1960 Cadillac Coupe DeVille (RHD)
Sold: $24,000
Specifications
Engine | V8, 390-cid |
---|---|
Body Work | Hardtop Coupe |
Colour | Pink on Cream |
Interior | Grey |
Trim | Cloth |
Wheels | Steel disc |
Brakes | Drums |
Description
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.