Quentin Tarantino, one of Hollywood's most well-known directors, has brought so much life and memorable moments to our screens over the years. Through creative and distinctive styling, Tarantino has seamlessly presented the 1966 Cadillac DeVille in a light that couldn't help but draw attention worldwide. The show-stopping presentation of the vehicle has made viewers recognize all of the unique and luxurious features of Cadillac's timeless model. So, how exactly did Tarantino take this classic vehicle and make it Hollywood's most wanted vintage car in the 2019 movie Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood?
Movie Fame With a Brand Name
There's something oddly nostalgic about seeing a vintage Cadillac being portrayed on a film that's so insanely good. When Tarantino began putting motions into play to create the film, he had picture car coordinator Steven Butcher locate over 2,000 vintage cars to help drive a sense of realism in the 1960s timeframe for the movie. That being said, watching the scenes play out on screen felt incredibly authentic because of these efforts.
It's noted that when determining which classic cars to use for the film, Tarantino's original choice for the main vehicle wasn't a Cadillac Deville but a 1959 Cadillac convertible instead. However, he settled on the 1966 Cadillac DeVille due to the vehicle's rich history and timeless beauty in Hollywood. The vehicle made sense for the movie's direction, adding flair and style. The 1966 car not only added character and a feeling of originality for viewers, but it was also cost-efficient compared to other vintage vehicles. At the end of filming, it's clear that the DeVille was the perfect fit for the job, reminding people just how incredible vintage vehicles are.
Now, this creamy yellow beauty is estimated to cost between $45,000 and $55,000 and was scheduled for auction in late August of 2020. The official winning bid settled out at $45,000, leaving one lucky owner with an ageless DeVille. Before production, the crew installed a new LS 6.0 crate engine with GM Turbo 400 transmission along with brand new upholstery, brake and fuel lines, and more.
Brief Movie Breakdown
The film depicts Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio as counterparts, working alongside each other while teasing intricate details of their personal lives and what exactly brought them together. As the movie spins its story, the two are seen in the 1966 Cadillac DeVille various times, bringing viewers an inside look at one of Hollywood's most beloved vehicles from the 1960s. Pitt's character is often seen behind the Cadillac's wheel, driving DiCaprio around the gorgeous California city in respect of the character losing his license.
As Pitt acts as a sort of chauffeur throughout the movie, the car has its own moments of becoming a lead star in the film. The duo proudly rolls through the streets showing off the Cadillac's new AM/FM stereo addition, bantering about different things, and spending almost every moment together. Seeing the two constantly in the '66 Cadillac only goes further towards reminding viewers just how much of a big deal owning this luxury ride was back in the day.