David Long, the owner of Omega Auto Clinic in Newton, Kansas, recently fulfilled a lifelong dream by acquiring a 1963 Cadillac Coupe deVille. His friend, Andrew Holder, a detailing expert, went the extra mile to bring the classic car from St. Louis, Missouri, to Kansas.
This marks Long’s fourth classic Cadillac, but he insists that the 1963 model year holds a special place in his heart. As the car rolled into his shop, his wife, Jenny, offered a playful assessment: “You might have done okay on this one.”
Long is particularly fond of the car’s sleek lines and elegant design. He recalls being fascinated by the Coupe deVille’s distinctive tailfins and ornate grille when he first saw it. As he examined the car more closely, he was impressed by the quality of its construction and the attention to detail that went into its manufacture.
The car’s interior is just as impressive as its exterior. The seats are upholstered in a luxurious fabric that is still soft and comfortable to the touch. The dashboard features a classic design with a variety of gauges and controls. The car also has a number of optional features, including power windows, power steering, and air conditioning.
The car, a classic example of the American luxury sedan, rode on wire wheels wrapped in pristine whitewall tires. Its rear end boasted remnants of the iconic fins that had defined the deVille in 1958. Over the years, Cadillac had progressively lowered the car’s stance, resulting in the sleek profile seen here.
Under the hood, a 390-cubic-inch V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor provided ample power. This engine, a hallmark of the 1963 model year, was mated to the equally legendary Hydramatic four-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain, capable of producing around 340 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, still ran smoothly despite a few minor leaks. An aftermarket gold AC compressor, a welcome addition, and a massive battery filled the engine compartment.
Inside, the cabin was a testament to the car’s timeless design. The analog gauges with chrome bezels were in immaculate condition, save for the dashboard clock, which had succumbed to the passage of time. The steering wheel, a large, two-spoke design with a red center section bearing the Cadillac badge, looked as if it had been installed just yesterday.
The odometer displayed a remarkably low 57,712 miles, suggesting that the car had been well cared for. The leather and nylon seats, in shades of gray, were virtually flawless, with the Cadillac logo embossed on the backrests. The door cards, featuring the same material pattern, were equally pristine, with all buttons and stitching intact.
However, the problems didn’t end there. David realized that the entire exhaust setup was incomplete, missing certain components that had broken off during shipping. The previous owner, aware of the defect, had decided not to repair it, knowing that he would soon sell the car.
The trunk lid still displayed the original label, offering instructions on how to use the jack. The label, a testament to the car’s vintage, provided a look into the driving practices of that era. It was a reminder of the simplicity and practicality of cars from the past, a stark contrast to the complex technology of modern vehicles.
David, fascinated by the car’s history and charm, was eager to restore it to its former glory. He envisioned cruising down the open road in his classic Cadillac, a symbol of elegance and timeless style. The car’s quirks and imperfections only added to its character, making it a unique and cherished possession.
