1963 Cadillac Series 62 DeVille 6300

Cadillac used the DeVille moniker for the first time on a prestige variant of the 1949 Series 62 range. Between 1958 and 2005, the de Ville was its own model, with the definitive version arguably being from 1959. It had Harley Earl's jet plane-inspired design features which included the sharp tail fins, bullet-shaped rear light clusters, a unique roof supported by ultra slim-line pillars, and a jewel-patterned radiator grill. The Coupe de Ville and its Sedan de Ville siblings, known as the Series 6300, rested on a tubular X-frame chassis and were equipped with a coil-sprung suspension, self-adjusting brakes, and power-assisted steering. Cadillac sold over 53,000 de Villes in 1959 which accounted for 37 percent of the manufacturer's entire production for that year.

Cadillac introduced all-new styling for 1963, abandoning the previous beveled and highly sculptured look for a cleaner, crisper appearance. The public responded by nearly giving Cadillac its first 200,000 calendar year sales. The design included a new front bumper and grille, more integrated taillight housing within the slim line fin, many flat surfaces, and a near-vertical front and rear-end treatment. The Series 62 Deville Series included a 4- and 6-window sedan, a coupe DeVille, and a Park Avenue Sedan. The styling revisions were similar to the Series 62 but distinguished with DeVille's signature script located above the lower beltline molding. They were well equipped with the features found on the Series 62, plus power windows and two-way power seats. The overhead-valve V8 engine displaced 390 cubic inches and was fitted with a Rochester four-barrel carburetor helping to deliver 325 horsepower. The engine was entirely changed, although the displacement and output remained the same.

The 4-window Sedan was popular with 30,579 examples sold. The Park Avenue Sedan found just 1,575 buyers.

Cadillac offered a total of 143 options and in the process, set an all-time record for interior appointment choices. Buyers could select bucket seats with wool, leather, or nylon upholstery fabrics and wood veneer facings on doors, seatbacks, and dash.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2019