Car: Cadillac DeVille Convertible
Year: 1965
What makes it special: DeVille was originally a trim level and later a separate model produced by Cadillac. The first car to bear the name was the 1949 Coupe de Ville, a pillarless two-door hardtop body style with a prestige trim level above that of the Series 62 luxury coupe. DeVille denoted Cadillac’s mainstream model, falling between the Calais and the Sixty Special and Eldorado. The DeVille was redesigned for 1965. Tailfins were canted slightly downward, and sharp, distinct body lines replaced the rounded look. Also new were a straight rear bumper and vertical lamp clusters. The headlight pairs switched from horizontal to vertical, thus permitting a wider grille. Curved frameless side windows appeared, and convertibles acquired tempered glass backlights.
What made it famous: New standard features included lamps for luggage, glove and rear passenger compartments and front and rear safety belts. Power was still supplied by the 340 horsepower 429 cu in V8, which would be replaced by the 472 cu in for 1968. Perimeter frame construction allowed repositioning the engine six inches forward in the frame, thus lowering the transmission hump and increasing interior room. DeVille models had small “Tiffany-like” script nameplates on the ends of their rear fenders just above the chrome side molding.
Why I would want one: The 1965 model was the first year of the stacked headlights look. Love the crisp lines and miles of chrome. An awesome boulevard cruiser for sure!
Fun fact: The name “DeVille” is derived from the French de la ville or de ville meaning “Of the town”.
