Image of 1979 Cadillac Deville, sourced from www.classicautomall.com , Image Link.

1979 Cadillac DeVille: A Luxurious Legacy on Wheels

The 1979 Cadillac DeVille stands as a testament to an era when luxury, size, and a smooth ride were the hallmarks of automotive excellence. Born from the prestigious lineage of Cadillac, a division of General Motors, this full-size sedan was crafted during a period of transition in the auto industry, where fuel efficiency began to compete with opulence. The DeVille series itself was a cornerstone in Cadillac's lineup, offering a blend of comfort and status that was unrivaled at the time. A unique fact about this model year is that it marked the last of the full-sized Cadillacs before the brand shifted to smaller platforms in response to fuel economy concerns.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1979 DeVille exuded confidence with its long hood, prominent grille, and classic vinyl top options. Chrome accents highlighted its luxurious presence, while angular lines and broad shoulders gave it a dignified profile. Inside, passengers were enveloped in plush seating with options for leather or rich fabrics, and woodgrain accents adorned the dashboard and door panels. Technologically, it featured power windows, power locks, and even an optional CB radio for the tech-savvy driver of the day. Color options ranged from understated grays to vibrant hues like Cotillion White and Commodore Blue, with popular choices often reflecting personal statements of style. Body styles included the elegant two-door coupe and the spacious four-door sedan, with the latter being particularly iconic among luxury car enthusiasts.

Historical Significance

The 1979 DeVille's impact on automotive design was significant as it represented the pinnacle of traditional American luxury before downsizing became industry standard. Its combination of comfort features and commanding presence set it apart from competitors and left a lasting influence on luxury car design principles.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its grand exterior, the DeVille housed a robust 7.0-liter V8 engine that delivered smooth acceleration and ample power for effortless cruising. Top speed was governed more by sensibility than capability, while acceleration from 0-60 mph took place in a leisurely but steady manner. The ride quality was akin to gliding on air thanks to its soft suspension setup which absorbed road imperfections with ease. Drivers often reported a quiet cabin where the gentle purr of the engine provided a soothing backdrop to their journey.

Ownership Experience

The 1979 Cadillac DeVille served various roles from daily driver to show car status due to its reliability and ease of maintenance. Parts were readily available and mechanical simplicity meant that repairs could often be handled by owners themselves or any competent mechanic. Its generous dimensions also made it a favorite for limousine conversions.

Fun Facts

This model year saw some DeVilles gracing celebrity driveways and even featured in movies as symbols of affluence. While not known for setting speed records, it did set benchmarks for comfort and luxury appointments in vehicles. Criticisms typically revolved around its size and fuel consumption which were increasingly scrutinized during the energy-conscious late '70s.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors value a well-maintained 1979 Cadillac DeVille anywhere from $5,000 to over $20,000 depending on condition, mileage, and provenance. While production numbers were relatively high for such a luxurious vehicle (estimates suggest tens of thousands), finding one in pristine condition can be challenging. As appreciation for '70s luxury cars grows, values are slowly appreciating for exceptional examples.

Conclusion

The 1979 Cadillac DeVille remains an emblematic figure in automotive history—a symbol of American luxury at its most grandiose. It offers an ownership experience steeped in comfort and nostalgia for an era when cars were as much about statement as they were about transportation. For those who cherish classic American craftsmanship, this Cadillac is truly a prized possession.

1979 Cadillac DeVille Front coil-spring insulator-BN 110Front coil-spring insulator. Fits '41-'60 Oldsmobile and '50-'83 GM passenger models. 5-3/8 in. OD x 3-3/4 in. ID x 3/4 in. high with 13/16 in. wide bottom flange 1/4" thick, 12 flutes. Each.

1979 Cadillac DeVille Rear Molded Door Seals. For 4-door sedan. Pair R&L-LM 18-L/SARear Molded Door Seals. For 4-door sedan. Pair R&L

1979 Cadillac DeVille Front Molded Door Seals with White Clips-LM 18-L/WCFront Molded Door Seals with White Clips. For 4-door sedan and wagon with RWD. Pair R&L

1979 Cadillac DeVille Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide-M 30Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide. Sold by the foot

1979 Cadillac DeVille Brake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861-RP 2-EBrake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861. 5" X 2-1/2". Each

1979 Cadillac DeVille Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 13/16" x 1"-WF 209Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 13/16" x 1". Each

1979 Cadillac DeVille Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. For models with vinyl top-WF 210Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. For models with vinyl top. 3/4" x 1-1/16". Each

1979 Cadillac DeVille Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 211Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 15/16" X 3/4". Each

1979 Cadillac DeVille Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 213Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 7/8" X 5/8". Each

1979 Cadillac DeVille Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon-WF 214Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon. 1-1/4" x 3/4". Each