Barn finds are the best finds, and this 1974 Cadillac DeVille proves why. The coupe has been sitting in this building for over 35 years, and it has now landed online, hoping to convince someone to take it home for restoration.
While I admit that this DeVille is an intriguing classic – and the photos showing the car sleeping in that barn fuel its collector appeal – the vehicle tries to convince the WWW to give it a second chance with only a handful of specifics.
Like the rest of the industry, the DeVille no longer cared about the gas problem in 1974, so carmakers and customers again started showing interest in large cars. The DeVille remained a compelling purchase despite the high price, with the parent company selling over 112K coupes and 60K sedans.
The most notable change on the 1974 DeVille was the addition of a fixed rear side window, a change that many buyers didn’t like at first but eventually learned to live with it, considering it was also available on other Cadillacs, including the Eldorado coupe.
This DeVille has been sitting in the barn in these pictures for 35 years. eBay seller pstjohn15 says the car was parked under a tarp during this time, with no sun exposure for approximately 40 years.
Unfortunately, we’re not getting many specifics, so the car’s condition is highlighted in the shared photos. An in-person or third-party inspection is strongly recommended, especially because so many years in storage could mean the DeVille struggles with rust problems and missing parts. However, it doesn’t look like this coupe served as a donor for another project, so chances are that it is still complete.
The owner says the original engine is still in the car. This is the only information we get on what happens under the hood, but given its long time in that barn, I wouldn’t expect the mill to no longer start and run. A good mechanic should need only a few minutes to decrypt the engine and determine the chances of getting it up and running, so find a professional when you inspect the car in person.
The odometer indicates 76K miles, and the owner says the car sells with a clean title and registration papers.
A 1974 DeVille isn’t necessarily the most desirable classic, but it would still make for a great collectible if restored correctly. The price makes sense, considering the condition presented in the photos, but you still need to double-check everything in person to determine the car’s value. The owner will let it go for $6,000, and you’ll need transportation to take it home. It’s parked in Prairie City, Iowa, but it’s unclear if it rolls freely.