BF Auction: 1976 Cadillac Coupe De Ville
- Seller: Bob P
- Location: Island Heights, NJ
- Mileage: 64,401 Shown
- Chassis #: 46D47S6E626464
- Title Status: Clean
With the world becoming more hectic, there is no shame in embracing your leisure time at a more subdued pace. There are activities available to suit almost any taste. However, there is none better for a motoring enthusiast than to slip behind the wheel of a luxurious classic. That is the opportunity awaiting the new owner of this 1976 Cadillac Coupe De Ville. It is a tidy and mechanically sound survivor, and its few non-urgent cosmetic needs could be tackled by a new owner in a home workshop. It would make an excellent winter project, giving the winning bidder time to return it to its former glory before the sun pokes its head out once again. The owner feels someone deserves that opportunity, choosing to list the Caddy with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Cadillac launched the Fourth Generation De Ville range for the 1971 model year, with cars remaining in showrooms until 1976. Our feature car is from that final production year. Its original owner ordered it in classy Phoenician Ivory with a contrasting Dark Brown vinyl top. This classic makes a positive first impression, with the paint retaining a healthy shine and no evidence of significant panel imperfections. The fender skirts accentuate its long, low stance, while the trim and original hubcaps are in good order. The owner acknowledges minor rust and corrosion issues, including surface corrosion on the underside. Still, these problems haven’t reached a point where anything beyond simple patches is justified in the few exterior areas where it has achieved steel penetration. More noticeable is the loss of the rear fender and bumper fillers. This is a common complaint, but one which isn’t insurmountable. NOS fillers occasionally appear online, but unless the winning bidder is a purist willing to pay a premium for genuine parts, reproduction sets generally represent a better and significantly more affordable investment. These are typically made from fiberglass and are easier to paint than the genuine components. More importantly, they won’t succumb to the same age and UV issues that claimed the original fillers. The tinted glass shows no signs of problems, and the narrow whitewalls add the ideal finishing touch to the exterior.
Cadillac embraced a “bigger is better” attitude during the Fourth Generation De Ville’s evolution. Its 472ci V8 was standard fare until 1975 when its giant 500ci powerplant became the only engine. That is what resides under this Coupe’s hood, while a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes guarantee a relaxed driving experience. That V8 produces 190hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque. Most owners were unconcerned about the De Ville’s ¼-mile potential but were content with its ability to devour vast distances while cruising effortlessly at freeway speeds. This Coupe can achieve that feat because it is in excellent mechanical health. The engine is strong, there are no fluid leaks, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the car rides as serenely as any good Caddy from this period should on its new tires. Potential buyers can consider this a turnkey proposition.
The Caddy’s interior isn’t perfect, but the lack of ripped or torn upholstery means it is serviceable. The front seat features some marks and stains, but it would be worth discussing these with a leather specialist. They may respond positively to an appropriate cleaner, meaning returning them to a higher state won’t cost a fortune. The dash and wheel are cracked, and the new owner’s approach will depend on their budget. Replacements for both items are available, but a dash cover and wheel wrap would hide the problem and prevent further deterioration relatively cheaply. The carpet and remaining upholstered surfaces are in good order, the faux woodgrain hasn’t faded, and there is no evidence of crumbling plastic. The current owner confirms the passenger side window is inoperative, the air conditioning doesn’t blow cold, the clock just stopped working, the right low beam headlight is out, and the speedometer cable recently stopped working. Otherwise, the remaining gauges and lights work as they should. The Coupe De Ville is a luxury car, with the inclusion of power windows, cruise control, and a factory radio unsurprising. The only apparent aftermarket addition is a multi-disc stereo concealed in the glovebox.
American luxury cars from the mid-1970s have previously been disparagingly referred to as “land yachts.” However, that term no longer holds the negative connotations it once did as the popularity of these classics increases. People have recognized that with daily life proceeding at a frenetic pace, relaxed leisure activities are almost essential to prevent burnout. Some people will turn to yoga, while others will cruise the oceans. If you are like me and prefer to keep your feet dry, a traditional land yacht like this 1976 Cadillac Coupe De Ville could be the ideal solution. It is undeniably affordable and possesses a genuine presence that many modern alternatives lack. Most of its minor shortcomings could be addressed using a DIY approach. Those reasons seem good enough to justify submitting a bid. You never know, but today might be your lucky day.
Bid On This Auction
Kenny S. bid $800.00 2023-12-27 06:50:28
Terry Rust bid $300.00 2023-12-26 22:26:29
Auctions Ending Soon
2006 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 SCBid Now10 hours$15,000
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now3 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now3 days$3,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now3 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now5 days$10,500
Comments
What’s up with all the rust in the engine bay? The exterior sheet metal could be fixed but I find all the rust under the hood kind of a red flag. Was it in a flood?
Think superstorm Sandy at the Jersey Shore.
OK. seems some former driver forgot their Depends one day. Perhaps they saw under the hood?
Was this the last Caddy that Jimmy Hoffa was seen in? That’s a heck of a stain on that seat!
Yeah as soon as I saw that, I lost my appetite. I have never seen it that bad even on trucks I have taken the goods off of and exposed ten years. That is no doubt super storm Sandy salt.
My dad loved big cars, and his Caddy, very similar only blue, was one of the last big cars he had. My mom didn’t like it, because the doors were too heavy, but she wasn’t going to complain, driving a Caddy in a lower middle class neighborhood. My dad, like most Caddy owners, were a proud bunch. They fought to keep this country free, and dag nabit, demanded the best car in the world. Not too much to ask. They generally worked hard, went up through the ranks, Chevy, Pontiac, Buick/Olds, then finally, a Caddy, and like most, dad was very proud of that fact. I remember him saying backing out the drive and down the street for the 1st time, he said, “look you bunch of #%*@#,s, Jerry A. is driving a Cadillac”,( think Seinfeld episode),,as we all slunk down in the cushy seats. He had a couple “downsized” cars, but hated them all, and went to minivans.
Cadillacs, once for rich and famous, had trickled into “regular” America with these cars and sent a clear message, the owner worked their way up, the driver(me) was just their punk kid. Beautiful cars, the likes we’ll never see again. Here’s your chance to own the absolute best car to come out of Detroit ( or NJ), yeah, when Detroit made cars for ALL of us with a little hard work. I simply can’t wrap my head around the opening bid. What’s wrong here?
One of my G/F’s mom had a 75 in triple green back in the day. She got to borrow it exactly once that I remember.
I should have looked closer to the pics. If this car has been through a hurricane, I want no part of it. Also missing is tail lamp and rear bumper mouldings.
Distinct rattling/thunking can be heard from the engine compartment. And it sounded like it was gonna stall a couple times. Might be nothing, might be something. Other than that, I’ve seen worse and I’ve seen better. I’d definitely go 1,500-2,000 range and take my chances. To make the car mint would easily surpass what it’s worth on the market, but we buy these because we love them (as I did when they were new), not to resell them. It’s a Coupe, so to me that’s awesome, and no other car on earth drives like these things. It’s cool and like the writer even says it’s a take-your-time doable project. If I had the space, the room, the patience I’d buy it in a minute!
@sixone, I was thinking the same thing about these engine rumbling. I thought these motors were a lot smoother than what this one is?
Maybe not a rod knocking, but who knows? It sure wasn’t lifters!
I could spend one hour underneath the hood and it would look much better.
Without any future rambling, I’m simply not impressed.
Just my oponion!
No, it was distinct clunking. Could be busted lifter (thing that sits on top of the lifter) which would make it run like shit too and stumble and all kinds of stuff. Yet very easy to fix.
Had a used 1976 Coupe deVille light blue with padded half vinyl top. Car accelerated well with a 190 hp engine to moves its weight with the 8.2 litre engine torque. Rode fantastic. Handled effortlessly. Climate control was pleasant. But I worked downtown and the size was just not suitable for my parking garage and small spaces. Same issue at the suburban shopping centers..tight spaces and lanes designed for regular cars to maneuver to fit as many cars in as posdible. So I traded it in for a new 1982 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Chevy was
a gutless 4.4 V8 liter wonder but with F41 sport suspension and reduced overhang fit my driving and parking needs better. Life is full of compromises.
I also had a 1976 light blue 500ci I was in my young 20s. That car would do a one wheel peel burnout for blocks. Was a beautiful car. Someone ran a red light in front of me, I stood on the brake pedal and blew a brake line. I hadn’t the ability at the time to repair so I sold it.
This beautiful car isn’t hard optioned. No cruise control, not tilt, no telescopic steering wheel, no RR defog and no rearview mirror on the passenger side. I love these cars, but this one is a pass for me!
My Cadillac had more options than the one featured here. Good catch Rob.
I accidently hit “report comment” oops, sorry. I just wanted to agree with you, I didn’t look it over very thoroughly I guess because I thought it was pretty loaded, but now that you mention it. It’s almost equipped like a Calais except nice seating.
No headlamp dimmer
No Twilight Sentinel
No thermometer on drivers mirror
No opera light etc.
All my 76 coupes had most everything.
Glad to see Kenny S stepped up with an $800 bid (plus the 500 buyer premium). At first glance I saw a 1500 beater which succumbed to a 500 max. This roach would need 2 years and a warehouse to store parts for disassembly. Bumps under the vinnyl top? Ace Hardware muffler hanger? PLUS, something drastically wrong in the front of the engine that you can hear from 50 feet away? It goes downhill from there. But hey; there is a 5 CD changer in the glove box. Probably sounds good enhance with the mildew in the trunk. Scale of 1-100? About a serious 20.
Looks like this ‘land Yacht” made one too many trips into the local lake ….what a shame. And it seats….get real….couldn’t you even try to clean them a little?
All that rusty color under the hood indicates a radiator or hose let go and coated the engine compartment, not an easy mess to clean up. It may have been overheated too…
I’m thinking serious over heating at this point. At first I though some icky red dirt roads but the undercarriage is clean and not a reddish color at all. That sure isn’t rust under the hood.
I’d pull that tired 500 n 454 or BIG LS with a 10L90E it and set off to see america!
Drove one of these with a friend from Seattle to Boston via Montreal. White leather interior with all the options. Classy. Like riding in a cloud. Sucked gas like a swine, but otherwise a fine, roomy ride for road-tripping.
Heck yes what a great way to see America and you easily can put a pop up tent in the trunk😂
Can someone that is very knowledgeable about engine sounds, please respond? To me, the engine sounds on it’s death bed, with knocking, and squeaking. Next, the bumper fillers are around $200, plus the minimum bid of $500, and flying to New Jersey from Florida, and driving this home, I can easily be over $3000.00. New tires? Super Storm Sandy rust? I really need a true opinion of the max buying price.
When I first saw this ad I thought “that’s my car!” But, after reading, hardly close. My 1976 Coupe de Ville was a yellow/green color. To me it usually looked pale yellow, but if the light hit it just right it looked green. On the registration it was listed as green. Never looked up the actual color name. I believe it originally had a tan half vinyl top that was replaced with a navy blue padded top.
The person who ordered it in ’76 appearently wanted the d’elegance package but that came with Valor seats and I guess he wanted leather because my car had leather seats and he individually ordered all the d’elegance parts, half vinyl top, opera lights, stand up hood ornament and few others. Mine was much better optioned with cruise, tilt & telescopic, rear window defogger, remote right side rearview mirror, power trunk with pull down, the trumpet horn, twilight sentinel and auto headlight dimmer
and a couple more options. The a/c worked when I had it converted to 134A.
This car is rusting in all the same places as mine did, and no, it wasn’t in hurricane Sandy. Damn I loved that car. I had 3″ white wall tires and replaced the original hubcaps with the fake wire wheels.
I replaced the two end pieces at the rear bumper. The parts around the taillights were still good. The headlights were a pain in the arse as those little plastic pink pieces always broke and you drove around with a headlight that looked like it was about to fall out. I replaced all of those pieces. They were for headlight adjustment.
As we all say, wish I never got rid of it. Gave it to a friend around 2005.
My friend had a 76 Fleetwood that same color. He said it looked like a banana with the odd green/yellow depending on the light.
All you guys complaining about how few pictures are presented, did this guy with the ’76 Cadillac put enough pictures for you? LOL
Here’s a pic of my ’76 Coupe de Ville
Angel, You have awesome taste in cars! Beautiful!
Wish we could do multiple pics
Lucky you. Are you restoring or enjoying as-is? Let us know if you decide to sell especially the CoupeD. S
Nice Cadillacs. Of the many I had, the 500 CID was great and very fast but my 65 with a 429 was faster. I hated the little square speedometer that only went to 100 and yes, I was over that a few times.
Rob & CK, thank you. I love my land yachts.
Sixone, at the time I was driving as is, slowly restoring. The CdV was my daily driver. I would alternate sometimes between the CdV and the Eldoado convertible. All this took place in the late 90s to around 2006/2007.
Got divorced and had to sell everything.
1970 Buick Riviera
1971 Buick Riviera boattail
1972 Buick Riviera boattail
1975 Cadillac Eldorado convertible
1076 Cadillac Coupe de Ville d’elegance
I was looking at a 1960 Caddy once. The couple was going through a divorce. He had the car and she had the rebuilt engine in her garage. It was funny. He was going to tell me the bars she hangs out and what her likes were so I could “get in with her” and buy the engine. I never got married for that reason. All my Caddy’s were mine. Marriage is the number one cause of divorce you know. LOL It was funny. I passed.
How many of them did you replace? Talking about the cars not the husband
It sounds funny, but at the time, I assure you, it’s not funny.
Tried to post on here and it posted where the 66 Mustang is. This is my favorite Cadillac of all time the night 1976 Coupe DeVille. Thing is I had no idea that you could order them with so few options. I worked at a Cadillac dealership in the early 80s and I never seen a car this stripped down. Could be really nice but it’s got to have all the options otherwise it’s not right. Even still I would trade my 06 Dodge Magnum for it :-)
This car is a nearly 50 year old survivor.
The vinyl roof was likely redone but nearly everything else seems to be original, except consumables-like tires, battery, etc. Even the fiber optic hood lights, interior rear light indicators, radio still work. Thank you Angel-the car was not subjected to Hurricane Sandy.
I don’t like to say anything negative about sellers that use Josh and Jesse’s auctions. But, I have owned Cadillacs with the 472 and 500 cubic inch engines. Neither one of them sounded like a diesel. Both of them were whisper quiet. Check out the water pump, power steering pump or timing chain set on this one. Could be a simple fix.
These days, most “options” on cars come with a particular package, and substitutions , or individual items are often not permitted, When this car was new, customers could request almost any combination of options. My late godfather was a GM/Cadillac dealer and would order a few base-models , so he could advertise a Caddy at a low price. Once the customer came in, it was the salespersons mission to upsell to a loaded version. Selling the no-option Cadillacs was strongly discouraged, as they were required to be in stock to keep the ads legal.
As for the engine noise, and uneven idle on this example, I strongly suspect the timing chain. Cadillacs of this vintage had nylon-coated timing gears to reduce noise. Over time, the nylon deteriorates, creating a loose timing chain. The broken nylon ends up in the sump, sometimes blocking the oil pickup. I have seen some where the chain has jumped, causing engine damage. BTW, you can check the timing gear by pulling the distributor, and looking inside.
With the rust, missing fender fillers, poor interior, and almost no options, I don’t believe this car is worth saving. It is of questionable value, even for parts.
Cam;
Not worth saving? Not even for parts? Every car is worth saving. This car has lasted this long and is in relatively decent shape. Yeah, the interior sucks, but after 50 years I’m sure your inurdes don’t look that great either.
Highly optioned are always more desirable than base models. Two doors are more desirable than four doors. Does that mean we throw away all four door models?
I respect your opinion, but I just had to voice my opinion. The more that go to the crusher, the less there are for future collectors, parts for more unfortunate survivors or history.
Even though this particular Cadillac is not highly optioned, I would still take it if I could for no other reason than to save it. Base models are important, too.
I couldn’t agree more!!!!!
Angel:
I have reconsidered my last comment. This car is probably worth saving, at least for parts. I was thinking of it purely as a business decision. If it were to sell for $800 + $500 auction fee + taxes + transportation cost, it could end up costing around $2,000. While there is some demand for Caddy parts from this era, buyers usually only want nice stuff. You would have to be lucky to break even on this one. BTW, I bought a 70s Eldo parts-car, two summers ago in about the same shape. I paid $800 for it. I think this car is worth the same.
Cam;
I kinda figured you were looking at it in a financial light.
I look at cars with my heart.
This is probably why I’m so poor, but I had a ’70 Buick Riviera, paid $600 for it, put $4000 into it, enjoyed it, sold it for $600.
Yeah, I love money and need money, but when it comes to classic cars, my heart rules.
To those pointing out so many issues, give some respect to this elderly survivor of the days when Cadillac was still the Standard of the WORLD! Sad to see what now wears the Cadillac name 😕 😞 🤮
I always enjoy reading the comments from Angel Cadillac Diva.
Love my74 triple black CDV. Owned for 6 years and all but the clock works.
Originally purchased as a retirement gift by an employee at Cadillac in Detroit. He died two years later and the family kept the car till sold to a broker.
I got lucky, the car is perfect parked next to a 70 Vette. My favorite two children.
How do I post a pic?
You need a membership to post photos in the comments. Thanks!
I believe the “stains” on seats is wear thru of the white color. All leather is dyed and this look like it’s been chafed repeatedly right down to it’s natural hue. For the seller to pay $100 to list and buyer paying $500 bidder premium that’s $600 bucks to sell what is effectively a $1200-$1500 car. I’ve owned a 76 with the 500 ci motor and timing chain took a dive at 55,000 miles. Red w white vinyl top that had all kinds of options and was in really great shape. The quote to rebuild the engine was thousands of dollars and only a 6 month warranty. Sold the car to a guy that swapped out the engines and drove the daylights out of that car for years. Nostalgia makes me partial to these Caddies but financially I know now to be extremely careful when buying old cars.
Nostalgia and tradition will get you in trouble with money every time…
These Great American Land YACHTS are never to be built again! Damn the SUVS and crossovers! Full speed ahead. I’ve let too many vehicles go because of cost of repairs. No way will I part with my current 2007 Town Car, which has cost nothing in repairs (besides normal maintenance). Repairing a classic is less expensive than the cost of a new glorified truck 🚚.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But also keep in mind objective valuations. Examine the Hagerty Insurance Valuation tool on this car. It covers everything from concours to fair condition on this vehicle. While people may differ, this car is close to fair condition using the criteria for fair as defined in the valuation tool. As far as the history of this car can be traced, it has only had 3 owners over 47 years. It is definitely not a concours car, but it also is not a car that needs to be junked or farmed for parts. It has good bones & is in decent shape. It just needs a good home with a good owner who will appreciate it for what it is. And with some effort as stated in the ad, can make it nice. My father had a similar car when I was a kid & I learned how to drive in that car. I remember how proud my Dad was to buy his Cadillac who worked very hard his whole life & enjoyed Cadillacs until the day he passed. I bought this car to relive his spirit but the time has come for me personally to move on. I hope someone will appreciate this car in the same way.
@DuesenbergDino ”Nostalgia and tradition will get you in trouble with money faster than anything”
Me
It took some years, but the Lincoln was a superior car by this time
76 was the last year that Cadillac and Lincoln had comparable vehicles. 77 downsized Cadillac sent many traditional Cadillac buyers to Lincoln. Lincoln continued to lead in OTT Land YACHTS. Even when downsized in 1980, Lincolns only real direct competition was RWD FLEETWOOD Brougham. Having owned both, agree overall Lincoln (then Town Car) had the edge. FWD Cadillacs also lost customers to Lincoln! LINCOLN, what a Luxury car should be. 👍
ClassicP…….
Hate to say it, none.
1) I move around too much, right after the divorce I moved to Maine for 2 years, then Baltimore for 6 and now Vegas, 8, so far.
2) I’ve been living in apartments which is much harder than a house with a yard or garage.
3) can’t find what I’m looking for.
My ’71 Riviera was the sporty one with buckets, console, floor shift, loaded, white interior, same with my ’70 Riviera, buckets, console, etc, loaded. The ’72 had a bench seat, colum shift,, but was also loaded.
I would love to have my ’75 Fleetwood Talisman again. Frankly, at the time I didn’t realize the rarity of it. The ’74 Coupe de Ville was a temporary daily driver which became a parts car for the Fleetwood. The ’76 Coupe de Ville was my daily driver. Can’t find the color or options I’m looking for, and the ’75 Eldorado is easier to replace as I hated the color (baby blue)
Not to mention I was working and had hubby’s income as well, now on disability and can’t really afford this hobby anymore.
So I live vicariously through everyone on here.