Cadillac History 1977

Cadillac Models & History 1977

DEVILLE SERIES 6C

The new-generation Fleetwood/DeVille was, in Cadillac’s words, “engineered from the ground up, to make more efficient use of space.” That meant a new body, new chassis, new suspension, and new engine, in an integrated design. Trunk space grew larger. DeVilles gave more rear leg/headroom. Broughams (below) were just as spacious as before. DeVilles (and Fleetwoods) wore a new horizontal crosshatch grille with four horizontal and nine vertical divider bars, peaking forward at the center, topped by a “Cadillac” script nameplate at the side of the wide upper bar. The grille pattern of wide holes was repeated down at the bumper, between the license plate and bumper guards. Small vertical parking/signal lamps just outside the grille, quad rectangular headlamps reaching all the way out to fender edges, and large cornering lenses at the side, were all the same height as the grille. That combination gave the whole front end a wide, uniform appearance that flowed into the bodysides. All that was topped off by a stand-up crest hood ornament. In sum, it carried on the traditional Cadillac look. Bodies had full rear wheel openings and vertical taillamps. New bumpers had dual rubber strip protective inserts.

The new instrument panel had a “central control area” that allowed both driver and passenger to reach air conditioning, radio, and accessory controls. Options included wire wheel discs, opera lamps, and accent stripes. Standard DeVille/Fleetwood equipment included

wide-whitewall steel-�kted radial tires
variable-radio power steering (fixed ratios on limos)
cornering lights
lamp monitors
power windows and door locks
Soft Ray tinted glass
three-speed wiper/washers
Freedom battery
digital clock
color-keyed litter container
six-way power driver’s seat
center armrests
visor vanity mirror
turbo Hydra-matic transmission

Automatic climate control was redesigned so it operated only when necessary. Aberdeen cloth upholstery came in light yellow-gold, dark blue, medium saffron, and claret. Ribbed Dynasty cloth came in six colors (including claret). Eleven other interior choices featured leather (including white). The standard AM/FM radio included an automatic power antenna. The DeVille d’Elegance special edition added pillow-style 50/50 Dual Comfort seats in Medici crushed velour cloth in claret, medium saffron, dark blue, or light buckskin color). Upper door pads, inserts in door pull straps, and front seatback assist straps were also Medici cloth. Bodyside moidings held vinyl inserts that matched the body color. The Coupe DeVille Cabriolet roof option came in 13 coordinated colors, with a Cadillac crest on the sail panel and bright roof moldings.

Model Number	Style Number	Body Type	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
6C	D47	2-door Coupe	6	$9654	4186	138,750
6C	D69	4-door Sedan	6	$9864	4222	95,421

ENGINE

Feature	Base Engine	Optional Engine
Type	90-degree, overhead valve V-8. Cast iron block and head
Displacement	425 cu in. (7.0 liters)
Bore & stroke	4.082 x 4.06 in.
Compression ratio	8.2:1
Brake horsepower	180 @ 4000 rpm	195 @ 3800 rpm
Torque	320 lbs.-ft. @ 2000 rpm	320 lbs.-ft. @ 2400 rpm
Main bearings	Five
valve lifters	Hydraulic
Fuel supply	4 Bbl. Carburetor	Electronic fuel-injection
VIN Code	S	T

CHASSIS

Wheelbase: 121.5
Overall length: 221.2″
Height: 54.4″ (coupe); 55.3″ (sedan)
Width: 74.6″
Front Tread: 61.7″
Rear Tread: 60.7″
Standard tire: GR78 x 15-8 SBR wide WSW

TECHNICAL

Transmission: Turbo Hydra-matic transmission standard on all models; column shift
Gear ratios: (1st) 2.48:1; (2nd) 1.48:1; (3rd) 1.00:1; (Rev) 2.07:1
Standard axle (final drive) ratio: 2.28:1, with 3.08:1 optional
Hypoid rear axle: Salisbury type
Steering: variable-ratio, power assisted
Front suspension: independent coil spring, link-type stabilizer
Rear Suspension: four-link drive, coil springs
Automatic level control not standard
Body construction: ladder type frame
Brakes: front disc, rear drum
HEI electronic ignition
Fuel tank: 24 gal.