Restored California Custom DeVille Convertible 472 V8

The world of automotive design is much like the world of fashion: what's old eventually becomes new again. Right now, large, luxurious and unabashedly American cruisers are seeing a nice bounce in appreciation. And, whether it's a product of time or part of today's 70s-esque social circumstances, these cars are rapidly developing a devout group of followers who are broadening their audience and ensuring their preservation. From an engineering standpoint, no automaker could compete with General Motors' early 70s luxury. And this striking Cadillac custom, featuring the kind of sinister presence that would make a B-2 bomber envious, is a perfect example why. Mixing one of the biggest and smoothest V8s GM ever produced with mirror-like paint and a spacious, comfortable interior, this classy DeVille puts a new twist on 'Standard of The World'. And if you've always dreamed of owning a big American cruiser that's high on style and loaded with comfort, it's just the opportunity you've been waiting for!

Not completely devoid of character, like so many traditional, frame-off restorations, this road-ready drop-top is an exhilarating combination of factory-correct blitz and tasteful glam. Appearing both solemn and official, its Jet Black paint reflects an excellent shine that literally glows when crouching under the sun. That modern two-stage covers what appears to be clean, mostly original sheetmetal which displays no sign of botched repairs or historic damage. And I can't say for certain, but the car's razor-sharp, slab-sided quarters have to be some of the biggest single stampings ever installed on any automobile. Since we're talking about history and significance, this Cadillac's Fleetwood-branded body was originally produced by GM's Fisher subsidiary. Recently, that body was mildly modified and frame-up restored by the talented professionals at South County Customs. And today, the car rolls with no filler, no questionable seams, no bulges, and nothing else that would pose any kind of demerit to its spectacular, road-dominating style!

By the time this DeVille hit the pavement, Detroit's love affair with elaborate chrome bolt-ons was long over. That said; this is still a Cadillac. And naturally, it still sports some of the industry's most impressive trim which, when combined with South County's west coast-style modifications, create a detailed appearance that's as unique as it is impressive. At the front of the car's long body, a painted, vertical-blade grille rides between a shaved hood, chrome-seated headlights and a broad chrome bumper. At the sides of that bumper, chrome-trimmed marker lamps and retrofitted Escalade fender vents flow toward shaved doors that angle small chrome mirrors across skirted rear fenders. Above those fenders, tinted and stainless-trimmed glass seats in a power cloth roof that's seen limited sun exposure. And at the back of that roof, smoked tail lights occupy the top corners of the car's shaved and angled fins, while a shaved bumper hangs integrated exhaust outlets below a shaved decklid.

Cadillac, once the world's leading proprietor of fine, 16-cylinder motor coaches, knows a thing or two about performance. For example, this convertible's correct, 472 cubic inch monster block, which is one of the largest V8s ever produced, turns stout 10 to 1 compression into a smooth 375 horsepower. And while GM Powertrain did provide engines that generated more power, this mill was designed to idle silently, create instantaneous thrust and emit merely a whisper from its tailpipe. Judging by the appearance of the car's satin black bay, it's been on a regular maintenance schedule, benefitting from periodic, full-scale detailing. Many of the motor's original ancillary items have been replaced by flashier hardware including: a chrome, single-snorkel air cleaner, chrome valve covers, a polished radiator overflow and an HEI distributor that's complete with 8mm Hi Temp wires. Thanks to two Optima gel cell batteries, the car fires so smoothly you may not even notice it's running. And everything from the motor's pliable belts to its fresh hoses is fully sorted and ready to hit the road!

Crawl under this solid luxury liner and you'll find a well-maintained chassis that, while nice, isn't so immaculate you'll be stressing out about hitting the occasional rain-soaked road. Behind the big engine, an original Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed spins a traditional GM 12-bolt that's complete with smooth 2.98 gears. Speaking of smooth, the car's long and low suspension, which is augmented with Air Ride Technologies air bags, glides over almost any imperfection with virtually no drama. Steering is one-finger effortless thanks to a factory power linkage. The car's front disc and rear drum brakes are both quick and reliable thanks to standard issue power assist. Just to make things interesting, the aforementioned manifolds have been piped to a pair of great-sounding Flowmaster dual-chamber mufflers. And all that proven hardware rolls on slick Centerline Smoothies which spin 245/40R20 Firestone Firehawks around detailed Cadillac crests. Until you've driven a true body-on-frame, rear-wheel-drive luxury car, you can't imagine the floating, almost serene sensation of gliding along on a cushion of air. And while this big Caddy certainly isn't a curve carver, it's definitely one of the best travel companions you can buy.

If you're a fan of big time comfort, you'll be absolutely thrilled by this DeVille's custom black interior! The '63 Cadillac front and chopped rear seats are firm, supple and display virtually no signs of aging. In front of those half power, half manual seats, a modernist, crack-free dash hangs a contoured instrument panel between a billet mirror, a modern Pioneer CD player, controls for the car's Air Ride Technologies suspension and chrome-trimmed foot pedals. At the base of that dash, cut-pile carpet is anchored by slick “FISHER” branded sill plates, protected by color-keyed floor mats and flanked by custom, speaker-laden kick panels. At the sides of that carpet, remotely popped doors hang bright chrome handles and small power window switches between taught, horizontal pulls and broad black armrests. In front of the driver, a custom '59 Cadillac steering wheel spins a chrome horn ring around a tilting column and simple chrome gear selector. And behind the passengers, a Dynamat-lined trunk seals a giant subwoofer behind a Pioneer CD changer, two JL Audio amps, a small bass tube, a fifth Centerline/Firestone combo and a small, South County Customs jack.

This awesome Cadillac's sale includes a small album of restoration photos and a framed South County Customs graphic.

If you're a fan of this kind of custom, you've probably discovered the same reality we have: nice, exceptionally built cars are virtually impossible to find. Generally, early 70s Cadillacs are either rusty heaps of originality or half-baked garage builds that display a lot of questionable workmanship. That's why this DeVille is so special; it's an extremely high-quality cruiser with no question marks attached. So, what are you waiting for? Don't miss your opportunity to own one of the coolest Caddys on the planet!