This video literally brought tears to my eyes. This is my dream car. I remember a neighbor had one of these in navy blue when i was a child and I always admired that car. This is the most beautiful pristine example I have ever seen of a 1961. My dream is to be able to afford this car and drive it until the day I die. Cars like this had style and elegance. The garbage they turn out today doesn't compare and never will. All vehicles today look the same..boring bubble cars.
Fantastic 61 ! American Icon .....those fins are Cadillac signature .... one glance tells you it a Cadillac...... my 1st car was a 61 Ragtop Caddy....62 series convertible .... wish I had her today.....she was 10 yrs old when I bought her...
Growing up in 60’s There was a little man and his wife who owned the neighborhood store and rumor had it he was successful in the stock market. He had a 61’ Coupe Deville bought new. His car was the real story of driven only to church. When he went to the bank or anyplace within few miles he walked. Years later in the 90’s I saw the caddy at a local car show still brand new.
Yeah, I was 5yrs old and my only thoughts were what for Christmas would be my toy. This was a transitional year for Cadillac. The sleek body style was very 60s cool, classy, and sophisticated. I would definitely convert the brakes to disks if possible. And electronic ignition. She's a beautiful old girl though. 👍
If you deviate from OEM, you will decrease it's value greatly. Resto modded cars are typically worth less than 50% of an all original car of the same vintage. These cars are trailer queens, many haven't been driven for years. Many of them aren't even drivable. Jay Leno has commented that he has never ever driven some of his many fine cars.
When I was a kid we had a 61 Coupe de Ville identical to this car, same color. My Dad traded in his 2 week old 61 DeSoto on it and never bought another Chrysler product. Ours had no AC though, not until 1966 did we have a car with AC. I got my license in 1963 and I was allowed to drive it now and then. The first time I floored the gas I found out that the pedal would get stuck in the carpet and I had to reach down under the dash and pull it back up by hand at about 70 mph. I guess in 2 years of driving the car my Dad had never used full throttle? Fun times!
My idiot car got the 'gas peddle' stuck and I ended up going 85 mph with the brakes on, so fun. I shifted into Neutral and pumped the gas some and back into drive. I don't think my transmission liked hitting drive at 85 mph. I made it home and brought my car to the garage and was told it was my transmission computer card linkage module or something like that. I guess the days of a mechanical linkage were way in the past.
@@kfl611 With our 61 Caddy it was the pedal itself that got stuck. The gas pedal was on an angle with a pointed corner on the top and if you put it to the floor it would stick into the carpet and stay down. It wasn't just one time, it would happen every time you pushed the pedal to the floor. Apparently my Dad, who would never own any car without a V-8 because he claimed he needed lots of power, never actually used much of that power, because we had owned the car for 2 years and never discovered this until the first time I drove the car. These old cars are nostalgic to many people but the fact is they had some really half-assed engineering sometimes, which I discovered when I began working as a car mechanic in 1971 (we were mechanics back then, not yet "technicans").
@@barryervin8536 Kind of how a soda can from the back of the car one time rolled up under my brake pedal and I could not brake. I had to reach down and grab it while driving, not easy to do.
The 61 GMs were generally hated by the public since it was a "downsize" year (same as 1977 would be later on) but now they all look absolutely beautiful. Good descriptions given in this vid.
Absolutely gorgeous ol’ Caddy . The paint looks like it’s about a mile deep. Such a striking look with a subdued color. I think the shine and tone on tone with a subtle hint of the color even in the hubcaps just makes this automobile stunning…. The body style was becoming much more horizontal and cleaner after the excesses of the 58-60 models. One of the most stunning paint jobs I’ve ever seen on any car. The beautiful interior in just the perfect shade to blend with the stunning exterior. I tend to prefer the Eldorado’s or Sixty Specials’. However, I think this may be the most beautiful Cadillac I’ve ever seen. Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful and perfect Coupe De Ville.
*WOW* !!!!! *VERY nice of Doug Meloan to let the museum borrow one of his cars* !!!!! *What a pristine car* !!!! *This Coupe De Ville is ssssooo beautiful* !!!! *GREAT video* !!!! #MidwestDreamCarCollection
In my opinion this year/model was during the period when Cadillac motorcars definitely could hold the title "Standard of the World"! Sad as the market (world) changed ultimately ending up with an insulting title "Land Yacht" decades later. My favorite Cadillacs span 1954 thru 1992, this 61 featured is truly magnificent!
I took my driving test in my mother's six window four door hardtop de Ville. It was a beautiful car, but, i hated to clean that grill. It was my weekly chore to wash and wax it. and, those fins in the grill were sharp, you wraped a rag around your pointer finger and polished the was on the fins. That car was a beautifull royal blue metallic, and, it was sharp.
I took my driving test in my mom's 1961 Caddy coupe. Every time she drove it, I had to wash and polish it! My Dad bought her a new 1966 Lincoln 4 door. She gave me the Caddy.
Thanks for the education on this car.I have just recently purchased the exact same model & thanks to you,I now know there is a second ashtray for the passenger.There will be no smoking though.
My dad had a white ‘61 Coupe DeVille. Absolutely gorgeous car. Sleek and tasteful. As a little kid, I loved it. I’ve always thought the ‘59’s were grotesque and hideous.
The color is spectacular! The interior is gorgeous! Such attention to detail and very rich looking materials. I never realized until now how slender the C pillar is on this car. But honestly, this body style has always been at the bottom of my list of favorite Cadillacs. It screams “Chevrolet” to me. But look out in 1965! The finest Cadillac ever, at least in my eyes.
My parents bought a 1974 coupe deville demo it was a big car with fender skirts too. Today's full size cars would have been considered sub compact in those days
In my younger days 1961 Cadillac was my car of choice. I owned a coupe, 4 door, Fleetwood, and my last two 61 Caddys were both Hearses. It is depressing for me to see the new Cadillacs on the road. I don't see that Cadillac magnificence that the old ones have. I presently own a 1996 Caddy Hearse that I drive often.
Always been into the early-mid 60s 'straight line' stuff. I think it was the high point of styling from Detroit. THAT Caddy is a ball tearer. For styling it beats the T-Birds of the era. NICE 😍
❎. Just saw a beat up convertible. Interior shot, exterior needed paint, But in good condition It still ran. man they were giant, A person can sleep in the trunk. 🤺💐
Hey there, great vid. I have a 6 window 1961 Cadillac SDV. I wonder if you can tell me where that trunk mat comes from, I'd highly appreciate it! Thanks!
Find me a 78-79 Cadillac Coupe DeVille mint condition. My folks bought a 79 all white and Landau top then gave it to me in the 80s as my first car. I want that car back and I know someone has one in mint.
Whitewall width had been "narrowing" since 1956 and by 1959-1961 they were at about 2-1/2" to 2-1/4." In 1962, Cadillacs would wear "modern slim-band whitewalls." 1961 was the last year for "wide whites" (although at 2-1/4"...they weren't all that wide). These whitewalls look a bit wider than they should be to be considered "period-factory-correct."
1961 was the last year the whitewall went to the bead of the tire and they were 2.25 width. 1962 saw the narrow whitewall ranging from 1.25 to 1.5 inch width but with black between bead and whitewall.
@@dougmeloan3856 hey Doug, hope you're fine! I wonder if you could tell me where you got that trunk mat from with the Cadillac emblem on it, I'd highly appreciate it Sir.
@@tristansulzberger396 It is a great looking trunk mat. I purchased it several years ago from a company called Caddy Reproductions. Apparently they are no longer in business and the company is now known as VCRP (Vintage Cadillac Reproduction Pars). I went to their website and it is currently down. I went out and looked on the backside of the mat to see if there was a manufacturers name, but there was nothing, just a smooth surface. I used to see these for sale all the time on ebay but no longer do. The regular floor mats for inside the car are apparently no longer available either. Since I haven't seen any for sale since the Covid pandemic I assume the supplier quit producing them or went out of business. Keep checking on ebay as maybe someone will list one for sale. Hopefully someone will start re-producing these items again in the future as they were nicely done and good quality. .
Pity you were not on duty when I visited this summer, could have had quite a conversation. Instead I spoke with 2 gentlemen (well one and a kid) who were on the floor; neither had much car knowledge, and on an insistent point or two, just wrong, lol.
Wish we could have met, I would have enjoyed showing you the museum cars. I resigned from the museum in May to take care of my elderly father so was gone most of the summer. I am back to work fulltime so next time you are in be sure to ask for Doug and I will enjoy showing you around!
@bobcat baldfat drunkbeater Sad the transmission failed at 10 years old, but you got to enjoy a Fleetwood for 10 years! I have to look up a 1971 LeSabre. I can’t picture it.
@@MidwestDreamCarCollection I’m looking to purchase classic Cadillacs in beautiful condition like this car please let me know what cars you may have for sale thanks again
Amazing difference compared to the superb 1961 Lincoln Continental, the epitome of class and elegance. This Cadillac is so vulgar in comparison to the 1961 Lincoln.
This video literally brought tears to my eyes. This is my dream car. I remember a neighbor had one of these in navy blue when i was a child and I always admired that car.
This is the most beautiful pristine example I have ever seen of a 1961. My dream is to be able to afford this car and drive it until the day I die. Cars like this had style and elegance. The garbage they turn out today doesn't compare and never will. All vehicles today look the same..boring bubble cars.
What a nice Coupe! It looks like it would have on the showroom floor.
Beautiful Caddy!
I loved the color wheel covers.....!!!
Fantastic 61 ! American Icon .....those fins are Cadillac signature .... one glance tells you it a Cadillac...... my 1st car was a 61 Ragtop Caddy....62 series convertible .... wish I had her today.....she was 10 yrs old when I bought her...
Growing up in 60’s There was a little man and his wife who owned the neighborhood store and rumor had it he was successful in the stock market. He had a 61’ Coupe Deville bought new. His car was the real story of driven only to church. When he went to the bank or anyplace within few miles he walked. Years later in the 90’s I saw the caddy at a local car show still brand new.
Built back when cars had class !
Ahh, my favorite Caddy. It's really nice to hear someone talk about these cars who actually knows what they are talking about.
Beautiful car and even more so the color!!
Classy
Absolute gem. In my opinion, these caddy’s are some of the most beautiful designs. The whole car is functional art.
I love fifties cars,but the early sixties were refreshing after the excessive fifties.
A very VERY beautiful Caddy. The color is spectacular. Skirts make it better, only on cars
Wow...back when owning a CADILLAC meant something!
Yeah, I was 5yrs old and my only thoughts were what for Christmas would be my toy.
This was a transitional year for Cadillac. The sleek body style was very 60s cool, classy, and sophisticated. I would definitely convert the brakes to disks if possible. And electronic ignition. She's a beautiful old girl though. 👍
If you deviate from OEM, you will decrease it's value greatly. Resto modded cars are typically worth less than 50% of an all original car of the same vintage.
These cars are trailer queens, many haven't been driven for years. Many of them aren't even drivable. Jay Leno has commented that he has never ever driven some of his many fine cars.
I love that part on gone in 60 seconds where robert Duvall told, first he asked what is this, what is this, they call this a cadillac.
What a GREAT CAR. Love the Bubbletops, the '61 Pontiac bubbletop was my favorite.
The ultimate holiday destination,,,,, a vintage Cadillac theme park.
When I was a kid we had a 61 Coupe de Ville identical to this car, same color. My Dad traded in his 2 week old 61 DeSoto on it and never bought another Chrysler product. Ours had no AC though, not until 1966 did we have a car with AC. I got my license in 1963 and I was allowed to drive it now and then. The first time I floored the gas I found out that the pedal would get stuck in the carpet and I had to reach down under the dash and pull it back up by hand at about 70 mph. I guess in 2 years of driving the car my Dad had never used full throttle? Fun times!
My idiot car got the 'gas peddle' stuck and I ended up going 85 mph with the brakes on, so fun. I shifted into Neutral and pumped the gas some and back into drive. I don't think my transmission liked hitting drive at 85 mph. I made it home and brought my car to the garage and was told it was my transmission computer card linkage module or something like that. I guess the days of a mechanical linkage were way in the past.
@@kfl611 With our 61 Caddy it was the pedal itself that got stuck. The gas pedal was on an angle with a pointed corner on the top and if you put it to the floor it would stick into the carpet and stay down. It wasn't just one time, it would happen every time you pushed the pedal to the floor. Apparently my Dad, who would never own any car without a V-8 because he claimed he needed lots of power, never actually used much of that power, because we had owned the car for 2 years and never discovered this until the first time I drove the car. These old cars are nostalgic to many people but the fact is they had some really half-assed engineering sometimes, which I discovered when I began working as a car mechanic in 1971 (we were mechanics back then, not yet "technicans").
@@barryervin8536 Kind of how a soda can from the back of the car one time rolled up under my brake pedal and I could not brake. I had to reach down and grab it while driving, not easy to do.
@@barryervin8536 true
What a STUNNING automobile.
Between this and the Cimarron is the best cadillacs
Wish I had one, beauty😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
It's nice!!
Beautiful car. Makes me miss my 1964 Sedan De Ville!
The 61 GMs were generally hated by the public since it was a "downsize" year (same as 1977 would be later on) but now they all look absolutely beautiful. Good descriptions given in this vid.
What a beautiful car. Thanks for showing it to us.
Great year for Cadillac, as were many.
Very nice walk through. Thanks.
beautiful restoration great colour,
Nice to hear from you!
Absolutely gorgeous ol’ Caddy . The paint looks like it’s about a mile deep. Such a striking look with a subdued color. I think the shine and tone on tone with a subtle hint of the color even in the hubcaps just makes this automobile stunning…. The body style was becoming much more horizontal and cleaner after the excesses of the 58-60 models. One of the most stunning paint jobs I’ve ever seen on any car. The beautiful interior in just the perfect shade to blend with the stunning exterior. I tend to prefer the Eldorado’s or Sixty Specials’. However, I think this may be the most beautiful Cadillac I’ve ever seen. Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful and perfect Coupe De Ville.
Thank you for all the nice compliments on the car, she is a looker for sure!
*WOW* !!!!! *VERY nice of Doug Meloan to let the museum borrow one of his cars* !!!!! *What a pristine car* !!!! *This Coupe De Ville is ssssooo beautiful* !!!! *GREAT video* !!!! #MidwestDreamCarCollection
Magnificent cars!
Freaking awesome what beauty an Royalty this Cadillac screams
Thanks, Doug. The '61 Coupe DeVille with the bubbletop was one of my favorites. Your knowledge is really appreciated.
Stunning.
Very informative. Thank you for not having obnoxious music on it.
In my opinion this year/model was during the period when Cadillac motorcars definitely could hold the title "Standard of the World"! Sad as the market (world) changed ultimately ending up with an insulting title "Land Yacht" decades later. My favorite Cadillacs span 1954 thru 1992, this 61 featured is truly magnificent!
That color seals the deal for me what beauty
I took my driving test in my mother's six window four door hardtop de Ville. It was a beautiful car, but, i hated to clean that grill. It was my weekly chore to wash and wax it. and, those fins in the grill were sharp, you wraped a rag around your pointer finger and polished the was on the fins. That car was a beautifull royal blue metallic, and, it was sharp.
I took my driving test in my mom's 1961 Caddy coupe. Every time she drove it, I had to wash and polish it! My Dad bought her a new 1966 Lincoln 4 door. She gave me the Caddy.
Thanks for the education on this car.I have just recently purchased the exact same model & thanks to you,I now know there is a second ashtray for the passenger.There will be no smoking though.
Holy shit congrats bro I’m a fucking kid right so I’ve been saving to build my first Harley but building one of these can the 1950 couple deville
Congratulations on your new Caddy! Hope you enjoy yours as much as I do this one!
@@dougmeloan3856 Love it.Low & long is what I like.Had hot rods & tri 5 chevy’s,harleys & Aussie muscle cars but the Caddy is in a league of its own.
It’s like an f100 Super Sabre for your driveway. Absolutely stunning.
61 lines were unique. Thanks for sharing
My dad had a white ‘61 Coupe DeVille.
Absolutely gorgeous car.
Sleek and tasteful.
As a little kid, I loved it.
I’ve always thought the ‘59’s were grotesque and hideous.
Thank you for such an informative walk around this amazing car
it's my age but in far better shape. nice restoration work. as a side note....a lapel microphone may be of help. thanks for the peek.
WHAT? I can't hear you...
The color is spectacular! The interior is gorgeous! Such attention to detail and very rich looking materials. I never realized until now how slender the C pillar is on this car.
But honestly, this body style has always been at the bottom of my list of favorite Cadillacs. It screams “Chevrolet” to me. But look out in 1965! The finest Cadillac ever, at least in my eyes.
Jeez...this dude knows his sh*t.
I wonder who restored that car.
it looks like it rolled off the showroom floor yesterday!
My parents bought a 1974 coupe deville demo it was a big car with fender skirts too. Today's full size cars would have been considered sub compact in those days
You gave me a lot of information about caddy I didn't know and corrected some I thought 🤔
Best ride ever experienced
Very Very nice!.John Guinto
Those inside door panels! 🥰
In my younger days 1961 Cadillac was my car of choice. I owned a coupe, 4 door, Fleetwood, and my last two 61 Caddys were both Hearses. It is depressing for me to see the new Cadillacs on the road. I don't see that Cadillac magnificence that the old ones have. I presently own a 1996 Caddy Hearse that I drive often.
..really a beauty.
Won’t it be nice if we could have colour matched interiors in cars again.
Always been into the early-mid 60s 'straight line' stuff. I think it was the high point of styling from Detroit. THAT Caddy is a ball tearer. For styling it beats the T-Birds of the era. NICE 😍
Great Vid, great example car.
I prefer the 1961 Lincolns, and I recognize that opinion will be unpopular here.
Enjoyed the vid a lot !! Thanks!
I am obviously a Cadillac guy, but I do love the 61 Lincolns. Even Cadillac took on a more slab sided look in '63!
Beyond cool
❎. Just saw a beat up convertible.
Interior shot, exterior needed paint,
But in good condition
It still ran.
man they were giant,
A person can sleep in the trunk.
🤺💐
Hey there, great vid. I have a 6 window 1961 Cadillac SDV. I wonder if you can tell me where that trunk mat comes from, I'd highly appreciate it! Thanks!
looks like the 62 and 61 could swap front grills, that would be awesome
I think some of the styling cues came from the 1959/1960 Eldorado Broughams.
Beautiful car, I want one to two or three. What is the black car next to it, that one is very nice looking too.
58 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
65-66 was the first yr that I like the Cadillac Styling. The ones before that, just look, Tacky
post more content more often
YUMMY!
Did Cadillac offer a passenger side mirror option for 1961?
Yes, but many were dealer installed.
Find me a 78-79 Cadillac Coupe DeVille mint condition. My folks bought a 79 all white and Landau top then gave it to me in the 80s as my first car. I want that car back and I know someone has one in mint.
I am a "1961 model" as well... but I do not look nearly so good. :/
If I had that car it would be my daily driver.
Whitewall width had been "narrowing" since 1956 and by 1959-1961 they were at about 2-1/2" to 2-1/4." In 1962, Cadillacs would wear "modern slim-band whitewalls." 1961 was the last year for "wide whites" (although at 2-1/4"...they weren't all that wide). These whitewalls look a bit wider than they should be to be considered "period-factory-correct."
1961 was the last year the whitewall went to the bead of the tire and they were 2.25 width. 1962 saw the narrow whitewall ranging from 1.25 to 1.5 inch width but with black between bead and whitewall.
@@dougmeloan3856 Correct.
3:09 That's Cher's old pink 66 Mustang.
Yes, and with Sonny's parked next to it!!
It’s a shame that these cars don’t get driven
This one gets driven and enjoyed all the time!
@@dougmeloan3856 hey Doug, hope you're fine! I wonder if you could tell me where you got that trunk mat from with the Cadillac emblem on it, I'd highly appreciate it Sir.
@@tristansulzberger396 It is a great looking trunk mat. I purchased it several years ago from a company called Caddy Reproductions. Apparently they are no longer in business and the company is now known as VCRP (Vintage Cadillac Reproduction Pars). I went to their website and it is currently down. I went out and looked on the backside of the mat to see if there was a manufacturers name, but there was nothing, just a smooth surface. I used to see these for sale all the time on ebay but no longer do. The regular floor mats for inside the car are apparently no longer available either. Since I haven't seen any for sale since the Covid pandemic I assume the supplier quit producing them or went out of business. Keep checking on ebay as maybe someone will list one for sale. Hopefully someone will start re-producing these items again in the future as they were nicely done and good quality. .
61
61 is the best.
Pity you were not on duty when I visited this summer, could have had quite a conversation. Instead I spoke with 2 gentlemen (well one and a kid) who were on the floor; neither had much car knowledge, and on an insistent point or two, just wrong, lol.
Wish we could have met, I would have enjoyed showing you the museum cars. I resigned from the museum in May to take care of my elderly father so was gone most of the summer. I am back to work fulltime so next time you are in be sure to ask for Doug and I will enjoy showing you around!
1961 microphone also
Details on the transmission?
I see:
“Park”
“Drive” (1)
“Drive” (2)
“Low”
“Reverse”
Is this a 4 speed transmission, with no selection for “Second”?
@bobcat baldfat drunkbeater Sad the transmission failed at 10 years old, but you got to enjoy a Fleetwood for 10 years! I have to look up a 1971 LeSabre. I can’t picture it.
Caddy
He needs to wear a mic.
C o o l. C a r
2020 and there is no mic anywhere near him.
For sale? I’d love to make an offer
Not currently for sale. The car belongs to our museums director of vehicle operations.
@@MidwestDreamCarCollection I’m looking to purchase classic Cadillacs in beautiful condition like this car please let me know what cars you may have for sale thanks again
Please define museum quality? some things I've seen in museums are falling apart...
While that is true in some museums, this car is a National first place winner at the 2018 Cadillac-LaSalle Grand National.
How many children lost control of their bicycles and accidentally impelled themselves on those fins. Nice but very dangerous
For sale?
Not currently, but thanks for inquiring.
Remember this song about one: th-cam.com/video/i1-z16dpg8I/w-d-xo.html
I had not heard this song before, thanks for sharing!
green coupe de ville.
for the man who's career path involves abusing a swamp thing.
Museum quality yes fender skirts and gangster whites not so much
Beautiful car! Terrible intro music!
Damn shame I can hardly hear you
would you consider selling it to me?
I am still enjoying it, so not currently for sale!
@@dougmeloan3856 Thank you, should you change your mind some time in the future please contact me, best regards, jeroen huizinga
GET YOURSELF A LAPEL MIC.
I apologize for the poor sound quality, we were still learning and had limited equipment at the time this video was made. We now have that rectified.
Dress it up all you want. its a chevrolet
🤔🙄😟how do you come to that conclusion???
Bad audio. Fail!
We agree. Fortunately we have that issue rectified moving forward.
Get a mic dude😐
Amazing difference compared to the superb 1961 Lincoln Continental, the epitome of class and elegance. This Cadillac is so vulgar in comparison to the 1961 Lincoln.
I love 61 Lincoln Continentals too, yet Cadillacs were anything but vulgar, evidenced that Cadillac out sold Lincoln Continental 138,000 to 25,000.
@@dougmeloan3856 Vulgarity always sells better!
You should have your glasses checked. The 1961 Cadillac Coupe de Ville was an amazing car. The Lincoln was as bland and generic as it gets.
@@MarinCipollina 1960 Caddy was a much better looking car. This looks like an overblown Chevy. Profile and rear are simply hideous.
@@viciouspoodle5543 I love ALL the Cadillacs of the 1940s through 1970.. What followed was problematic for decades.