17,396 Actual Mile Coupe De Ville 472 V8 TH400 Survivor

In the world of automotive design, it always seems that what's old eventually becomes new again; and right now large, luxurious and unabashedly smooth 1970s American cruisers are seeing a nice bounce in appreciation. Whether it's just a product of time or a product of today's 70s-esque global and economic circumstances, these cars are rapidly developing a devout group of followers who are bringing them to the attention of an increasingly broad audience and ensuring their future preservation. From a design and engineering standpoint, no other automaker could compete with the luxury muscle coming out of General Motors in the late 60s and early 70s; and this all original 1971 Cadillac Coupe DeVille survivor is a perfect example as to why. With only 17,396 original miles, it mixes one of the biggest and smoothest V8s GM ever produced with a vibrant coat of 100% original paint and a spacious, well-preserved interior. If you're one of those enthusiasts who has always dreamed of owning a big American cruiser that's high on style and loaded with comfort, this awesome Coupe DeVille is the opportunity you've been waiting for!

Included with the sale of this cool old caddy survivor is an original window sticker which breaks down as follows:

Assembled in: DETROIT, MICHIGAN

Delivered to: LAMAC PONTIAC-CADILLAC IN HORNELL, NEW YORK

Model: COUPE DE VILLE

Optional equipment:
* Vinyl roof: $155.80
* Front and rear twin rubber floor mats: $16.70
* Five white wall tires: $42.10
* Lamp monitors: $49.50
* AM/FM Radio: $188.40
* Soft Ray tinted glass: $58.95
* Right side remote control mirror: $26.35
* Six way adjustable front seat: $91.60
* Door edge guards: $6.35
* Automatic climate control: $536.80
* Power door locks and front seat: $70.55
* Tilt and telescoping steering wheel: $94.75

TOTAL OPTIONS: $1,337.85

DESTINATION CHARGE: $95

TOTAL RETAIL PRICE: $7,696.85

Not devoid of all character like so many fresh frame-off restorations, this Cadillac's finish carries just the right amount of wear under a lovely patina and soft shine that simply cannot be duplicated with today's perfected paint processes. Originally referred to as GM code 24 Zodiac Blue, the car's bright hue looks completely appropriate and has a good amount of shine which literally glows in the sun without displaying that familiar 'behind glass' shell of most modern urethanes. Under that single stage paint, the car certainly appears to wear all original OEM sheetmetal, with no signs of botched repairs or accident damage in the past. And I can't say for certain, but those massive rear quarters with their razor-sharp edges have to be some of the biggest single stampings ever installed on an automobile. Since you're looking at those rear quarters, you've probably noticed the car's slightly weathered trunk. No worries, if you're one of those discerning owners who prefers a clean look to an original look, the experts at our RK Motors Charlotte service center will be happy to refinish it in basecoat/clearcoat. But bear in mind a car is only original once, and that's why we recommend keeping its original, surviving paint intact.

By 1971, the auto industry's love affair with excessive chrome was long over, but that doesn't mean this Cadillac isn't wearing some very impressive trim. Both the front and rear bumpers are massive pieces with separate pontoons that followed the shape of the fenders, and they're both in such good shape that it's hard to believe they're factory original. While they display no rust, no parking lot dings, and nothing else that would give away the cars age, their crisp details and lack of grinding marks shows all the signs of either an insanely expensive re-plate or 100% original equipment. The emblems are the same way; so nice that you'll be second-guessing yourself and struggling to decide whether they could've ever survived in this condition for so long. All of the car's glass is unmarked, all its lenses are crystal clear, including the unique pointed tail lights and Cadillac branded reverse lamps; and all of its stainless trim is straight and dent-free. And even the usual wear points like the original pebble grain white vinyl top, rear fender skirts and chrome trimmed turn signal indicators are in exceptionally good condition!

Cadillac didn't skimp on horsepower in the 1970s, either. This car's 472 cubic inch monster, which was the largest V8 produced by GM to date, generates a smooth and highly respectable 375 horsepower. While there were engines in the GM Powertrain stable that may have generated more power, this one was designed to idle almost silently, pull the heavy car along with the thrust of an electric motor and create merely a whisper from the tailpipe. Judging by the appearance of this big engine bay, the car has been on a regular maintenance schedule and benefitted from periodic full-scale detailing as well. Many of the car's original ancillary items are still present and accounted for from the satin black air cleaner and 4-barrel carburetor to the leak-free power steering pump and giant cast iron exhaust manifolds. And a deeper look into the engine bays reveals original core components like a straight radiator cradle and original GM Corporate Blue block paint which back up this car's survivor pedigree. The monster engine is cooled by one of the biggest radiators this side of a Kenworth, and thanks to a fresh set of plug wires, idles so smoothly that you may not even notice it's running. There's also an original hood pad which has been critical to the preservation of the car's original exterior paint. And everything from the fresh AC compressor to the new belts and new hoses is fully sorted and ready to hit the road.

Underneath the car you'll find a solid and well-maintained chassis that, while nice, is not so immaculate that you have to worry about hitting a wet road after an afternoon thunderstorm. Behind the engine, GM's stalwart Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission shifts gears almost imperceptibly all the while spinning a set of highway friendly gears which provide the smooth ride Cadillac customers had come to expect. Steering is one finger effortless, and the car's brakes are both powerful and reliable thanks to standard issue power front discs and power rear drums. The long wheelbase glides over imperfections without jostling the passengers, there's barely a burble from the factory replacement exhaust system; and I'm more than a little impressed that someone invested in correct 15-inch Hercules MRX Plus IV whitewall tires for this cruiser which look and ride just like the originals. 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 might not be an ideal track car, it is certainly 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 well-maintained Medium Blue interior! The six way power front and manual rear patterned bench seats are firm and supple, with no signs of age or even so much as a frayed edge. Above those seats, a taut headliner is stretched between fade-free shoulder belts; and at the sides of those seats, ornate and equally pristine door panels don't even display indentations from resting driver's elbows. Many modern conveniences such as power windows, power door locks, an AM/FM radio, air conditioning with automatic climate control and a remote satin and chrome finished passenger's side mirror are the major highlights of this Cadillac's options package; and they all look good, function properly and add a nice level of convenience to an already satisfying driving experience. In front of the driver, a tilt and telescoping steering column holds a beautifully preserved steering wheel which displays no delamination or cracking along its wood veneer insert. The dash shows no signs of UV damage or age, leading me to believe that this car has been stored in a fully enclosed garage its entire life. And behind the cockpit, a cavernous carpeted trunk holds what may very well be the car's original jack and original spare tire.

Included with the sale of this awesome Cadillac is an original owner's manual, an original window sticker, and an original second set of keys.

If you're interested in this flavor of classics, you've probably discovered the same reality that we have: nice ones are virtually impossible to find. They're either rusty heaps or half-baked restorations with a lot of questionable workmanship because the values just aren't there to justify the quality work. That's why low-mileage originals are so special; they give you an extremely high-quality car with no question marks attached. This 1971 Cadillac drives the way only a low-mileage original can drive, and there's an intangible smoothness in the machinery that even the best restorations struggle to duplicate. Don't miss your opportunity to own one of the nicest all original Coupe DeVilles on the planet!