1958 Cadillac Coupe de Ville

Registration No: 221 YUE
Chassis No: 5R07A138851
MOT: Exempt

• Imported to Great Britain from Massachusetts in 2011
• 365ci (5,980cc) OHV V8 engine and four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission
• In current ownership since 2020
• Used regularly while in the United Kingdom, covering some 20,000 miles since arrival

"Seldom in Cadillac history has there been an announcement as significant as the message you are now reading. For this is the announcement that introduces the magnificent new 1958 Cadillac – the finest and most advanced motor car ever to bear the celebrated Cadillac name. Certainly, one glance at its extraordinary grace and symmetry will tell you instantly that this is motordom's masterpiece in styling. Its new sweep and stature, its remarkable new fender design, its dazzling new grille and four-headlamp system, and its tasteful use of chrome and colour . . . all mark it as a singularly beautiful and majestic automotive creation"—Cadillac advertisement, 1958

Introduced in 1949 as part of the Cadillac Series 62 model range, the de Ville cars (two-door 'Coupe' or four-door 'Sedan') grew steadily more powerful and plush through the '50s, with the 365ci (5,980cc) OHV V8 débuting in 1956. The '58s were built around a cruciform-braced chassis featuring all-round coil-sprung suspension and servo-assisted drum brakes, and were said to get 310hp from the standard V8s, or 365hp from the more highly-tuned option. Equipped with power-assisted steering and a four-speed Hydra-matic automatic transmission as standard, the de Villes also came with electric windows and an adjustable front bench seat. Able to accommodate six in comfort, the Coupe de Ville sat on a 129½in. wheelbase and cost some $5,231 (without options). A total of 18,414 were produced just in 1958.

Arguably the greatest automotive expression of the jet age, rock ‘n’ roll æsthetic (some argue ’59 Cadillacs went over the top), this superb ’58 Coupe de Ville embodies all that was wonderful about mid-century American design—the prosperity, the optimism, and the uncompromising commitment to style. Like all Cadillacs of the era, they have a strong following in Britain, and this example was imported in 2011. Since then, it has had five keepers, the present acquiring it in 2020. Prior to being imported, it had been in the ownership of a Mr. Johnson of Halifax, Massachusetts, since 2000. Otherwise, little other history is provided except for an undated parking ticket from a certain El Dorado Hotel, and what could be a more appropriate resort for a Cadillac owner?

During its time in Britain, the Coupe de Ville has been widely used for shows and rallies, with some 20,000 miles covered on the King’s highways. With their lazy but tractable V8s and easy-going automatic transmissions, these machines make long-distance cruising pretty effortless, so it is no surprise that they get well-used. This particular example has, of course, been maintained accordingly, with a new water pump fitted in 2016 and the dashboard recovered in 2017. The fact that it is also supplied with a copy of an original lubrication chart would suggest that the servicing side has been taken care of as and when appropriate, too. Altogether, this is a fine example of a car which, as long as one has the garage space, is very easy to live with, with easy parts support being a bonus thanks to the ready supply in America, and the proliferation of helpful American car specialists over here. It is supplied with the V5C in addition to a copy of the old Massachusetts certificate of title, and some previous invoices.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452