1978 Cadillac DeVille

Since the beginning, Cadillac built its reputation around stylish luxury finishes and precision engineering. They were the first volume manufacturer of a fully enclosed car in 1906 and participated in the 1908 interchangeability test in the United Kingdom where it was awarded the Dewar Trophy for the most important advancement of the year in the automobile industry.

Before the Deville was its own separate model, it began as a trim level, first appearing in 1949 as a pillarless two-door hardtop body style that was above the Series 62 luxury coupe. The final DeVille was the 2005 Cadillac full-size sedan.

The 1978 Cadillac DeVille was part of the fifth generation, produced from 1977 to 1984. It had a 121.5-inch wheelbase and measured 221.2 inches in length. Body styles included a coupe and sedan with prices beginning at $10,450. A total of 206,701 were built which accounted for nearly 60% of Cadillac's 1978 production. The overhead-valve V8 engine displaced 425 cubic inches and offered 180 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. An optional 425 CID with electronic fuel injection had nearly 200 horsepower. The optional 350 cubic-inch V8, fueled by diesel, had 120 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. A Turbo Hydra-Matic was standard. Disc brakes were in the front with drums at the rear.

Design changes included a revised grille and Cadillac script located on the body above the grille's header bar. In the back, the bumper (which was new) was flanked by slim vertical taillamps which also housed side marker lamps. There was a padded vinyl roof that housed a custom-trimmed backlight.

The interior had a six-way power driver's seat with the controls located in the door armrest. There were new seatback pockets, an AM/FM Signal-Seeking stereo radio with a scanner, and a disappearing antenna. Nine interior color options were offered in new Random velour or Hampton woven cloth.

Options included 50/50 Dual Comfort seats, wire wheel discs, sunroof, accent stripes, carpeted rubber front floor, trunk mat, Turbine-vaned wheel covers, and more. The Cabriolet roof package could be applied to the Coupe DeVille, adding a chrome accent stripe to the Elk Grain vinyl top, Cadillac crests, and a French seam offered in 16 colors. The DeVille d'Elegance special edition package added the 50/50 Dual Comfort seats in new Random velour. The front seatback assist straps and the upper doors were finished in matching Random velour. Other interior features included high-pile carpeting and a 'deVille d'Elegance' insignia on the glove box door and on the pillar behind the backside windows. The Phaeton package, which arrived later in the year, had a simulated convertible top and came in Cotillion White, Platinum, or Arizona Beige. 'Phaeton' insignia was placed on the wire wheels and the back fenders.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2019