Cadillac DeVille 1st Gen

The DeVille name first appeared in 1949 as a top-tier trim for the Series 62 Coupe, but it became a separate series in 1959. Slotting just below the Eldorado, the first-generation DeVille came standard with a 390 cubic inch V8 and a host of power accessories. These 1959-1960 models are famous for their extravagant styling, representing the pinnacle of late-50s automotive design.

Collectors prize the 1959 model for its iconic, record-setting tailfins, the tallest ever fitted to a production car. The variety of available body styles, from 2-door hardtops to pillarless 4-door sedans, also adds to the appeal. More than just a car, the DeVille is a rolling sculpture that captures the optimism and excess of post-war America, making it a highly desirable classic.

The current market for these DeVilles is diverse, with an average transaction price around $37,500. This figure is bookended by project-grade sedans that trade for under $10,000 and pristine 1959 convertibles that can command up to $150,000. Condition, originality, and body style are the primary drivers of value.

Prices for first-generation Cadillac DeVilles range from around $3,000 for projects to $150,000 for concours-quality examples.