1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Vegas Turquoise West Coast Car - Matching Numbers

1959 Cadillac DeVille Additional Info:

1959 Cadillac Coupe Deville.
PERTINENT VEHICLE HISTORY
WEST COAST USA 1959 - 1999
This Cadillac spent the first 40 years of its existence on the West Coast. Originally purchased by the owner of an automotive repair facility in Richmond California that was on the "same road as the high school." I tried extensively to find out about this original owner with no luck. When I did replace the exhaust I did remove "Blue Streak" glass mufflers that were made in Benica California. Those were in mint condition and were sold on E Bay to a California nostalgia hot rodder. From California it made its way to Oregon in the early to mid 1990s.
A previous Oregon title indicates a purchase date of November 16, 1995 but a follow up correspondence says he bought it in the spring of 1994. I ordered that title from the Oregon Registry based on the information received in the title from the 2nd previous owner. Unfortunately the title came with the name and address redacted. The mileage on that title was 37,907. It came to Oregon with one respray.
While in Oregon the interior was restored with original metallic weave seat covers, headliner, carpets, and dash pad, heater box and core, and trunk upholstery. There is a sticker on the radiator from a shop in Medford Oregon from the late 1990s. It may have been re-cored. It is the original radiator. I have a 2 page letter from this, the 2nd previous owner to me, (Fred) along with pictures to corroborate condition and his experience with the vehicle.
Documentation on the aforementioned helps corroborate the legitimate claims that follow.
VEHICLE COMES EAST - 1999
The vehicle came East to a wealthy collector (Greg) in Vermont on March 5, 1999 who used it exclusively for parades and car shows. I purchased it from him on October 22, 2016. The odometer showed 106,100 at that time. It is my belief that when the interior work was done a restored instrument cluster was installed (with very nice chrome) and the mileage was zeroed out. It is inconceivable that the vehicle was driven 70,000 miles between 1995 and 2016 as the vehicle was primarily used for parades and car shows.
MY ACQUISITION
I bought this on a rainy day, after a three hour ride from Massachusetts, firmly determined to buy with my head and not my heart.
Initially impressed with the interior and originality, once I drove it I was impressed. On my hands and knees I examined the inner rockers, rear trunk drops and their solid original condition sealed the deal. It is a true joy to look at the undercarriage on this vehicle. The trunk drops, floor braces, inner rockers, and floor pans are original and solid.
WHAT I DID AFTER PURCHASE
The three hour drive home revealed little concern with driveability but I did replace all tires with Diamond Back radials with correct width white sidewalls, complete dual exhaust, all brake shoes and wheel cylinders, reseal motor including replacing the rear main seal (not a fun job), power steering pressure hose, exhaust manifold gaskets, (yes, bolts have been anti seized), water pump (an original Cadillac one and not a Chinese repro), rebuild matching number AFB carburetor, service transmission (it was super clean inside), rebuild matching number generator, rebuild power antenna, clean and lube power window mechanisms.
Worthy of note is that all, and I mean ALL numbers match, including dates. Included in this claim are the motor, transmission, carburetor, generator, starter, horns, and radiator. Yes, I check these things!
A candid discussion of body and paint is in order.
In my assessment as well as discussion with the previous owner from Oregon it is clear there has been one respray prior to 1995. While not show concourse, this now 25+ year old finish shows quite well from any distance and any angle. In my opinion, it would be foolhardy to repaint the car.
It is my belief that all panels are original with some evidence of minor touch ups. The paint on the door jambs and under the trunk lid is original. The firewall and cowl area also show original paint and I always like to point out the white circular factory inspection stamp on the firewall near the master cylinder.
The rear bumper chrome was all redone during my ownership - main center section, both ends, light stands, and light housings. The rear trunk stainless was also professionally restored and polished, re-chrome one front bumper clamshell, restore one front grille side extension. Prior to 1995 the side stainless was restored. The main grille is original and would respond well to some extra elbow grease.
The cowl tag indicates three options: Power seats (work wonderfully), Power windows (they fly up and down), and tinted glass. (driver's door glass has been replaced). The heater works great. The signal seaking original AM radio works great, including the signal seeking feature, and the front/rear speaker control, and the power antenna. All lights and directionals work, including the back up lights. Not working is the clock.
STRONG POINTS ABOUT THE CAR
1. Driveability: This vehicle cruises at 85 mph effortlessly. It tracks straight and handles as it should. The motor has plenty of power and the transmission shifts as it should.
2. Door/body gaps: The doors shut effortlessly and "click" shut like no car I have ever owned.
3. Structural integrity: Previously discussed, but worthy of reminder is the solid nature of this vehicle.
4. Horn ring: Yes, the horn ring. It's the first thing I look at on a 59. They are all broken or been repaired. This one is as nice as you will find and you could not replace it for less than $1200.00.
5. Dash pad: Very nice! Have you priced one out lately? Can you find one for less than $2,000.00 when you factor in shipping?
WHAT I'D DO IF I KEPT IT:
1. Replace or rechrome r.v. mirror mount. It has pits.
2. Replace crossover tube in intake manifold. It is whispering. I have the replacement and the gaskets.
3. Clean the front grille. I already did the right front grille extension and it does take time.
4. Replace the roof rail weather strips. I replaced the trunk and auxiliary door weather strips but the roof rail ones are dry.
5. Install the restored "show quality" r.f. fender upper ledge spear that I have. The one on the car has several pin holes up front due to, what I believe to be, battery acid.


WHY AM I SELLING?
3 reasons. Storage, storage and storage.
I am tired of loading it up with drier sheets to repel mice and smearing petroleum jelly over the chrome each winter to protect from humidity. I am currently restoring 2 other cars and do not have the space.

I will work with any international buyer who has a credible feedback/buying record to arrange wire transfer. I will also be available for vehicle pick up for the transport company of your choice.
500.00 immediate deposit required. Vehicle is listed elsewhere so I reserve the right to end the auction early.