Luxurious Finned Project: 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille
There have undoubtedly been several Cadillacs throughout the years displaying a stunning appearance, but for fans of finned styling, it’s pretty hard to top the 1959 Coupe DeVille, with its bullet-shaped quad taillights protruding out back. For a car that was supposed to emphasize luxury, perhaps it was deemed a bit too excessive, as the following year the design got toned down slightly from the rear. However, if you’re a fan of the ’59 models and searching for a project, this one here on eBay is likely worth checking out. The Caddy is located down in Miami, Florida, with the no-reserve auction currently resting at $20,000.
From what I can tell, it appears somebody already began a restoration on this one, but they didn’t get all that far along. We only get a couple of shots from the inside, but the seats have already been taken out which is probably good, as this provides an excellent view of the floor, which seems to remain reasonably solid. No shots of the dash itself are provided, but the visible part of the steering wheel is showing some cracks and wear, so it’s probably safe to assume the components here will need some sort of refreshing. The seller assures us he has all of the interior parts, and also mentions a 6-way power seat, although it’s going to need some new upholstery.
It’s also stated that the car has been stored for more than 15 years, and while there are no further details provided, the circumstances appear favorable, as the body seems complete and there doesn’t appear to be an excessive amount of serious rust issues for the next owner to contend with. A couple of close-up photos are provided from some lower areas on the passenger side, and while there is visible corrosion present, it seems under control enough that the panels will likely be salvageable.
A 390 cubic-inch V8 powers the Cadillac, and even though the seller says it runs well the fuel lines have been removed, so reinstalling these will be mandatory, plus a carburetor rebuild would also be helpful. Another necessity will be going through the brakes, but the electrical system is said to be in good working order, with only the cruise control stated as non-functioning. If I wanted to restore a DeVille, the ’59 model would be high on my list, and this one seems to be at a decent starting point overall. What are your thoughts here?
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Comments
I had this same car, about 20 years ago, color and everything but 20 years nicer in condition. I paid $12,500 and it would be a good investment. I didn’t keep it long enough to find out. I can’t remember why I sold it, I can recall how long it was when I got it home and in the garage
My folks had one of these in the mid
’60s– and the same color too! And though ours was a lowly Series 62, it
was still a Cadillac through and through. I recall hearing a loud BOOM
while we were having dinner one night. We rushed outside to find that
the rear window had exploded and was badly cracked! Man, woulda think it! Wasn’t long before our insurance agent showed up with a check so that Mom and Dad could get
car fixed that same evening. We lucked out on 2 counts. One, the guy
at Glass Specialty was still open, and
2, he had several rear glass assemblies at his shop ready to be
installed. As he worked, he told my folks exploding rear windows were
indeed quite a problem on ’59 and ’60
Cadillacs as the temperature inside
the car on a very hot day would cause
the rear windows on these cars to
burst during the Summer. We solved
That problem by leaving the front
glasses down a bit to allow all that
super hot air on the cabin to escape.
And who can forget getting impaled
on those monsterou fins and !taillights!? I got stabbed in the back
trying to catch a football that same
Summer. Thanks for the memories
Mike!
.
Yes, I remember my Grandfather had a pink 57 and a pink 60 Cadillac side by side in his driveway. I came zooming down the sidewalk on my bike with a “Coaster brake” that worked, sometimes. That time it decided not to. I tried to go between them but the 60 stopped me. I was not very happy.
I can imagine … my granddaughter did the same thing to my 350Z Roadster – left a long line on the fender … she felt so bad, but I told her her “it’s only a car” and I was glad she wasn’t hurt …
I want it how much $
Throw your hat in the ring!!!
I see no cruise control unit under the hood, so if it exists, it was an add on.
And I thought my ’50 Commodore has enough chrome to polish….
How can it “run fine” with the fuel lines removed? The engine compartment is way too clean for a 59.
I bought a white one in the summer of 1969 for $397.00. Heck of a deal for a 10 year old Cadillac! But the price was right cause as a daily driver it needed $50.00 worth of repairs ever month. I loved the looks and the ride and just the joy of my first Caddy but could not afford to keep up with repairs. One late night on a quiet highway I tested it for top speed. 99. That was it, 99mph. The next morning I heard a clicking in the front end. The neighbourhood garage put it on the hoist, pulled the passenger front wheel and the bearing spilled out onto the floor, the hub and race demolished. I got $300 for it on a trade-in.
If the owner could actually demonstrate that it runs and drives – then $20k would probably be the max on the price. I’d definitely be a contender for this 1959 Cadillac Coupe if all the questions were answered and out in the open! They are BEAUTIFUL! I’d love to have this one. Good luck to the new owner and DON’T spend any money UNTIL all your questions are answered! Nice article.
“The body is an amazing shape with minimal rust…”
Having restored several 1959 Cadillacs over 30 years (in Australia), I can see this car has maximal rust in the lower body.
Those bubbles you see show cancer, not uncommon on older Cadillacs caused by water trapping in the rockers. This will necessitate a complete lower body rebuild, which means a metal fabricator and welding professional who ‘spot’ welds.
Allow a few thousand dollars in your feaso for body repairs.
SOLD for 25K.
In 1970 while in the Air Force stationed in Biloxi Miss. I bought a 59 Cadillac Hearst from a head shop in New Orleans for $200.00. It had “FAR OUT” written down each side with dayglow paint. Every Friday I would load up my German Shepherd and some good friends and head off to Fort Walton Beach for a camping trip. Great fun going thru Mobile Alabama with “Come on Baby Light My Fire” by the Doors blasting on the cassette and my dogs head hanging out the window. Nobody would cross the street until we were well down the road. Finally had to retire my great joy because of a busted frame due to the poor roads back then. What great memories.