The last great DeVille
Many claim that this Cadillac model, produced between 1971 – 1976, was the last proper Cadillac DeVille. The successor, which came as a 1977 model, was shorter and lighter. In the wake of the oil crisis, demand for smaller cars increased. Cadillac also had to downsize. The last vintage of large Cadillacs was 1976.
Changed every year
Like other popular American car models at this time, there were changes for each model year - often clearly visible in the front of the car. Take the grill, for example. In 1971 it had horizontal ribs, the following year vertical ribs, followed by vertical, rectangular checks. Then, in 1974, the grill became wider with square panes, then smaller square panes, larger panes, and finally horizontal rectangular panes. Corresponding changes also occurred with the double headlights, which first had marker lights between the lamp inserts. From 1974 they were moved to the corner. Changes like this were duly highlighted in the advertising of the time, but of course meant nothing for either functionality or safety.
About the pictures
The photos of the yellow Coupe Deville were taken at Solvik in Bærum. According to the owner, it is a 1975 model. The car came to Norway as an heirloom after a 96-year-old lady from New Jersey passed away. She used the car until the last moment. In 1974, the CoupeDeville came with the so-called Landau top, a vinyl roof that looked as if the rear part of the roof could be folded down.
The brown car is a 1971 model, also a Coupe DeVille and the first series of DeVille generation 4. It was photographed while it was parked in Fornebu.
Without fender skirts
I note that none of the cars pictured have retained their "fender skirts". The metal piece covering the rear wheel arches is typical of classic 70's American full-size cars - but the absence of fender skirts actually makes the car look more modern. The owner of the yellow 1975 model stated that the mounts were also a little bad.
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