitting of a VW Beetle or Jeep than a Cadillac. Still a very cool. very rare model.
The ultimate dragon wagon! That 472 drinks gas at a alarming rate which wouldn’t be so bad till you realized the A/C doesn’t work! Then there you are sitting in a pool of sweat in such a great car . Realistically small potatoes, if you are the kind of person who wants one of none it would be a great car to travel in & I suspect someone will do just that!
Back when I was a young teenager, my friends and I would hitchhike back and forth through the canyon to get to Hollywood. One time we were picked up by Dean Martin’s wife, Genie. She was driving a 69 Eldorado wagon and was kind enough to warn us that her Poodle had bad breath. Some things you just don’t forget.
That is an awesome story, I believe Sammy Davis Junior had one as well. They were definitely a big step up.
We would see Sammy Davis Jr. when we would go “trick or treating”
🎵 Everybody loves some Doggie sometime. 🎶Something in its breath made us stay clear! 🎶 At least it didn’t have any Grey POOP on… or did it 🤔!
Exactly!!! I was going to comment this.
That car is the Truly real and from Fargo, North Dakota as I went to school with the Tryhus children and Remember that car dropping them off And it sitting in their driveway during the 70s always clean and shiny. Didn’t realize it then but now as a car collector myself I realize how truly rare that car is. So glad to see it Has endured and been preserved!
I like it. Anyone remember the high bid was last time around?
Robert, I believe the high bid was $25,000 and some change
🤔 Wonder how FAR GO 😉 the bids this time?
Hey Steve did you live on southwood drive? Always saw his wife driving it and you are right about it always being clean, it had an easy life.
Unfortunately with all the electrical gremlins this car seems to have, it makes you wonder if the mice have attacked the wiring on this bad boy. Take a good whiff & beware of all the hanging air freshners..
Not exactly sure what electrical gremlin you’re referring to? One out of the five power windows does not work, and the horn does not honk. More than likely the air-conditioning is completely discharged of refrigerant, as the vehicle is 55 years old period There are no air fresheners in the vehicle or any odor of rodents.
They should pare this wagon with a surplus military 400 gallon fuel trailer.
As near as I can determine, until 2010, Cadillac wagons were only built by custom coach builders and usually in single digit quantities, so it’s not surprising that most folks have never seen or heard of them.
Ron, you are very correct they were very low production this year in particular was only 15 in total some years there were less. I knew they existed prior to this purchase but had never seen one in person. Definitely a verified and it will be missed.
Amazing automobile! Bet it rode like a huge pillow back in the day. Sell it by the pound or by the inch 🤔?? Take a heck of a garage to house this gem. Totally love it, all 6 mpg of it.
That’s no kidding, it does fit inside my garage with a bit of room to spare on both ends but she’s full figured to say the least!
Our ’71 Fleetwood just fit in the old four-car garage it was parked in – all the way up to the wall in front, and about six inches at the door.
What a great RARE car! I can imagine taking my new family out in this! Room for everyone! and a beautiful color! What a fantastic clean relic of the past! Someone is going to be lucky to pick this thing up! I think we can all agree that this is going to make somebody the pinnacle of the car community!
There is a 1970 Cadillac wagon on Facebook marketplace in Ottawa KS trying to get $12,000 and it is extremely rough.
Good morning to my Barn Find bidders. We are nearing the end of the auction and approaching the reserve. I’d like to wish all potential bidders good luck. This is a rare find that anybody would be lucky to have. Feel free to ask any questions that you may have
The seller has asked us to pull the reserve! With only 24 hours left, this should be interesting. Good luck bidders!
we see this each wk (more than?)? standard: 1/17th ofa daily page? adds up…
AND
I’m a wagon fan.
What do the sports car guys think, the truckers, etc?
SOLD for $26,100, and 86 Comments!