1976 Cadillac DeVille

The 1976 model year marked the end of an era for General Motors and a pivotal one as all of its automotive divisions' full-size models were due for downsizing the following year. It was the final time for many years that G.M. would produce a production convertible, the revered Sixty Special nameplate would be quietly retired after a 39-year run, and the entry-level Calais line was discontinued. All full-size cars in the GM lineup would become shorter, smaller, and lighter for 1977, and the engines became smaller as well, with Cadillac's biggest becoming a 425-cubic-inch unit, down from the high-torque 500 cubic-inch unit, Cadillac's largest ever, which had been in use since 1970.

Cadillac's biggest seller for 1976 was the deVille Series, in Coupe deVille and Sedan deVille body styles, a particularly successful model year in which new all-time sales and production records were reached. The first Cadillac 'Coupe de Ville' was shown during the 1949 Autorama and it quickly became an enduring favorite among Cadillac buyers and enthusiasts. Cadillac advertised its 1976 DeVille as 'America's favorite luxury car.'

With a 130-inch wheelbase and an overall length measuring 230.7 inches, the final standard full-size deVilles were priced from $9,067 for the Coupe and $9,265 for the Sedan. Both were differentiated from the Calais with richer interior upholstery, chrome trim, slim triangular rear quarter windows, power front seats, and luxury-level options including the d'Elegance and Cabriolet. Additionally, all full-size Cadillacs were equipped with limited-slip differentials, automatic climate control, Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmissions, power steering and brakes, Soft-Ray tinted glass and steel-belted radial tires.

Styling changes for 1976 included a new and finer crosshatching pattern for the grille, cornering lamps got new horizontal chrome trim while tail lamps gained a new bold look. Eight different color accent stripes were available, and vinyl tops were now integral padded Elk grain material. New trims included sporty plaids, plush velours, knits and 11 distinctive genuine leathers.

Coupe de Villes had a new vinyl roof whose top molding served as a continuation of the door 'belt' molding. A Controlled (limited-slip) Differential was included for extra traction. An optional illuminated entry and theft deterrence system was optional. A new Freedom battery never needed water. New turbine veined and wire wheel covers were offered, and a new option locked the doors when the transmission lever was shifted to 'Drive'. Cadillac also offered Track Master, a computerized skid prevention system that automatically pumped the back brakes in an emergency to shorten the stopping distance. New options included a push-button Weather Band built into the AM/FM stereo signal-seeking radio, loose pillow-style seats for d'Elegance packages, plus power passenger and manual driver seatback recliners for 50/50 front seats. Of the 15 standard and six optional Firemist body colors, 13 were new this year. New standard features included map light, Soft-Ray tinted glass, spare tire cover, washer fluid level indicator, and steel-belted radial whitewall tires.

The 90-degree, overhead-valve, V8 engine had a cast-iron block, hydraulic valve lifters, a four-barrel Rochester carburetor, five main bearings, a 500 cubic-inch displacement (8.2-liters), and delivered 190 horsepower at 3,600 RPM and 360 lb-ft of torque. An optional fuel-injected version produced 215 horsepower at 3,600 RPM and 400 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 RPM. All models used a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic, variable-ratio power-assisted steering, and front ventilated disc with rear drums. (Eldorados used four-wheel discs).

Having a factory base price of $9,065, the DeVille Coupe was very popular, with 114,482 examples built. The Deville hardtop Sedan, priced at $9,265, had 67,677 units built. Combined, the DeVille accounted for approximately 59 percent of Cadillac's 1976 production.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2021