1965 Cadillac - This Coupe DeVille came with the original owner's manual

Pull up anywhere driving a Cadillac and you know you won't have to worry about not being noticed. The luxury automobile is in a class of its own when it comes to beauty, refinement, and comfort. From its introduction in 1902, the Cadillac has always been more than just a way to get around, it has set the "Standard of the World" in terms of precision manufacturing, quality, and reliability.

This beautiful, classic 1965 Cadillac Coupe DeVille belongs to Wendell Wisdom, a resident of Barren County, Ky. He says when he found the Cadillac a little over a year ago he decided to buy it. "The man who owned it had lived in Horse Cave and when he passed away his daughter wanted to sell it. She lived in North Carolina and didn't want to come up here, so I got in touch with her and we made a deal over the telephone and I bought it."

It's easy to see why the owner wanted to purchase the classic Coupe DeVille. From the front bumper to the back, the car is all original and in great shape. "That's the main reason I wanted it, the motor, transmission, rear end; everything is like it was when it came from the factory, even the paint is the original," he acknowledged. "The interior has never been touched, it's just like it came out new." The odometer reading shows 92,504 original miles.

The engine is a 429 ci. big block V8 with a Carter AFB four-barrel carburetor that is factory rated at 340 horsepower. The transmission is a three-speed HydraMatic and the rear end is geared at 2.93:1. "Nothing has ever been done to the drivetrain," Wisdom noted. "I have the original owner's manual that came with the car. I don't know exactly where it was sold new but at least once it was sold by Goodman-Cadillac in Glasgow." He adds that he believes he is the car's third owner.

Every piece of chrome on the classic Cadillac is in superb condition. The factory paint color is 'Bronze Metallic.' "The car was stored in a barn for several years and all of the exterior still looks pretty good," he observed, adding, "The paint on the top and on the hood and trunk have faded some but really not all that bad considering its age. I thought about putting a new paint job on it but I just hate to change anything because it's so original." He stated the car has a completely new exhaust system.

How many classics do you find that have not had any restoration work done to them? This luxurious Caddy may have a few minor imperfections here and there but by and large, it's a one of a kind original. Amenities on the plush ride include: Comfort Heat & Air, clock, and practically power everything - steering, brakes, windows, seats, antenna, and an electric dimmer that automatically dims the headlights. In addition, there's a remote mirror, and two cigarette lighters for both front and back seat occupants. And a factory Wonderbar AM-only radio that still works.

The owner says he has done a few things to the car but not much. "I had Tom Boatman, who lives over in the Merry Oaks community, fine tune the carburetor and also check out the brakes," he said. "He replaced the master cyclinder but said the brakes were still in good shape. I did put a new battery in it and replaced the fuel filter."

On top of each front fender is a turn signal set in chrome that shows the driver when it's flashing. Fender skirts and wheel covers are Cadillac originals. The 235x75x15 inch tires are bias-ply and are the exact size that came on the car when it was unloaded at the dealer. The interior has been meticulously cared for as everything appears nearly showroom new. From the carpet, to the seats, door panels, dash, overhead, and inside chrome trim, all looks exemplary.

The 1965 Cadillac Coupe DeVille sold new for around $5,400. It has a wheelbase of 129.5 inches and weighs approximately 4,400 lbs. There were 43,345 Coupe DeVilles made that model year. Wendell Wisdom adds that his car "rides like a Cadillac and drives super."