In 1980, my father acquired a 1966 Cadillac DeVille convertible very much like this one, and we as kids fondly called it the Batmobile, to which it bore more than a passing resemblance. Of the dozens of cars that he owned over the years, that one in particular stands out as one of the better ones, both from an engineering standpoint and for aesthetic reasons. Long, sleek, and angular, it was everything a Cadillac was supposed to be and despite being very reasonably priced, cars like this always look like they should cost a small fortune. In 1967, Cadillac's styling would become slightly more anonymous as many of the dramatic details would be shaved off in the quest for a sleeker look, leaving 1966 as arguably the pinnacle of 1960s Cadillac design.

This handsome black and tan ragtop is a combination of original and freshened components, having been restored as needed over the years. The paint is quite nice, and in black this car looks about a mile long. The final vestiges of tailfins can be found out back where it still shows a pronounced fender line, and stacked headlights were cutting-edge automotive fashion in 1966. My father's Cadillac was driven daily for many years, winter and summer, so it was nowhere near as well-preserved as this handsome convertible, which offers laser-straight flanks and good body gaps that suggest it has never had structural issues. It's not perfect, of course, but if you want to cut a dashing profile in a vintage Cadillac ragtop, this car definitely delivers in a big way. Of note, the bright trim is in excellent order, particularly the front fender "pontoons" just ahead of the front wheels, which were notorious for rusting from the inside out. The grille is simple and tasteful and out back the taillight housings are the caps to the dramatic quarter panels and include white lenses that light up red at night, a neat trick that's very much back in fashion.

While my father's car sported black leather, the interior of this car is a much more summer-friendly tan leather (which many at General Motors might have called "Parchment") and the contrast is striking. Nicely finished with correct perforated leather seating surfaces, it's a great place to spend some time. Like the rest of the car, it has been restored as necessary but none of the components stand out as either too new or too deteriorated, with nice door panels, an excellent dash pad that hasn't been cooked by the sun, and black carpets that are easy to maintain. The original steering wheel is cracked and a bit deteriorated, but that's the biggest demerit in an otherwise very nice interior and it was a common issue even decades ago. The gauges are fully functional and easy to read and everything was obviously centered on the driver, right down to the AM/FM radio with both knobs skewed towards the driver's side (although it also has an AM/FM/CD stereo unit neatly installed under the dash) Other features include power windows, automatic climate control (which needs to be serviced but is complete), cruise control, and a power convertible top that disappears with the touch of a button. A matching tan boot covers the top when it's stowed and the truly massive trunk is nicely finished with newer mats, a full-sized spare with cover, and proper side panels.

By 1966, Cadillac's 429 cubic inch V8 was making a very impressive 340 horsepower, enough to move the big convertible with the kind of effortless ease that would be expected. The engine bay is tidy and well-maintained, showing signs of recent service and no modifications aside form an open-element air cleaner and a pair of chrome Cadillac-script valve covers that add a little flash. It starts easily and runs superbly, with a muscular but subdued hum from the exhaust. The idle is smooth enough to be barely detectable and despite carrying more than 4400 pounds with it, performance is energetic at any speed. It was rebuilt a few years ago, so it's a very strong runner with no major mechanical issues and we have more than $20,000 worth of receipts for maintenance and repairs. A 3-speed automatic transmission feeds a rear end with highway-friendly 3.21 gears inside, so it just loafs along without feeling like it's ever working hard. The suspension is Cadillac smooth but poised, not sloppy, and with power steering and brakes, even this massive land yacht is easy to maneuver in tight parking lots. Recent 235/75/15 Michelin whitewall radials are fitted to the stock wheels and hubcaps.

Complete with its original manuals, books, and brochures, this is a dramatic Cadillac convertible that represents the finest of the 1960s from the finest manufacturer in the world. My father was always convinced that after 1966, Cadillac's quality started to slip, but there's no denying the tangible feel of excellence in this big, black convertible.