Posted December 27, 2013 by 99MilesPerHour4 Comments "As the Standard of the World Turns"

1970 Cadillac DeVille Convertible

…..and the DeVille legend continues

The pleasure of owning a Cadillac was exceeded only by that of driving it

There was no more magnificent way to experience the spirited seventies than viewing the world from behind the wheel of a 1970 Cadillac DeVille convertible. The “Standard of the World” offered eleven models in three series. The distinctive beauty of its long sweeping lines expressed eloquence and style with a poised dignity that was the hallmark of every Cadillac.

America’s perennial favorite luxury car was the Cadillac DeVille series. The 1970 DeVille convertible offered a youthful expression of the spirited seventies. Little did America know, we were nearing the finale of the traditional Cadillac motorcar. This was the last production DeVille convertible.

The youthful beauty of its design complete with all its Cadillac elegance and dignity gave the DeVille convertible wide affection. This was a whole new era of motoring. We were leaving the “Ward & June Cleaver/Ozzie & Harriet Nelson” generation behind embarking upon a new way of thinking….a new lifestyle. A wide array of optional features added to the already lengthy list of standard accoutrements made the 1970 DeVille convertible one of the most enviable seats in the luxury car world.

The interior of the 1970 Cadillac DeVille convertible was upholstered in luxurious Sierra grain leather by Fleetwood. It featured the rich look of oriental tamo wood applied to the dash, door and rear trim panels. There were ten choices of leather/carpet combinations available including white leather.

The high-back front lounge seats were power assisted, two-way, with six-way optional. Other standard features included: a fully automatic power folding fabric roof, power windows, variable ratio power steering, and cornering lamps to name a few of the many. The interior reflected the same youth and vitality as the exterior.

With the smooth and responsive V8 engine, the 1970 DeVille convertible became the unexpected sporting grand tourer. This elegant convertible was powered by the formidable Cadillac 7.7 litre 472 CID 16-valve OHV V8 engine. It was equipped with a Rochester 4MV 4-bbl down-draft Quadrajet carburetor with equalized manifold, mechanical fuel pump, dry-type air filter, improved automatic choke, and a controlled combustion system that reduced hydrocarbons in exhaust.

This engine performed smoothly and quietly with plentiful power in reserve. The 472 produced a whopping 375 hp @ 4,400 rpm with 712 Nm of peak torque @ 3,000 rpm. This spirited grand tourer sprinted from 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds, 0-100 mph in 22.4 seconds; with a top speed of 127 mph. it did the ¼ mile @ 88 mph in 15.8 seconds. The engine was mated to GM’s Turbo Hydra-Matic THM 400 3-speed automatic transmission. With the quality and performance being paramount, it was no mystery why the DeVille series accounted for the 76% of the 181,719 production total for the 1970 model year.

The Cadillac magic carpet ride was due in no small part to its sturdy body on frame construction. It utilized a fully boxed perimeter frame with hidden bulkheads to increase torsional rigidity. The front suspension used the traditional upper and lower control arms with a newly developed integral steering knuckle for increased reliability and longevity. The helical coil springs, rubber mounted strut rods, and rubber bushings absorbed impact and isolated road noise. Its rear suspension used a four-link drive, helical coil springs and rubber bushings to improve ride quality. A new heavier, stronger, rear axle and differential improved stability.

The Controlled Differential was optional and directed power to the rear drive wheel with the best traction. Standard were Cadillac hydraulic power brakes with self-adjusting feature, composite finned rear drums, 11.9” front discs, a dual hydraulic master cylinder with separate pistons and fluid reservoirs for both front and rear brake systems. This heavy-duty braking system provided consistent, efficient control at all times. The 1970 Cadillac DeVille convertible rode on a long 129.5” wheelbase and had the luxury length of 225” and was 79.8” wide. The 1970 Cadillac DeVille convertible made the only to travel….Cadillac style.

In all the world, the 1970 Cadillac DeVille convertible was preeminent among luxury cars. A Cadillac convertible was the epitome of open tourers. The 1970 model year was the last production of the DeVille convertible which was replaced by the 1971 Fleetwood Eldorado convertible. Its sweeping beauty and open roominess combined with that poised dignity that was the hallmark of every Cadillac, made the DeVille the main choice for a luxury convertible among luxury car enthusiasts.

The spirited performance of its 472 CID V8 engine provided 375 hp. It was a spirited motorcar of magnificence. This popular model exemplified the spirited elegance that made the Cadillac owner the most loyal of all luxury brands. We were nearing the end of an era for the masterful motorcars. Cadillac used to be a truly distinguished automobile, with taste, meticulous craftsmanship, and refinement apparent in every manner….whatever happened to Cadillac?