1958 Cadillac Coupe deVille
Cadillac’s own 1958 advertising called it “motordom’s crowning achievement,” a line the competition did little to dispute. Packard had effectively left the market, and Lincoln’s poorly received 1958 restyle handed Cadillac the domestic luxury segment without much of a fight.
The year’s GM-wide update brought quad headlights and a lower, wider stance across every full-size division. On the Coupe DeVille (where the changes arguably landed best), conical rear fender flares finished in solid metal chrome trim, bullet-style dual taillights, horizontal rear quarter spears, and distinctive hood ornaments all sat over a body just 57.7 inches tall.
Power came from a 365 CI V8 making 310 hp through a single 4-barrel carburetor and Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Buyers could also specify the Eldorado-derived Q-code engine (the same 365 CI block, three Rochester 2-barrels, 335 hp).
The 335 hp triple-carburetor engine was available as a factory option across most Series 62 models. The option sheet ran to power steering, power brakes, factory air conditioning, tinted glass, and the Autronic Eye automatic headlamp dimmer.
Despite a recession year, 18,414 Coupe DeVilles found buyers, aided in part by Cadillac’s lavish advertising, which depicted exclusive country club scenes and holiday parties, each with a new Cadillac parked at the door.
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