1990 Cadillac Coupe DeVille
Early 90's Cadillacs represent the end of an era because in 1994, any of them left with square edges began to be softened into rounded curves. Which is fine, because...progress. But the long era of boxy, upright Cadillacs had, arguably, a statelier look...a moving mansion of success...an aire of wealth and importance. Even as proportions shrunk, the presence of an early-90's Coupe DeVille was unmistakable.
For consignment, a well-cared-for, one family owned 1990 Cadillac Coupe DeVille in Carmine Red. That's right...this jewel was handed down from father to son and has always been garage-kept. It was these earlier generations that truly valued their Cadillacs and kept them clean and routinely serviced...and this one is no exception.
Exterior
GM basecoat/clearcoat is not known for its depth and clarity in the 80's and 90's but this car shows very nicely and indicates obvious care over the years. The two-tone red/gray pattern down the length of this car is just fantastic...a design element that blurs the size of the car. And speaking of size, this is a two-door model and doors are substantial indeed! The roof is divided between hardtop and a vinyl landau with opera lights that now seem like such a neat feature! Red paint is known to oxidize on horizontal surfaces, but it all looks good here in its factory applied Carmine Red form, including the roof where care is often bypassed. The landau is in excellent condition as well. Chrome bumpers, (soon to be a thing of the past), also shine thanks to all the garage time. The long flat hood is accented by a row of indicator lights protruding like little shark fins...such a cool feature that had appeared on some GM cars for decades. The wheels, with their dizzying geometric pattern, are in good shape and surrounded by 15-inch white-wall tires.
Interior
White leather abounds and shows some of its age and usage...this car has 93,536 title verified miles...that's a lot of getting in and getting out. But hey, white leather is still the "bomb" and retains its comforts. A large armrest folds down and divides the occupants of the split bench and sits atop a storage bin when folded. The back seats look barely used. The white contrasts against the red carpet, lower door panels, and dash. Some tears in the padded armrests are visible and some separation on the driver's side. Electronic seat controls, marked in period GM font, are on the door rest, as is the control for left and right side mirrors. The airbag filled steering wheel shows some wear and the dash with its green digital readout and faux wood trim is a welcome throwback that is sure to elicit memories. Though the pod is canted to the driver, there are lots of small buttons next to the steering column for the "fuel data center" and climate control while other pertinent information, (speed, mileage, trip computer, idiot lights), are displayed high on the dash. The stock Delco AM/FM/CD radio is pure 90's, (although likely held over from the 80's). The large glove box proclaims "DeVille" with a plaque and is topped with a line of A/C vents. Courtesy lights illuminate the back seat from the B-pillar and it makes for a very comfortable atmosphere. The headliner is in good condition, as is the red carpeting that floods the floors.
Drivetrain
The transverse mounted 4.5 liter V8 is a tidy package and fills the space efficiently. Maintenance reservoirs are easy to access, and the yellow dipstick is front and center. The fuel injection system is hidden by the enclosed air intake but can be accessed easily. A four-speed automatic in the form of a TH440-T4 transmission propels the front wheels which are slowed by power disc brakes attached to the 2.97 geared front axle. Meanwhile, power drums occupy the rear.
Undercarriage
Some typical surface rust and discoloration for a driven vehicle of this vintage. But for a car that lived its entire life on the East coast, the undercarriage is actually pretty nice. No major areas of concern; some grease residue by the zerk fittings, some oil on the pan, and some pitting on the bumper support brackets...but all else looks good. The single exhaust has surface rust, but otherwise complete with rubber hangers still intact.
Drive-ability
This car fired right up and idled "V8 smooth". The dash glowed like a Christmas tree at first, then the idiot lights went to rest. The column shifter is a welcome feature...talk about memories! Into drive she went and circled our test loop in fine luxury-car style. Really nothing wild to report here...it really feels like 1990 all over again...in a good way! Smooth acceleration and power brakes that worked just fine, all tempered by the Macpherson struts up front. Shifts of the automatic were butter smooth...Cadillac owners would have it no other way! Point that big hood in the direction you want to go and enjoy the ride!
A 34-year old car that's been in one family the entire time...that's not easy to find these days and speaks to a practical and emotional attachment to a vehicle. It was "part of the family" and it's clear it was treated as such. Whether you use it for Radwood or for every day, this one harkens back to a time when GM cars had a feel unto themselves and differentiated themselves from European offerings. If you're looking for a rust-free, garage-kept example, this one has your name on it.
1G6CD1337L4203593
1-USA
G-General Motors
6-Cadillac
CD-Deville
1-2 Door Hardtop
3-Manual Belts, Driver's Airbag
3-4.5 Liter V8 EFI
7-Check Digit
L-1990
4-Detroit, MI Assy Plant
203593-Sequential Unit Number
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