This ‘Six-Window’, ‘Short Deck’ 1961 Cadillac DeVille is a beautifully maintained and overwhelmingly original example of the classic American cruiser, boasting a clear ownership history in the hands of just two custodians, and a comprehensive and lovingly conducted service record. It is powered by a 390 cubic inch V8 with hydraulic valve lifters, which is fed by a Jetway automatic transmission. The odometer currently displays around 46,000 miles and has turned over once. As such, the total mileage is believed to be around 146,000 miles. One of 3,763 examples produced in 1961, this ‘Short Deck’ DeVille was first registered in the United States in July 1961, and was imported into Australia after the vendor purchased it in July 2014. The car has been carefully self-maintained by the vendor in recent years, and it will be sold with a comprehensive history file. This second-generation Deville was purchased by its first owner in Stockton, California, in June 1961. After they passed away, it was briefly kept by their family until 2014, when it was offered for sale. The vendor purchased the car from the family as a gift for his wife. It has been maintained on club plates in their care for the past eight years and is now offered for sale due to lack of use. This 1961 model features a pillarless hardtop design and is designated as a ‘six-window’ due to its rear quarter windows. A ‘Short Deck’ example, it is seven inches shorter than its predecessors in order to fit more comfortably in the smaller garages being built in the early 1960s. It is finished in Olympic White over a white leatherette and black cloth-trimmed cabin, which features a two-tone black and white steering wheel and lashings of chrome trim. Factory-fitted equipment includes tinted glass, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power-adjustable front seat, seat belts front and rear, and a power antenna with a new AM/FM radio from Retro Radios. The engine is understood to be original, as is the four-speed automatic transmission, but an alternator was installed replacing the original generator. The vendor has retained a receipt for every dollar he has spent on the car, and will include a significant collection of paperwork and invoices from its original owner, including the original build sheet and delivery papers. The spare jack, tools and original spare wheel will also accompany the car. The chassis is original, and an inspection by a panel beater did not lead to any evidence of significant damage, accident history, or corrosion. The underside of the vehicle shows no signs of corrosion. Fish oil was applied in all of the doors and sills to guard against rust. The original paper water barriers are still in place, all of the windows work and seal correctly, and the trunk is rust free with no leaks. The Olympic White paintwork is believed to have been resprayed by a Cadillac dealer at some point in the car’s history, and the roof was repainted when the vendor replaced the windscreen during their ownership. Overall, the finish presents very well, with a few age-related chips and imperfections around the vehicle, but it retains a high level of gloss and has been ceramic coated for added protection. The exterior brightwork is particularly smart and the chrome trim is believed to be original and unrestored. The trim around the taillights could benefit from being re-plated should the next owner wish to do so. Inside, the cloth upholstery and carpets have been replaced but the rest of the interior trim is believed to be original. The padded dashboard top is free from any crack or marks, however there are some small touched-in chips on the black-painted lower dash. The vendor notes that the analogue clock is not functioning and the windscreen washer only works intermittently, though the vendor will supply parts to repair this. The air conditioning and heater were working, but as the car is only infrequently used it will likely need attention and the heater core will require replacement. This Deville’s recent services have been completed by the owner on a neighbour’s hoist. Oil and filter changes, with full lubrication, plugs and tune, were completed regularly. The vendor has performed considerable work throughout his ownership and offers the car in mechanically sound condition. Recent work has included machining the inlet and outlet manifolds and fitting them with new gaskets, dismantling and cleaning the carburettor, installing a new fuel pump and filter, replacing the points and condenser, and servicing the automatic transmission. Furthermore, the window beltline rubbers have been replaced and the electric window motors have been serviced. The seller also notes that the windscreen has been replaced with a new USA-sourced tinted item. This Cadillac Deville ‘Six-Window’ is a particularly well-preserved slice of early-60s Americana, which has had only two keepers from new and is offered in fine mechanical health. Accompanied by a particularly well-documented maintenance history and highly original throughout, this substantial cruiser would make a fine addition to any collection of American classics, as well as a head-turning companion for long weekend drives and car shows alike, and as a 5.46 metre-long ‘Short Deck’ example it should also be relatively easy to store in any garage. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.