Front-drive Caddies came in coupe and sedan form, with prices starting just
under $20,000. Standard engine was the transverse-mounted Cadillac 4.1 liter
V-8, with four-speed overdrive automatic. The six-passenger interior sported
a new seat trim design, while a closed-in, limousine-style back window was
small amber lens and large clear lens. Wide rectangular parking lights were
set into the bumper, below the protective gray rub strips. Coupe or Sedan
DeVille script identification was at the back of the quarter panels. Wide,
bright rocker moldings ran the length of the car.
Coupe DeVille's assist handles moved from front seatbacks to door lock
pillars. Door panels and dash sported cherry woodgrain trim. Optional
aluminum alloy wheels had new flush hubcaps. Anti-lock braking (ABS) was
an important new option that would gradually find its way onto other models
in the years ahead. Developed in accord with a German firm (Teves), ABS used
sensors at each wheel to determine when one was about to lock. Then, the system would adjust
hydraulic pressure to keep it from locking (and possibly skidding). ABS
was also offered on Buick Electra and Olds Ninety-Eight this year.
The 4.1 liter V-8 gained a little horsepower, while the 4.3 liter diesel
departed. DeVille could have an optional touring package with handling
components and "more aggressive, no-nonsense" look. It included gray rocker
moldings and front air dam, rear spoiler, recessed foglamps, body-color
taillamp bezels, tighter steering ratio (18.4:1), improved spring rates,
a solid front stabilizer bar (standard one was hollow), stronger front lower
control arm bushings, a much thicker rear stabilizer bar (18 vs. 12 mm) and
15 in. performance tires on aluminum alloy wheels. Gray bumper rub strips
had silver accent stripes.
Starting in February 1986, the touring package was upgraded to include
bigger exhaust pipe diameter, higher shift point between first and second
gear, and 5 more horsepower in the engine. The new ratings were 135
horsepower, and 205 pound-feet of torque at 2300 R.P.M. Available on
either coupe or sedan, the Touring package also included color-keyed dual
remote-control mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, gray leather seats
and interior trim-even removable quarter-window louvers (on coupe). A
"Touring Coupe" or "Touring Sedan" signature went on back windows. Rather
than the whole package, buyers could opt for the Touring Suspension alone:
Goodyear Eagle GT blackmail tires on 15 in. aluminum alloy wheels, bigger
rear stabilizer bar, tighter shock valving, higher spring/bushing rates,
faster steering ratio, and leather-trimmed steering wheel. A newly optional
cellular telephone had an overhead microphone, and could operate through
the front stereo speakers.
Model
Series
Number
Body/Style Number
Body Type
Seating
Factory Price
Shipping
Weight
Production Total
DeVille (V-8)
6C
D47
2-door
Coupe
6
$19,669
3239 lb
36,350 (total includes the
2-door Fleetwood)
DeVille (V-8)
6C
D69
4-door
Sedan
6
$19,990
3298 lb
129,857 (total included the
4-door Fleetwood)
ENGINE
Type: 90-degree, overhead valve V-8. Cast iron block and head.
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