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2016 Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic Auction
Lot
20

1960 Cadillac Coupe DeVille (RHD)

$24,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine V8, 390-cid
Body Work Hardtop Coupe
Colour Pink on Cream
Interior Grey
Trim Cloth
Wheels Steel disc
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

Cadillac’s 1960 range was an elegant reinterpretation of the previous years design, with subtle modifications including lower rear fins, reshaped front bumpers, vertical stacked tail lamps and a fresh grille design. The overall appearance was slightly more restrained than the flamboyantly over-the-top 1959 models, but only just – there was still plenty of glitz and glamour about the 1960 range. None was better looking than the Coupe de Ville, a badge used on the Cadillac’s more upmarket hardtop model. The De Ville sub-series (6300) was itself a better equipped version of the standard 6200, upholstered in exclusive Chadwick cloth or optional Cambray cloth/leather along with luxury features like power windows and a two-way power seat, while external changes were limited to special script on the rear fenders. The De Ville range consisted of three body styles, including two four-door sedans (with either four or six-window rooflines) and the hardtop coupe offered here (style 6337J), all sharing a pillarless design. Mechanically all 1960 Cadillacs rode on a 130-inch wheelbase frame and were powered by a 390-cid V8 rated at 325 horsepower in standard tune (a more powerful 345 hp unit was available, fed by triple Rochester carburettors), while GM’s sophisticated Hydra-Matic automatic transmission was the only gearbox available. Power brakes and power steering were also standard across the range, with finned rear drums an innovation that year, as was a new vacuum-operated parking brake release system. The Coupe de Ville sold in strong numbers, with 21,585 finding new homes in 1960, despite the hefty list price of US$5,252 – more than twice the price of a standard Chevvy. Chosen by Car Life magazine as the “Best buy in the luxury field” for 1960, the Coupe de Ville remains one of Cadillac’s most desirable collector’s cars.