Throughout the turbulent 1960s, Cadillac remained the undisputed leader of the American luxury car market. For 1965, the company positioned itself for continued success by completely restyling its lineup. Dated tailfins were finally eliminated in favor of smart, blade-type rear fenders. Greater interior space was made possible with a new perimeter-frame chassis that replaced the outdated X-frame chassis—a holdover from the 1950s—and allowed the engine to be moved forward six inches. The overall result was both a resounding success and a design statement of pure, understated elegance “…laid out with an architect’s precision…,” according to Motor Trend. Also new for 1965 was the DeVille series, which replaced the outgoing Series 62 line.

As the 1960s advanced, many new emissions and safety features ensured compliance with tightening government standards, while an all-new 472-cubic-inch V-8 engine appeared in 1968 and maintained Cadillac’s tradition of strong performance with its 375-horsepower output.

A comprehensive restyling for 1969 bore the influence of the groundbreaking 1967 Eldorado, followed by detailed refinements for 1970, including a revised grille with 13 vertical blades and a pair of narrow V-shaped taillights. Importantly, the 1970 model year proved the last for the third-generation DeVille Convertible, an example of which is offered here.

Presented in the ever-appreciated color combination of bright Cotillion White with a matching white convertible soft-top over rich red upholstery, this DeVille Convertible was purchased new from Lindsay Cadillac of Alexandria, Virginia by Major General Floyd W. Baker, commander of the US Army Health Services Command in nearby Arlington. Its original sales invoice on file further notes the fitment of a thorough roster of desirable factory options, including whitewall tires, Soft-Ray glass, power-adjustable front seats, automatic climate control, and Autronic Eye and Twilight Sentinel lighting systems.

At some point during the late-1970s, Baker’s command was reassigned to Texas and his prized DeVille Convertible followed him there. In 2009, the Baker family sold the car, and it remained within the care of its previous owner up until April 2023. As presented today, it remains conspicuously correct throughout with just under 33,400 miles indicated at time of cataloguing. Noted maintenance expenditures within the past three years include a recharge of the factory R12 air-conditioning system, as well as a new set of whitewall tires, shock absorbers, springs, and chrome for the front and rear bumpers.