Featured is a very nice looking 1966 Cadillac DeVille Convertible. Long gone were the days of Cadillac’s huge fins which peaked in 1959-1960. During the mid 1960’s Cadillac had cleaner styling and was able to offer many new conveniences not available during the decade of the 50’s. A year earlier in 1965, Cadillac announced an all new De Ville series which now used a capital “D” .
1966 represented the fourth generation for the DeVille models. Available models for 1966 included a four door sedan, hardtop coupe, hardtop sedan, and convertible. This full slate of new DeVille models replaced the former Series 62 line.
Of special note, for 1966 Cadillac introduced variable-ratio power steering.
1960’s and Mid 1960’s Cadillac Styling
The 1962 Cadillac was the cleanest design since the excesses of the latter 1950’s. Credit for this toned down style was given to Bill Mitchell’s design group after the departure of the legendary Harley Earl in 1958.. One difference between the two top designers was that Mitchell favored less chrome than Earl. As a side note, Harley Earl approved the very first tail fin that appeared on the 1948 Cadillac.
The 1965 Cadillac’s were given a body change where the automobile appeared longer and lower. The rear fenders were basically flat and the tail lights ran vertical. The headlights changed from horizontal to vertical which allowed the grille to be wider.
The 1966 Cadillac’s only had minor cosmetic changes.which included a change with the front bumper and grille.
Some first for the 1966 DeVille included heated seats, AM/FM stereo radio and head rests.
1966 Cadillac DeVille Specifications
The 66 Cadillac DeVille Convertible was built with a 429 cubic inch V-8. Maximum power was 340 HP.
Transmission was a a three speed Turbo Automatic.
Brakes were four wheel power hydraulic drums.
Dimensions included a wheelbase of 129.5 inches, an overall outside length of 224.2 inches, width 79.8 inches. Curb weight was 4,600 lbs.
Total 1966 production for the Convertible Coupe was 19,200 units. Total Cadillac production for the 1966 model year was 196,700 units. For the 1966 calendar year Cadillac achieved it’s first 200,000 year. Base price for the Convertible Coupe was just under $5,600.
Additional related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below…
1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
Reference material for this article included…The Cadillac Story: The Postwar Years by author Thomas Bonsall…Cadillac: Standard of the World: The Complete History by author Maurice D. Hendry.
1966 Cadillac DeVille Collector Cars
An interesting 2019 observation regarding those who collect classic cars was published by https://classiccartrust.com…It says..”According to our updated 2019 market research, the top 100 global collectors alone own around 4,000 of the most relevant classic cars in the world, worth a combined total of approximately 10 billion US-Dollars”.
Cadillac models from the 1960’s, depending on the exact model, are relatively affordable for a car collection or for someone desiring to begin one.
The Cadillac’s from this era were large cars with plenty of sheet medal and provided the ultimate in automobile luxury. Many items that were options on lower priced cars came as standard equipment on Cadillacs.
Currently, a 1966 Cadillac DeVille in good condition can be found in a general range of $17,000 to $50,000. That;s a wide range however the highest valued models are the DeVille Convertibles. Aside from that, mileage, condition, originality as always help dictate the value within the range.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)