Take a good look at the fins on this 1958 Cadillac Coupe De Ville and you just know this car had to be from the fifties.The next year, 1959, the tail fins on the Cadillac would be even more pronounced. You could call the 1950’s the decade of the car fins, especially the latter half. Our featured 58 Coupe De Ville comes with a fine two toned color scheme.
Cadillac really established their name for luxury automobiles during the 1930’s. In fact, Cadillac was the first manufacturer to mass produce the V-16. The first Cadillac V-16 was a combination of two Buick V-8’s.
By the 1950’s they pretty much were the leader in the luxury car category. Much of this had to do with changes beginning after 1940 when Cadillac dropped the LaSalle. From that point on they concentrated on prestige cars. Another was the tail fins in 1948. All of this paid dividends for Cadillac after they entered the 1950’s.
During the 1950’s owning a Cadillac car was an expression of the prosperity that the nation experienced after the end of World War Two. During the 1950’s owning a Cadillac implied instant status. Cadillac had a luxury name recognition not even enjoyed by Imperial and Lincoln.
The Cadillac Coupe De Ville
The very first Cadillac Coupe De Ville (sometimes spelled de Ville or Deville) entered the scene late in the 1949 model year at the Autorama. This was a luxury vehicle with leather seats and chrome bows in the headliner that gave the interior roof the look of a convertible. Sales were considered good for 1949 and doubled each of the following two years.
Changes to the 1958 Cadillacs
The 1958 Cadillacs received a facelift from the previous model year. One such change was plenty more chrome. Another change was a grille with a wider insert and new bumper guards. This was also the year of the quad head lamps.
All of the De Ville models were available with cruise control (also offered on Chryslers and Imperials that year), a high-pressure cooling system, a radio with two speakers, and an automatic parking brake release.
The 1958 Coupe De Ville came from the 62 sub-series. Cadillac’s Series 62 automobiles were produced from 1940 through 1964. In 1958 Cadillac offered nine different body styles on their Series 62 automobiles.
1958 Was Not A Good Year
Cadillac felt the results of the 1958 recession. Sales were weak. Total model production was about 121,000 vehicles that was the lowest since 1954. To give you some perspective, Cadillac produced a total of 140,000 vehicles for the 1955 model year. Out of that total 1958 number, Coupe De Villes represented 18,400 units. Sedan De Villes were more with 24,000 built.
1958 Cadillac Coupe De Ville Specifications
The 1958 Coupe De Ville was produced with a 365 cubic inch V-8 that produced 188 HP. The engine had a single four barrel carburetor.
Transmission was a Hydra-Matic automatic.
Dimensions for this automobile included a wheelbase of 129.5 inches, an overall outside length of 221.8 inches, a width of 79.5 inches, and a weight of 4,700 lbs.
The 1958 Coupe De Ville had a new car price of about $5,200.
See these additional Auto Museum Online car stories on the links below…
A Great Looking Red 1955 Cadillac Coupe
Classic Car Serial Numbers / What They Tell Us
1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner / Retractable Hardtop
1950’s Cadillac Collector Cars
There is no question that many of the Cadillac models produced during the 1950’s were beauties. Detractors at the time may have thought the cars were too big, too much metal and chrome, etc. Looking back now, perhaps some of this was true, however it was also true with other nameplates. The fact remains that Cadillac produced some great classics during the decade.
Just to name a few of the great Cadillac classics, consider the 1931 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton, the 1953 Cadillac Eldorado and the 1955 Cadillac Coupe. An excellent website for classic Cadillac owners and/or enthusiasts is www.classic-cadillac.com.
1958 Cadillac Coupe De Ville’s in excellent restored condition have strong valuations. You might find these in the range of $30,000 to $60,000. Some higher. Non-restored models can be at just about any price depending on condition, even well under $10,000. On the higher end of the 1958 Cadillac line would be the Eldorado Brougham where we’ve seen an asking price approaching $150,000.
Some excellent research material regarding Cadillac automobile’s during the 1950’s include…Cadillac : An Illustrated Guide to 1950 Thru 1959 Motor Cars by Roy A. Schneider. Another is Cars of the 1950’s by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. Yet another is Complete Book of Collectible Cars by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide.
(Article and photos copyright 2015 Auto Museum Online)