1967 Cadillac DeVille

The Cadillac DeVille was positioned between the Calais - which had replaced the Series 62 - and the Sixty Special and Eldorado. It was redesigned in 1965 but retained the 129.5-inch wheelbase platform, and power continued to be from the 429 cubic-inch V8 delivering 340 horsepower, which could be replaced by the 472 CID V8 for 1968. The engine was moved six inches forward in the frame thanks to the perimeter frame construction, resulting in a lower transmission hump and increased interior room. For the first time on the DeVille, pillared sedans were part of the lineup, while the six-window hardtop sedans were no longer offered. Design elements included tailfins that were canted slightly downward, and distinct, sharp body lines replaced the previous rounded look. Vertical headlight pairs replaced the prior horizontal units, and the back featured a straight bumper and vertical lamp clusters. Safety seatbelts and lamps for the glove box, rear passenger compartments, and luggage area were now standard.

The 1967 Cadillac DeVille was available as a sedan, 4-door hardtop sedan, convertible, and 2-door Coupe DeVille. The Coupe de Villes wore a new roofline, inspired by the Florentine show car displayed at the 1964 New York World's Fair. The design gave the rear seat passengers added privacy, and just like the show car, the quarter window glass retracted rearward into a sail panel. Only 8,800 examples were 4-door sedans and 18,200 were convertibles. The most popular body style was the 4-door hardtop sedan with 59,902 units built closely followed by the Coupe DeVille which saw 52,905 built. Powering the Deville was a 16 valve overhead-valve, 7-liter V8 engine delivering 340 horsepower. They had a three-speed turbo-Hydra-Matic gearbox and rested on a wheelbase that measured 129.5 inches.

The exteriors were extensively restyled highlighted by a forward-leaning front end, sculptured body lines, slight tail fins, and redefined rear fenders. There were dual stacked headlights positioned on either side of the full-width 'eggcrate' grille, similar to the previous two years. Rectangular parking lamps were positioned on the outer edges of the grille.

The DeVille sat above the Calais in the model hierarchy, being fitted with all the features found in the Calias, plus rear cigarette lighters, two-way power front seats, and power-operated window regulators. Other distinguishing features included minor trim variations and a 'nicer' interior. New standard DeVille accouterments included an electric clock, Automatic Climate control, non-glare rear-view mirror, padded dashboard, outboard seatbelt retractors, a Hazard Warning system.

1967 Cadillacs received a safety front seatback lock for two-door models and a slide-out fuse box. Modifications were made to the engine, including a different carburetor, a revised engine valve train, and a new fan with a clutch for quieter operation. Other technical innovations included a Mylar printed circuit instrument panel, re-tuned body mounts, and a GM-designed Energy Absorbing steering column and safety wheel.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2012