Say what you want about the 1971 Cadillacs, but you can’t deny they were incredibly comfortable. Sure, the reduced compression ratios impacted the engine power, but traveling in a 1971 Caddy was like riding on a gigantic pillow.
And yes, these cars were gigantic, with the DeVille now sporting a 130-inch wheelbase. The Fleetwood 75 was an impressive boat on wheels, measuring no more, no less than 20 feet – that’s over six meters for our European friends.
Unfortunately, General Motors’s new model year didn’t start right, as the company had to deal with a three-month strike that impacted the production of all new models. The updated DeVille started shipping in early 1971, but the company eventually built only 135K units. Nearly half of them were sedans.
If you’ve never seen a 1971 DeVille in brand-new condition, the people at Shaheen Chevrolet have recently listed online what is mainly a museum piece that requires only minor TLC to look as good as on day one.
The car spent its entire life with the same family, and the dealer explains that it was owned by the previous owner’s father. It remained in the family after his passing, and the DeVille has always been parked in a garage. It never left storage during rain or snow, which explains how it still looks impeccable after all these years.
The car has never been restored, and the metal in the pics is original and unaltered. The rust has never been a problem, so the Caddy doesn’t hide any patches or metalwork.
Everything is as original as on the day when the vehicle left the factory, and the mileage on the clock is fantastic. The odometer indicates 26K miles, confirming that the owners always kept it in a garage, away from the bad weather and anything else that could affect its condition. The original 472 block is still under the hood, starting, running, and driving flawlessly.
If you’re interested in the bad parts, learn that this DeVille exhibits a little discoloration on the hood, a few dings, and other minor issues mainly caused by aging. However, it still looks fabulous for a 53-year-old car that has never been restored or altered.
This Cadillac is truly a collectible, but considering the 1971 model year has never been a highly desirable release, it doesn’t necessarily sell for a fortune. The dealership posted it on eBay with a reserve, and the $12,500 offer it received failed to unlock it. However, to secure this Cadillac and take it home today, you can trigger the Buy It Now option available at $24,000.
For anything else, you can contact the dealer or go to Lansing, Michigan, where you can see this DeVille in person.