Legacy EV, an electric vehicle conversion company based in Tempe, Arizona, built an all-electric 1966 Cadillac Coupe De Ville for SEMA 2021. The rather eccentric electro-modded classic is now ready to find a new home, as it will soon be cross the auction block without reserve on January 26th, 2024 at the 2024 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction.
Affectionately and appropriately dubbed the “dEVille,” this unique electric drop-top is painted white, which is paired with an eye-catching red interior. Outwardly, it doesn’t look any different than its internal combustion-engine counterparts, but under the hood, it’s very different. The original 7.0L V8 engine has been removed, and the Coupe De Ville now relies on a trio of electric motors for propulsion. This setup is capable of 394 horsepower and 1,000 pound-feet of torque. Comparatively, the original gas-burner put out 340 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque.
The electric motors are powered by a 55 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and power is routed via a two-speed transmission, which has taken the place of the stock three-speed automatic.
In addition to the electric goodies under the skin, the suspension of this 1966 Cadillac Coupe De Ville has also been modified. It features an Airlift suspension, allowing for an adjustable ride height, while retaining the stock chassis, control arms and spindles. The whole ensemble rolls on a set of 20-inch EVOD wheels.
“This was as much a passion project for our team, as it was a showcase of how to transform a gas-guzzling American classic into an electric vehicle,” Legacy EV CEO and Founder Rob Ward said.
He added, “We were particularly careful to maintain the Cadillac’s original design as we navigated the complexities of fitting a modern-day powerplant made of motors and lithium batteries into a vehicle that’s almost 60 years old. What our team accomplished with ‘dEVille’ is nothing short of incredible and I’m honored to have it cross the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction block.”
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GM Owner
This Cadillac now has a frunk!
Douglas Kusiak
What a waste of time and energy. Leave these old vehicles as they were.
Peter Luthcke
now the 55kWh battery in the former gas-guzzling vehicle is good for 130 mls the most…what a concept lol