An Insider's Look at the Vintage Cadillac DeVille

Here at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice, we're lucky to get to work on a great array of classic and vintage automobiles. Vehicles that are not only gorgeous in their own right, but also ones that have made indelible marks on pop culture and automobile history. One such model that is both timeless and one we're currently proud to be working on is the Cadillac Coupe DeVille. Specifically, we're pleased to showcase a vehicle from the model's first production year: A 1949 Cadillac Series 62.

Introducing a CHRA Favorite: The Vintage Cadillac DeVille

The Cadillac DeVille, a French name that means 'of the town', was first introduced to the public in 1949 as one of one of the most luxurious models of its day. It was also among the first of pillarless hardtop coupes and came with exciting standard features for the day like power windows and leather upholstery. But more significantly to automotive enthusiasts was the unique and stylish design of this soon-to-be beloved vintage Cadillac.The 1949 Cadillac Coupe DeVilles featured a bulbous backend, low stature, and an incredibly spacious interior, at least for front-row occupants. Unique chrome bows in the headliner nicely simulated the ribs of more traditional convertible tops.

The Cadillac Deville in Pop Culture

In its first year, the Cadillac sold 2,150 of these cars, but its popularity quickly grew after its initial release and the manufacturer more than doubled its sales in the following year. Such success was repeated in subsequent years as more and more Americans fell in love with the sleek, stylish, and powerful model. Vintage models from its first generations were particularly much beloved and have made notable appearances in hit songs and films. A few of the more recognizable Cadillac DeVille pop culture stars include:

• Goodfellas. A gorgeous, brand-new, hot pink Coupe Deville was the first thing Johnny opted for after the Lufthansa heist. Sadly, it's flashiness was also the very thing that brought on Johnny's demise.
• 3000 Miles to Graceland. Another heist film, another gorgeous Coupe DeVille, but it's the vehicle itself that meets a tragic end in this aughts film. The film's 1959 Coupe DeVille takes its cue from Elvis Presley's own beloved pink Cadillac.
• Bruce Springsteen "Pink Cadillac". The aforementioned films aren't the only place you'll see references to pink Cadillacs. They become muses in their own right, and working-class rock n' roller Bruce Springsteen is one of many to be so inspired.
• Train "Cadillac, Cadillac". A 1968 Cadillac DeVille takes center stage in this song's music video.

Have a Vintage Cadillac Needing Work? Bring it to CHRA!

For the '49 vintage Cadillac so recently in our shop, we installed a new Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis, supercharged Donal Hardy Built LSX, and spruced it up with a stunning new paint job. It came to us a beauty and we added to its excellent traits to build a vehicle with outstanding looks and performance. Contact us to learn more or to do the same with your vintage Cadillac!