1949 Cadillac Coupe DeVille

In 1949, Cadillac rolled out its first high-compression over-head-valve V-8 engine and, late in the year, coined a body-style and a nameplate with lasting importance: the industry's first two-door hardtop dubbed the Coupe DeVille. Only 2150 exemples were built in 1949 because the new Cadillac was introduced late in the model year.

The Coupe DeVille glides passively over the potholed and frost-heaved pavement. The V-8 doesn't strain to maintain 35 or 40 mph, but it shows little interest in accelerating to freeway velocities, so we stick to the side streets. A touch of the brakes produces equal amounts of gentle retardation and front bumper dip; a ball-joint-type front suspension with anti-dive geometry is eight years into the future.

Specifications

Base price:
Engine:
Horsepower:
Induction:
Transmission:
Curb weigh:
0-60 mph:
Quarter mile:

$---- (1949)
331 ci V-8
160 (gross) @ 3800 rpm
?
2-speed auto.
? lb
? sec.
? sec/? mph