Expert: Brad Sears - 12/2/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello Brad.

I am seriously considering getting a 1962 Cadillac Coupe deVille for various
reasons. First, because it is a tank. With so many accidents on the road, I
don't have to worry about getting into a crash, hence it is a very strong and
safe car. Second, I am more attracted to luxury cars as oppose to compact
economical cars.

Anyway, I have a couple of questions on the 1962 Cadillac Coupe deVille.

I'm not too keen on getting a coupe because they tend to not have any leg
room in the back seats, but I imagine that that is not the case with Cadillac
Coupe deVille.

1. Is there plenty of legroom with the 1962 Cadillac Coupe deVille?

2. Also, I have a portable CD player that can be installed on modern cars, but
could the Cadillac be modified to accommodate my portable CD player?

3. Do you think I should get the sedan or coupe version?


Best regards,

Julian


ANSWER: The back seat on that year Coupe has way more leg room than and car currently being sold. As to whether you should buy a sedan or coupe, that is your personal desire and should be your choice. The 62 has a 12 volt electrical system and a modern sound system can be adapted to the car.
Good Luck

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again.

I've been told that the coupe has better handling.

1. How so?

The only thing I don't like about coupes is that you have to get out
of the car to let passengers sit in the back seat.

2. What are your thoughts on that?

Julian


Answer
The coupe and sedan both sit on the same chassis and use the same shocks, springs, and sway bars, so the handling should be the same. The only difference is that the coupe carries a little less weight on the rear wheels than the sedan but that would hurt not help handling.  As far as the back seat on the coupe for entrance and egress, you have a point. However with all that said I like the looks or the coupe better and the market value of the coupe is higher than the sedan and I would probably go for the coupe, but that is me not you.