This 1974 Cadillac Coupe deVille Helped Make GM a Victim of Its Own Success - Review and Test Drive

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ความคิดเห็น • 977

  • @jameswillett7186
    @jameswillett7186 3 ปีที่แล้ว +110

    The reason Cadillacs were SO common by the early 1970's is that our standard of living peaked in 1973. It enabled more people than ever to afford to buy a Cadillac.

    • @jimhenry3992
      @jimhenry3992 3 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      Pretty sad when you think of it

    • @dividedstatesofamerica2520
      @dividedstatesofamerica2520 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      And it all went downhill from there.

    • @muffs55mercury61
      @muffs55mercury61 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Yes. Cadillac set a record in 1973 selling more than 250,000 cars. By the time the embargo came, the '74s were already on the assembly line.

    • @MostlyBuicks
      @MostlyBuicks 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      The early 1970s we were on the cusp of women being encouraged to delay families and join the workforce which in turn gave rise to families NEEDING two breadwinners to afford a house. Now we need two families with two breadwinners each to afford a house!

    • @markremy4946
      @markremy4946 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Look at the little go-carts that grown men drive now. Shows the downfall of the American workers' wages.

  • @frederickjohnpicarello1909
    @frederickjohnpicarello1909 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    My uncle had 74' Coupe DeVille & everytime I drove in it I would fall asleep in the backseat without fail!' It felt amazingly smooth & quiet..It felt like you were completely shut off from the outside world.

  • @purplegoose7907
    @purplegoose7907 3 ปีที่แล้ว +97

    REAL reviews by a REAL guy. Thanks Bill for the usual thorough review and humor. Always look forward to your new vids!

    • @paveantelic7876
      @paveantelic7876 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Hey so unbiased yet passionate at the same time.. Shame your average young car guy is not into these cars, otherwise i feel like his Channel would have been huge

    • @chetpomeroy1399
      @chetpomeroy1399 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Not to mention the fact that cars like this were about as REAL as one could get!!

    • @fredblassie9523
      @fredblassie9523 ปีที่แล้ว

      seems like a guy you can hang out with , beers and a lot of laughs and remenising about life in the 70's as a kid....and of course cars

  • @macmsu2363
    @macmsu2363 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I had a ‘73 Coup de Villa in the late 80s early 90s - absolutely loved it, my favorite car of all time (green with brocade cloth interior). Funny thing was all the other college kids thought it sucked, driving around in their ridiculous hatchbacks .. but the iconoclast always wins.

  • @christopherkraft1327
    @christopherkraft1327 3 ปีที่แล้ว +78

    I love the huge Coupe de Villes of this era, very comfortable. No goats, birds & only 1 cat to terrorize you, it's a good day!! 😊

    • @rebeltvr6046
      @rebeltvr6046 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      "only 1 cat"? Do you know how dangerous cats can be?

    • @Andrew.W75
      @Andrew.W75 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@rebeltvr6046 Not as dangerous as goats ;-)

    • @rebeltvr6046
      @rebeltvr6046 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Andrew.W75 Obviously. Goats are the GOATS of mayhem

    • @timmcm9538
      @timmcm9538 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@rebeltvr6046 Bill should have put all the animals in the trunk of the Deville. They'd fit no problem.

    • @robk9685
      @robk9685 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's almost like you bought a car based on the hood in front of you. The '73-'77 Grand Prix's/Monte Carlo's were awesome for this along with this car. Lincoln's get an honorable mention but I just wasn't a Ford person.

  • @mattiagnagno757
    @mattiagnagno757 3 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    “That guy has brakes he’s gonna have to use them” cracked me up😂

    • @musiclover5023
      @musiclover5023 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes I remember when the brake servo failed on my Eldorado, I certainly had to push that pedal.

  • @e.f.clarke2041
    @e.f.clarke2041 3 ปีที่แล้ว +46

    It’s the little things that make my day, Bill, and you always provide. Anticipated this video and was not let down. Then again, you could never let me down. 👍🏻

    • @paulkirkland1535
      @paulkirkland1535 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      My thoughts exactly. The good old days,I remember these cars when new. Bill really makes my day.

  • @godofstream3346
    @godofstream3346 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Love that Caddy. Rather have it than a Rolls.

  • @mikeyerke3920
    @mikeyerke3920 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    These cars are coming of age as collectors cars.

  • @burtpanasonic
    @burtpanasonic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Give that man, man of the year award. 🏆

  • @eddstarr2185
    @eddstarr2185 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Hi Bill, my family was car shopping in 1973 and we were stunned by the rising prices. That nasty double-digit inflation of the 1970's caused GM to raise prices several times that year. Dad noticed that Buick and Oldsmobile prices were gaining on Cadillac, while Cadillac held their increases to a minimum. For the price of an Electra 225 you could drive away in a Sedan DeVille.

    • @chasechildress2720
      @chasechildress2720 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      So what did your family choose

    • @eddstarr2185
      @eddstarr2185 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@chasechildress2720 Dad made a bad choice, he waited another year to see the 1974 models. Big mistake!

  • @johnc4305
    @johnc4305 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My dads office had a few of these for sales calls that he would occasionally bring home. Seeing this car brings back memories of ice cream runs on these occasions. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

  • @cardo1111
    @cardo1111 3 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    "But-There ain't no Coupe DeVille hiding at the bottom of a Cracker Jack box."

    • @timmcm9538
      @timmcm9538 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Two points for the Meatloaf reference!

    • @michaelwhite2823
      @michaelwhite2823 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      "Who ever heard of people poor ad us drive a Cadillac Coupe de Ville?" Donna Fargo

  • @mikeskipworth856
    @mikeskipworth856 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    That sound when all four barrels open up is righteous. What a machine.

    • @freetoroam7769
      @freetoroam7769 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I have a '76 with the 500, and when you step on the gas, you can hear that carburetor sucking lots of air - just like a shop vac. It's awesome.

  • @tommitchell2055
    @tommitchell2055 3 ปีที่แล้ว +88

    "I'll try to make this a more efficient video"
    *Sees that the video is 45 minutes long*

    • @kaohsiung99
      @kaohsiung99 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      You gotta love Bill...

    • @ToneCabinet
      @ToneCabinet 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      He's a talker... LOL.

    • @OnTheRocks71
      @OnTheRocks71 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      **begins with the history of Cadillac**

    • @michaelwhite2823
      @michaelwhite2823 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The LANGUAGE

    • @michaelwhite2823
      @michaelwhite2823 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      In the first video I was somewhat annoyed. Now I love his style! LMAO

  • @brockturner3112
    @brockturner3112 3 ปีที่แล้ว +75

    I swear, bill is like the bastard son of Maude and Lou Grant. 😂😂😂 I can't stop laughing at all of your videos.

    • @taxdup2here82
      @taxdup2here82 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Funny you should say that. I had paused this video and was thinking about the Mary Tyler Moore show when I went outside for a smoke prior to you referencing Lou Grant.

    • @bsu1960
      @bsu1960 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      He is All American God Bless Him- Bill doesnt need writers w him its
      Au Natural -- off the cuff and dead on target. Its “ The Color of my parents appliances
      Each video is a jewel and when he made the disclaimer of w redo Bill please dont
      Change and after the fear that hit me earlier was quickly dissipated by the Bill we know and Love for being exactly himself he sure stands head and shoulders over the Quirky giant lol he has depth that cant be replicated

    • @metrix9125
      @metrix9125 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Like "when the cuddy started driving a Cadillac" as well

    • @michaelcope856
      @michaelcope856 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Bill is what Doug DeMuro would be like if he didn't start every day with six espressos and a Red Bull.

    • @rickwhite3181
      @rickwhite3181 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@michaelcope856 I enjoy bills voice I wanna stick needles in my eyes listening to Doug lol

  • @terjetytland884
    @terjetytland884 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Just love these long,informative and humorus presentations👍

  • @highlandmccombes
    @highlandmccombes 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Great video Bill. You are a man after my own heart. We had a silver grey 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood in the 90's. I wasn't going to let OPEC tell me what kind of car to drive. The interior was bordello red leather and it was stunning. Everyone that got into the car was blown away and they loved it. The seats were the most comfortable I've ever sat in as they arranged the springs in the most supportive manner possible. I shouldn't have sold it, but I still have my 1954 Coupe' de Ville which I bought in1972. We only drive it on nice days(it can get cold up here in Canada) and my kids and grandkids love it. It doesn't matter how long your videos are Bill, as they are down to earth and very informative.

    • @Chris_Troxler
      @Chris_Troxler 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nice. I had a 72 Fleetwood, triple black, in my early 20's in the mid 2000s. I LOVED that car. Can't tell you how many times some tried to buy it off of me, or how many times I've hauled my drunk buddies around in it. God, I miss that car.

  • @chrisb2844
    @chrisb2844 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    That is one gorgeous car, I LOVE it!! GREAT JOB BILL!!

  • @brianwells7641
    @brianwells7641 3 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    Cat: *exists*
    Bill: "It's hoping the windows down so it could leap in and attach itself to my face"

    • @jsmurd
      @jsmurd 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      LOL!!!

    • @pauliewalnuts8094
      @pauliewalnuts8094 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Get that cat the f outta here!

    • @kaohsiung99
      @kaohsiung99 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Bill could write a great novel...

    • @philip4193
      @philip4193 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah to Bill all animals and birds are vicious, bloodthirsty creatures, out to get him. He probably envisages that cat launching itself and attaching itself to his face in a suction cup-type embrace like the juvenile crab-like creatures from Alien...

  • @ahmedal-khadar3924
    @ahmedal-khadar3924 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Bill man I wonder how come your channel got only 70k subscribers although it’s one of the finest car channel on TH-cam ever........ AHMED FROM BAGHDAD IRAQ

  • @bernardboka4277
    @bernardboka4277 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My dad gave me his 1973 sedan deVille when I turned 16 in 1983 and it sparked my love of cars ever since. Same gold top, paint and interior.I compared my car to the contemporary cars and my car was a jewel. Still have it, 10k paint job and new nos interior fabric. Looks better than 1973 new.

  • @donmoore7785
    @donmoore7785 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    We had a '61 and '72 Sedan de Ville. This boat brings back memories. The '72 had 66,000 miles on it when we sold it, and it was not in great condition. Northern winters caused a lot of rust, we didn't maintain it properly. It was almost ready for recycling. Love seeing this fairly clean example. My mom drove the '72 right off the jack when I had the front wheel off. Yup - she had no clue the car was on that huge angle. Came out and the disc was on the concrete floor. I used her stocking once when the fan belt broke to get us home - I had heard of that trick. Tie it tight. I miss my mom... and her car.

  • @johnhenrymcmahon6878
    @johnhenrymcmahon6878 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Such an awesome review, Bill. I love to see and listen to your commentary and history of these awesome American cars from the 70's-just so cool, brother. :) JV Johnny

  • @chuckmyhervold2540
    @chuckmyhervold2540 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    My grandfather on my mom’s side always drove Caddy’s as long as I can remember. His last one was this generation, a ‘72 Coup De Ville. I remember driving this car for the first time when it was new. I was 18 years old at the time, and wow, there was nothing like it at the then! It still felt special compared to your average conveyance.

  • @acelacrocker2958
    @acelacrocker2958 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My grandfather had a Coupe deVille EXACTLY like this. Same color - inside and out, same hub caps, same wheel skirts... Thought I had gone back in time for a moment...

  • @stephendavis7441
    @stephendavis7441 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I'm in love lol. I had this same car in high school in 1980 with 36k miles great car. Living in Central Illinois lots of snow during that time never got stuck. Oh my the torque it had.

  • @MajorSecord
    @MajorSecord 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I had a '74 in the same color. Compared to my '69 coupe de ville, I remember this one as being more Lincoln-like, with a softer ride and a more numb and isolated steering feel. The most in-your-face (or in-your-hand) poor design on all those old cads was the plastic steering wheels with the horn in the rim. An odd place to go cheap considering it's front and center and you're always using it. On the exterior, the flexible rubber stop gaps for the new federally mandated bumpers always faded and cracked within a few years exposure to the elements. Sun and salt would age them very quickly. This beautiful example brings back memories.

  • @parrotlover9035
    @parrotlover9035 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Back in '87-'91 I had this model as a 1976. It was nearly perfect. The engine was inaudible in the interior and ran so smoothly that there was no vibration at all. Not so with my 1981 Fleetwood sedan. It vibrates and you hear the engine all the time.

  • @topcturvee1
    @topcturvee1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I don't mind a 44:01 mintues video, Bill !!!!
    I find your videos always Entertaining, and informational !!!!!
    You gather up all the info on what your selling, and I find it very helpful, not to mention, the history behind the cars, are incredibly usefull !!!!!
    Don't stop what you're doing.
    WE LOVE YOU ❤️ BILL !!!!!!

  • @benscampers1818
    @benscampers1818 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Bill your reviews are a great end to my day

  • @hottubz1965
    @hottubz1965 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    *Harvest Gold* was that 60s/70s iconic color

    • @robk9685
      @robk9685 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      That was the appliance color along with avacado green..

    • @robk9685
      @robk9685 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@michaelwhite2823 Whatever. This dude tried to drive his refrigerator to the "paraphernalia" store when Momz hid the keys to her gold Cadillac.

  • @pauledie882
    @pauledie882 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I could not agree more with your assessment of Cadillac in the 1970's. My dad's barber bought a brand new Cad in '73, and that took the 'glow' off the brand name in dad's mind. He figured if his barber bought one, then why the hell would he want one?

    • @billace90
      @billace90 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yes, and the kid that did the lawns at the Barber’s house also had one!

    • @OfficialMarkieB
      @OfficialMarkieB 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I guess the same attitude would be for the CT4, CT5 & CT6? Like literally anyone can have those caddies.
      Honestly, for today's standards; in my opinion if it isn't the Escalade it aint a Cadillac.

  • @jonathankuhls3778
    @jonathankuhls3778 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love listening to this guy! He's Fun! Always puts a smile 😃 😊 😀 on my face!

  • @retrocorner5737
    @retrocorner5737 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I always liked how Cadillac took a bump. It actually made it feel
    Good. No other car does that. Maybe Lincoln but not the same.

    • @MartyPowell55
      @MartyPowell55 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I imagine there were A LOT of " bumps" taken in Cadillac's in the 70's and 80's..lol..

    • @vincentvega8210
      @vincentvega8210 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      My dad would always say "NOTHING RIDES LIKE A CADDY" Damn if the old guy wasn't rite. He had a 66 4dr. Fleetwood,69 eldorado 78 coupe deville and an 81 sedan deville ..all where in MINT CONDITION! BTW I learned to drive in that 69 eldo navy bl. Navy bl interior and white vinyl top,what a car!!!!

  • @MarinCipollina
    @MarinCipollina 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Bill is just geat.. I love his reviews and personality. 1974 Coupe de Ville was a real beast.

  • @theconciergerecommends3981
    @theconciergerecommends3981 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    My Great Aunt Alice drove this same car with a lead foot into her '90's!!!

  • @SH-fi8sn
    @SH-fi8sn 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great commentary as always! I had a '73 Coupe de Ville and loved it. I played bass in an orchestra during that time and could easily fit the bass in the trunk of that car. Simply amazing.

  • @Chelz12
    @Chelz12 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Your channel is very organized, informative and entertaining.

  • @brazenhammer3307
    @brazenhammer3307 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Man I love your videos keep on cruisin

  • @taxdup2here82
    @taxdup2here82 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    One of Bill's best videos yet. Shortened to 45 minutes too! I've had four 71-75 C bodies (three with built in garbage cans) and totally agree with Bill about the driving experience. Never had a legendary 472, only had a 350 4 bbl (Pontiac), two 455's (Olds) and a 501 Fleetwood that was a champ at donuts on gravel but couldn't even spin the tires on pavement. Believe me, I tried.

  • @SkopLP
    @SkopLP ปีที่แล้ว

    I so much enjoy your videos for how it feels like standing next to you, having a casual conversation, and learning interesting things along the way while looking at these gems of cars, especially the Cadillacs - thank you ever so much!

  • @volvo09
    @volvo09 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thank you for the history lesson on horsepower ratings! Helps explain the huge number drops.

  • @FRFRANKIE
    @FRFRANKIE 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hi Bill hope your doing good.
    I really loved the video. You put out the best vintage car videos ever in my book.
    Keep up the good work. Stay safe.

  • @michaeldierks3708
    @michaeldierks3708 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I wish they still made cars that drove like that.

  • @loveaodai100
    @loveaodai100 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Super review! Absolutely beautiful. Love the headlamps. One breaks and it cost ten dollars to replace.

  • @SeanJohnson-sj1su
    @SeanJohnson-sj1su 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Hey Bill, awesome review as usual.
    I am hoping I can log onto you tube some day and see you testing an E34 BMW 5 series. I am a child of the 80's and I remember loving those cars and wanting my family to buy one, but they could never afford it. Definitely one of the defining cars of the 80's.

  • @maynard4026
    @maynard4026 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really enjoyed this. Thank you. I learned to drive in my dad's 73. Exact color you showed. We drove this car 180k and never had a single problem.Sold it in 1986. I remember he got every option and took me with him to pick it up.$12k . Fun memory. I loved this car. Thanks

  • @hottubz1965
    @hottubz1965 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Bill, I swear we had the same milkman while growing up when it comes to your taste in cars!

    • @robk9685
      @robk9685 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, that's why you look alike too. The same milkman!

  • @joe6096
    @joe6096 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I see a new video from Bill pop up in my feed, my day is made!

  • @LongIslandMopars
    @LongIslandMopars 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I was waiting for you to get into those Quadrajet secondaries ... what a sound from a bygone era.

    • @440mgnm
      @440mgnm 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      True. But I always preferred the sound of a healthy Carter ThermoQuad

    • @LongIslandMopars
      @LongIslandMopars 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@440mgnm Definitely!

    • @timmcm9538
      @timmcm9538 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      If you looked down into the secondary's as they were opened up, it looked like two little toilets being flushed with gasoline. You no longer wondered why your gas mileage was what it was.

    • @LongIslandMopars
      @LongIslandMopars 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@timmcm9538 And if you kept your foot in it long enough, you could watch the gas gauge move in real time....

    • @borla4491
      @borla4491 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@timmcm9538 MPGs was not better due to Emmissions. Take off those Emmissions and it will get better MPGs.

  • @ericelander9936
    @ericelander9936 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love these videos. Love that car. Every old car from the sixties and seventies you have reminds me of my youth. Want to buy every one!

  • @mattkase6644
    @mattkase6644 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    "The legendary Jim Reeves...he got hurt on that horse and it didn't work out for him."
    🤣 Am I the only one to catch this brilliant piece of intentional misconstruation humor?

    • @BrisLS1
      @BrisLS1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Didn't catch it as a joke; he died trying to fly a plane by sight, in a rain storm, and then stalling out while trying figure out direction. You can't slow down a plane in the air, like a car on the road. You have to maintain air speed over the wings to maintain lift. Well, then he reacted to the stall by pulling up and applying throttle, which sounds intuitive but is not correct. Need to push the nose down, gain air speed and then return to flying where you want it to go. All the best.

    • @mattkase6644
      @mattkase6644 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@BrisLS1 You missed it too. He was intentionally misconstruing Jim Reeves and Christopher Reeve. It was a joke, albeit a dark humor one. Good to hear from another fellow aviator, however.

    • @staffy73
      @staffy73 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I caught it. 😅 that bill is really something else

    • @ericbitzer5247
      @ericbitzer5247 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mattkase6644 My dad used to take me up in Piper Cherokees he would rent when I was a kid in the 70's and very early 80's. Best times of my life.

  • @AERIXX3
    @AERIXX3 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have virtually the same car and color but mine is a '76. Love it!

  • @kennethwood9025
    @kennethwood9025 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    That car is HUGE! That has to be the biggest 2 door car GM built. Would love to drive that on the freeway.

    • @freetoroam7769
      @freetoroam7769 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      They are fantastic on the freeway. I have a '76. Have to watch the speedometer closely because you don't realize how fast your going. Cannot judge the speed by the engine revs because the engine just loafs along quietly.

    • @eddiedean3259
      @eddiedean3259 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Kenneth Wood if you think the two door coupe was big. Check out How Big The 76-78 Eldorado!!! Wow!!!

    • @randyfitz8310
      @randyfitz8310 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The 1976 Buick Electra coupe was actually longer at 227 inches!

    • @krazy8754
      @krazy8754 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@randyfitz8310 but It’s a Buick 🤮

  • @Toguro-oy3ld
    @Toguro-oy3ld 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This channel helps keep me sane, helps.
    So many memories of the big cars I used to have.

  • @Dac54
    @Dac54 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    It's surprising that the 8 track tapes are still usable, given the age of them. In many cases, the tape is dried out, hence becoming brittle, and can snap right inside the tape player. That being said, what a beautiful classic car from a bygone era this Cadillac is! Thanks very much, Bill; cars like this one and the Mercury Cougar you showed last week bring me back to my youth and were still abundant on the road when I first started driving in the early 1980s.

  • @Jason-xb3jh
    @Jason-xb3jh 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This was my first car! My grandparents bought it new. They had a quarter horse ranch here in Montana and pulled a “4 horse” horse trailer with it and used it as a daily driver. Then they got a 1979 Eldorado. The Deville sat in their driveway for a while until they sold it to me when I was 15 for $500.00. Loved it. My only complaint was the gas mileage. You could literally watch the gas gauge fall towards empty.

  • @MrMenefrego1
    @MrMenefrego1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Excellent video, Bill! Love the detailed info. you have in this one. My father had many Cadillacs in his life, the first of which was his rather conspicuous baby blue '56 Caddy, Coup de Ville, which he bought in 1958 when he returned from overseas during his stint in the service. (Pop was a WWII & Korean War Vet) I'm going to be 60 this month and, for me at least, this is what a *true Cadillac* looks like; uselessly-GIGANTIC, but beautifully luxurious! Other than the oddly Chevrolet, Impala-like frontend, this car is *ALL CADILLAC!* From her massive 472-ci Caddy engine to her subdued tailfins, from her cavernous trunk to her built-in trash container, she is a true American Beauty! Nothing 'sensible' here, this is pure, ALL-AMERICAN Luxury with an emphasis on WASTE! lol. Great stuff, Bill... I thank God in Heaven that the goats, birds and other wildlife didn't get you! I always wondered why you aren't afraid of those damned Florida 'Gators but you are afraid of a 1-ounce bird?! 👀

  • @kyletaylor9550
    @kyletaylor9550 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Grandpa had this exact model in lime green with white top and seats. The ride was incredible -- floating down the road. Nothing today rides like it. Grandpa hated seat belts, he removed them -- still legal to do back then.

  • @MrJayrock620
    @MrJayrock620 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Holy shit Bill, I think this is probably the first car I’ve actually seen you step into the rear of.

  • @Vini-Pizza
    @Vini-Pizza 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The narrator has a great voice, talks with a little grit and tells it like it is. Love this Coupe de Ville

  • @subaru4me
    @subaru4me 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    That was really interesting regarding the horsepower. I used to wonder just how the smog stuff could sap that much power but apparently not. Cool info.

    • @chrisedward7575
      @chrisedward7575 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The car was heavy, poorly built, underpowered and handled like crap. An engine is the sum of its parts. These engines were detuned down to nothing. Removing the smog stuff wouldn’t help much. It did have some torque.

    • @1voiceofstl
      @1voiceofstl 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Late 70's was alot worse.

    • @lorenzocooper8286
      @lorenzocooper8286 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@chrisedward7575 Have you ever heard of crate engines? Those will solve the low horsepower problem. I swapped a 600 horsepower 455 Pontiac crate engine into my 1984 Cadillac Fleetwood. It's a blast to drive and I roll down the windows most of the time so that I can hear the glass pack mufflers. The glass packs give it a Harley Davidson type of rumble. The only bad thing about my car is the gas mileage. I'm getting about 7 or 8 miles to the gallon highway mileage.

    • @blaisepalermo1743
      @blaisepalermo1743 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lorenzocooper8286 love it...

  • @59cadfins
    @59cadfins 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We have a few Cadillacs and enjoyed watching this video on this car. These are the cars are the real head turners that should be kept on the road. New cars and electrics don't have the same style. Like this one with the grill below the bumper. Thanks for posting.

  • @robertpace901
    @robertpace901 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    What a beauty. In August 1973 I remember looking through the fence at our local dealership, where all the 74 Cadillac's were being stored, before the official release date. That opera rear window was what stuck out the most as the new feature for 74.
    What are the cross bars above the engine for? Why were they needed.
    These days parking spaces aren't made for this length of this car.

    • @V8_screw_electric_cars
      @V8_screw_electric_cars 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Those bars are for torsional rigidity this hood opening being so yuge.

    • @labornurse
      @labornurse 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Imagine parking this in an underground garage.

    • @wall-e3313
      @wall-e3313 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@labornurse I can tell you from personal experience. Not fun. My Suburban isn't much easier to park, but it actually handles better on the road.

  • @sparkymcplumpthepolydactyl2079
    @sparkymcplumpthepolydactyl2079 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Remember riding in those cars as kid, it was like riding in a living room.

  • @davidfoley9642
    @davidfoley9642 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Love it! The closest I had was a '71 Impala Custom in Champagne Gold.

  • @keithbalke6352
    @keithbalke6352 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Love the history lessons as much as the cars....this guy is good

  • @rmknicks
    @rmknicks 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    You are a national treasure and I'm so glad that the golden dreadnought was able to keep you safe from that feral cat.

  • @waynemarchese5671
    @waynemarchese5671 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Absolute beauty. Our last Caddy was the '73 coupe. After 20+ years of owning them. My parents moved to Euro manufacturers in the mid 70's. I'll always remember how comfortable that leather interior was. Jaguar leather seats were pretty stiff compared to these boats.

  • @jamesparker6017
    @jamesparker6017 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Mel Bch 🌴 You're back on track with this beauty. Really nice. No bro han add ons thank goodness ! 👌 🏄

  • @1allanbmw
    @1allanbmw 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    500 cubic inches.
    Largest engine ever made for a standard production car up until the late '70's anyway. My parents ordered a new Sedan de Ville in '74 and as a 15 year old boy, I noticed and remembered such things. I drove that car to art lessons every Saturday morning and occasionally to early morning school if I could be back in time for my mom to go to school. Both my parents were school teachers, but my mom was born in Oklahoma in the early '30's and a Caddy ment to her, anyway, that you had arrived. I remember we looked at Lincoln and my dad really liked the new Imperial. But I think knowing my mom, it was always gonna be a Cadillac!
    500 ci.

  • @cb8868
    @cb8868 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Always great and this car is awesome.

  • @wingatemose1182
    @wingatemose1182 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I loved the Cadillac Coupe deVille of the 1970's that was the car of my dreams as a teenager from 74 to 79. As far as I'm concerned those years were the absolute peak of Cadillac ,Period.

  • @PeterYanidis
    @PeterYanidis 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Great car to drive through The Everglades in.

    • @paulk9985
      @paulk9985 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The everglades is mostly water. You'd need a boat to drive through the ever.... Oh, I get it. Ha Ha LOL.

    • @robk9685
      @robk9685 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Or on I-94 through Detroit passing the Clark Street plant where they were born. Car leaning one way, driver leaning the other. Vinyl top flappin' in the wind, one headlight, thought it was a motorcycle behind you. All red lights aglow on the dash. Panty hose as a gas cap. Smokin' like a BBQ. Mudflaps with your zodiac sign.
      To H with those people saying this GM Detroit stuff was "junk". They were still running 25 years later.

  • @miamoreifuamoor5869
    @miamoreifuamoor5869 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video, informative and an absolute pleasure to partake in!

  • @npet6842
    @npet6842 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That is fantastic ! What a colour too .

  • @ab.3800
    @ab.3800 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is one of the best car channels

  • @jimkeo6954
    @jimkeo6954 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I believe that’s a Calais not a coupe DeVille, it’s missing the fender light monitors, as well as the rear taillight monitors. And I’m pretty sure that vinyl not leather interior. I could be wrong. Anyways I’m always entertained by Bill’s videos.

    • @robmastro8620
      @robmastro8620 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I believe the Calais of that era didnt have a vinyl roof, and came with a cloth interior.
      I remember as a kid having our next door neighbors who were both retired educators, one had a 74 Coupe Deville that had very low miles and the other a 77 Olds Cutlass Supreme Brougham with even less miles. Both were beautiful cars.

    • @josephvaldora49
      @josephvaldora49 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The Calais had a very cool plaid cloth interior.

  • @shaundis2117
    @shaundis2117 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    i grew up in a baby blue 76 Fleetwood . My mom and dad drove my brother and i everywhere in it .Dad bought it a few years old from a horse breeder from Texas ( still had hay in the trunk ) .British Columbia`s winters in the early to mid 80`s proved to be quite punishing to it and it rusted to powder far sooner than it should have . That car was the reason im still hooked on Cadillac today . Ever reliable , took us on all the adventures we wanted to go on . Comfortable and secure and confident . The dash and steering wheel are identical mostly to 76 . Brings back great ancient memories to see someone drive a car like this from the perspective of a kid who threw off his seat belt again for a better view .Cheers Sir

  • @randolfo1265
    @randolfo1265 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That car looks five years old, totally amazing!!
    Don't leave the giant door open too long Bill, it might sag on the hinge, and even worse, the cat might get in.
    (I had a cat back in the eighties who like to sleep in cars and at least once, went home with a visitor by mistake)

  • @Sedan57Chevy
    @Sedan57Chevy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You really do manage to find some of the best cars, Bill! I wouldn't go out of my way looking for a gold Coupe DeVille, but this thing is GORGEOUS! Your commentary is wonderful as well, and really does add something special. Anybody can point a camera at a car, but it takes a special someone to talk about the weather and animals along with the car and make for a hilarious and informative review of a car.

  • @tsav6952
    @tsav6952 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Another exquisite review and very fine machine I would have been proud to drive to the country club. The stupid Mercedes AC barely worked and you couldn't hold six golf bags in the trunk either.

  • @peteralvarez8328
    @peteralvarez8328 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome Caddy! Thanks for another great video Bill!

  • @1SECRETBILLY
    @1SECRETBILLY 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great presentation Bill especially at 15:00 mark as how Cadillac allowed Mercedes Benz a piece of the pie lol.

  • @DanKirchner5150
    @DanKirchner5150 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    owned a few of these 73-76 years beautiful rides all around

  • @sadokbarbouche9427
    @sadokbarbouche9427 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    that is a bad ass car

  • @jefferystackhouse3434
    @jefferystackhouse3434 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very good detailed video. I owned one of these cars and absolutely loved it, miss it till this day. Years of trouble free driving.

  • @toefield251
    @toefield251 3 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    I believe Johnny Cash, Led Zeppelin and Elvis were cruising in these cars.

    • @chuckhaugan4970
      @chuckhaugan4970 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Naaaahhhhh...... Old people were into Lawrence Welk, the Carpenters, John Denver, and whoever did that Skyrockets in flight.... Afternoon delight song. God.... Such an insane time for music. Hearing that on Mom and Dad's presets and then Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Beatles/their offshoots, and the Doobie Brothers on the kids presets. At least that's what I remember of those years.... That and bell bottoms.... LOL!!!

    • @a.s.4914
      @a.s.4914 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      And it would of fit nearly all of them at once! 😉 This things as big as a PT boat.

    • @charger19691
      @charger19691 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I think Elvis would of gladly rolled in this 74 Coupe DeVille!

    • @toefield251
      @toefield251 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@chuckhaugan4970 Both Johnny Cash and Elvis owned these cars. Zeppelin can be seen leaving in one at the end of the film "The Song Remains the Same".

    • @chuckhaugan4970
      @chuckhaugan4970 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@toefield251 LOL!!! I'm just talk'n music, no worries. Misread your initial comment. I'm getting too old for my own good.

  • @OLDSPANKY1967
    @OLDSPANKY1967 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I Love the History You give with every video you do! I always learn Something when I watch you videos. I love all these old cars you have. It's a shame that I can't own them All. At least I know that Every car you show will someday get a great home & someone to take care of it. Keep up the great work!

  • @fitfogey
    @fitfogey 3 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    6:15 “Cadillac was named after Antwon Sir de Cadillac...or some shit like that” 😂😂

    • @musiclover5023
      @musiclover5023 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      No, it's a little town in France !

    • @chuckselvage3157
      @chuckselvage3157 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      🤣🤣

    • @ericbrule4465
      @ericbrule4465 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Named after the founder of Detroit, MI if I recall

    • @firstnamelastname6171
      @firstnamelastname6171 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Antoine De La Mothe Cadillac

    • @robk9685
      @robk9685 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It was Antoine, not the ghetto misspelling Antwon. Where you be stay? With Martelle' D. Bootiful Hennessaaay Hankerson-Wilson-Fogey III...or some shit like that? Lol

  • @mitchellwalton481
    @mitchellwalton481 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love this car!! And the unbelievable practically showroom condition that it's in!! Absolutely stunning!
    Thanks Bill for another great find, and another great video! I am always amazed by your vast knowledge about each vehicle that you show, and what particulars that was or would have been taking place in the history of the actual time period of each vehicle. Loads of information, which greatly add to each video!
    Also, as someone else had mentioned, weather was fairly decent and no Shanahan's from either the birds, cats nor the goats! Hahaha 😂😂😂. You always give us a good laugh, that no video would be complete without! Lol
    Thanks again for another great video, and we all appreciate all that you do, and keep them coming! 👍👍😎

  • @johndornoff
    @johndornoff 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    My mother had a 1973 Sedan De Ville in the same color. One day I was heading to the car when a brand new 1984 Oldsmobile hit the car as it was sitting along the curb. The Oldsmobile's entire right side was wiped out and I ran out afraid my mother was going to kill me thinking I damaged the car and I went out to look at the damage to see some white paint on the bumper being the only damage.

  • @MyHumanWreckage
    @MyHumanWreckage 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Stunning car. Love these old Cadillacs. Ain’t nothin’ like ‘em.

  • @brysctt72
    @brysctt72 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    I guess you'd have to keep your 9mm under the seat, that glove compartment is pretty far to reach for it 😂

    • @tonys8243
      @tonys8243 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      A compact .45 because ...you might be able to expand a .38 round but you can't shrink a .45

    • @quad5186
      @quad5186 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Looks like that center ashtray could hold one!

  • @jaykipfer7427
    @jaykipfer7427 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I own a 1976 Cadillac Coupe DeVille and I absolutely love it. Nothing rides or drives like a big Caddy.

    • @freetoroam7769
      @freetoroam7769 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Agreed. I have one too. My 2000 Grand Marquis feels like an economy car after driving the Cad.

  • @captbrakeset7630
    @captbrakeset7630 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    For the exterior colors, I'd go with Pharaoh Gold Firemist, as suggested, and the matching Code M Gold vinyl roof. Reviews of 74 to 76 Cadillac deVilles and Fleetwood uniformly panned the Impala-grade materials of the instrument panel and door trim, although the design was fine: the new instrument panel/dash made the "front room" feel even larger. It's as if GM's product planners agreed to milk the last dimes out of the platform as funding for the 77 downsizing. As mentioned, there were big-dollar option packages like the d'Elegance and over-the-top Fleetwood Talisman to put some space between the promotional priced models for the step-up buyers mentioned and the fancier ones intended to keep the upper-middle class buyers in the fold. That, and pricing the Seville ABOVE the 76 Fleetwood maybe slowed the exodus but failed to stop it. Still - nothing else looked like or drove like a deVille or a Fleetwood of that era - best wishes to whoever now owns this exceptional Coupe deVille.

  • @CAROLUSPRIMA
    @CAROLUSPRIMA 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This guy is singular.
    Cars hold no fascination for me. Still I cannot avert my eyes (and ears) from these videos.

  • @petergibbs
    @petergibbs 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    When ever I see a car like this , I half expect to see Steve McGarrett jump out yelling "Book'em Danno".

    • @dirtyoldman7356
      @dirtyoldman7356 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      1968-74: Mercury ParkLane
      1974-80: Mercury Marquis

  • @enviroperfect
    @enviroperfect 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    My Father had the 74 Sedan DeVille. We also had a French Poodle about 20Lbs. At that time. He loved that car. He would run around that car , jump over the front seats and to the top of rear seats near the rear window. That car was his playground.