1-Of-6 Wagons? 1973 Cadillac DeVille
When you scrolled into a Cadillac dealership in 1973, you’d find a selection of hardtops, sedans, and convertibles. But what you wouldn’t find was a station wagon because that body style wasn’t in the marketing plan. If you wanted a big wagon, you visited Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, or Pontiac. According to the seller, this one was custom-built and was one of only a handful produced for celebrities. It does run, but it’s going to need a lot of everything to make it shine again!
Cadillac had a good year in 1973, building more than 304,000 automobiles. But none of them were wagons and competitors like Lincoln and Imperial weren’t in that business, either. The few wagons like this that are thought to have been conceived could have come from the makers of ambulances and hearses. But, the seller doesn’t cite the source of this transformation, but the customers are thought to have been Elvis Presley, Evel Knievel, and others in that entertainment crowd.
When this Caddy was saved, we were told it was on its way to the demolition derby. It has a 472 cubic inch V8 engine which would have helped it escape the mele – at least for a while. It had been living in isolation since the 1990s and the seller got it going again by servicing the brakes and fuel system. It will drive around the block, but that may be about it.
We assume you’ll find some rust on this custom wagon and the paint may once have been cream, which mostly matched with the color of the interior. Was this built like a hearse or was a Buick or Olds wagon rear section grafted onto a Cadillac 4-door? We don’t know, but it’s in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is available here on eBay. The current bid is just past $800 but there is a reserve in play. If you bought this interesting artifact, what would you do with it?
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Comments
This car looks like it is made out 6 different wagons.
Given the shape of the wagon bits and the built-in step in the bumper, it looks like the wagon conversion used parts from the ’69-’70 Chevrolet or Pontiac full-sized wagons, or the 1970 Buick Estate Wagon. It seems odd to base the conversion on the previous GM wagons, but it was probably easier than dealing with the clamshell tailgate.
Should have left it for the demo derby guys- this thing is a mess ! With few reproduction parts available for these Caddys , and its already far from stock, I dont think anyone will be willing to put any money into this . There are still plenty of nice Coupe De Ville and Sedan De Villes around
ooo ooh i want it !
ive been lookin for years, and it had to be a hard top
contrary to some, i see a diamond in the rough
thank you Barn Finds
im probably buying this one :)
Looks like a good candidate for a conversion to a pickup, or 4×4. Or both.
I am not even sure I can comment on this. I am just appalled that anyone would let a Cadillac of ANY model get into this shape.
I’m heartbroken. 💔
Yes it is a shame. I would really like to get that car. I would have no trouble putting it together and driving it and with out help from anyone.
It seems like most no one does any work themselves on here but they sure can talk. I wonder where the car is?
I also think a reserve should have to be posted.
@TheCadillacKid
I whole heartedly agree with you, TCK.
Many here want already finished or original cars. That was one of the things I loved about the hobby back in the late 90s early 2000s when I had 6 cars to work on, play with and drive. I was fortunate to have a husband at the time that would let me buy what I wanted and he would occassionally help with some tight bolts or rusted pieces but I did most of the work, cleaning, washing, repairing, sanding, painting, and the best part…… parts hunting in junkyards.
You’re probably back east as I’m in Las Vegas, NV, but if you bought this, I’d love to help putting her back together.
She looks like a “Becky” to me.
Says it’s on Craigslist in West Palm Beach, Florida.
My high school buddy was a Cadillac enthusiast. Any time he encountered a Cadillac that wasn’t worthy of the wreath and crest, he would snap off the hood ornament. Believe it or not, he became a Catholic priest. Not sure if he was still snapping hood ornaments at that point, but it wouldn’t have surprised me if he did.
Sometimes you just can’t polish a turd enough.
Tom Cotter of Barn Finds Hunter program filmed an episode at a museum in Detroit Michigan and they have two Cadillac station wagons on the property. Under protective air bubbles or bags, whatever the name. The only two that were built by the factory so who knows where this one is from.
Interesting car but without very much information on who Did the conversion, let alone what changes were made in the body structure, I would leave this one for someone who really knows their way around a car’s structure. If it’s structurally sound, it could make a very cool wagon but how much would it cost to do so? Who knows.
Angel Cadillac Diva. You are very impressive. It’s kind of funny and reversed that your Hubby let’s you but the cars you want and you work on them, it’s usually reversed. I never got married. I chose my cars instead. I enjoy your comments.
Thank you, Cadillac Kid. I enjoy yours as well. It’s always nice to know someone with the same interests and tastes.
Seems like everyone is ignoring the fact that this a great looking wagon. Put back together this will be a killer car.