1965 Cadillac DeVille Convertible

When Cadillac introduced the 1965 model on September 15th of 1964, they were the second oldest brand in American cars. In modern times, they have become the oldest surviving marques as Oldsmobile was dropped from the General Motors Line Up. Cadillac proclaimed the 1965 model 'represents the most extensive change in the division's 62-year history.' The 1965 Cadillac DeVille was offered in four body styles and was Cadillac's middle-of-the-line series. The body styles included a convertible Coupe de Ville two-door hardtop, a hardtop sedan de Ville four-door hardtop, and a Sedan de Ville conventional pillared four-door sedan. Most of the Cadillacs for 1965 were built on a 129.5-inch wheelbase and shared the same body. The exceptions were the Fleetwood Sixty Special sedan and the two-extended wheelbase Seventy-Fives.

The front styling of the 1965 Cadillac featured the trademark crosshatch grille that was first introduced for 1941 models. In the rear, the tail fins that had first been seen in 1948 had been toned down. The body no rested on a new perimeter frame which allowed the engine to be moved forward six inches and the front and rear treads were widened by 1 inch. New optional features were a telescoping steering column and the addition of 26 new trim combinations which brought the total choice to 150.

In 2007 this 1965 Cadillac de Ville Convertible was brought to the Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $35,000 - $40,000. It was offered without reserve and sold for $30,250 including the buyer's premium. It is gold with black interior trim and has had only two owners since new. The second owner purchased the car in 2006. Since new, the car has been repainted in its original color. It was fitted with a Kenwood CD player with Infinity speakers. The factory Cadillac Wonderbar AM radio is still present and operational.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007