1975 Cadillac Coupe DeVille

The mid-70s Coupe DeVille represents peak American excess — a two-door coupe the size of a small apartment, powered by the largest V8 GM ever built, and appointed like a rolling living room.

This was the car for people who'd made it and wanted everyone to know. The emissions-strangled 500 V8 made embarrassing horsepower for its size, but torque was always adequate.

These cars floated over roads, isolated their occupants from the outside world, and announced arrival in no uncertain terms.

DeVilles were pampered, so survivors often have excellent original paint and chrome. The vinyl tops were standard, and replacing them properly is an art. Original interiors in velour or leather show decades of use with character.

These cars look wrong when modified — they're perfect as time capsules of 1975 taste.

The 500 V8 is robust but parts are increasingly scarce. The THM400 transmission is nearly indestructible. The biggest challenges are size (hard to park, hard to garage) and fuel economy (single digits are realistic).

A/C systems used R12 refrigerant and require conversion. Daily driver? Possible if you have wide parking spots and cheap gas.