The Cadillac Seville has been in production two different times, first in the 1950s and 1960s as a two-door hardtop coupe, and later as a four-door sedan. It returned to production as a smaller luxury Cadillac from 1975 to 2004. In the second run of production from 1975 to 1976, the Seville began as a 4-door sedan with mandatory vinyl roof, due to roof construction being in two parts. The engine was a 350 CID Oldsmobile V8 or diesel V8 (1978+) outfitted with Bendix/Bosch fuel injection that was electronically controlled. The Seville was then made in Detroit, MI and in Iran from 1977 to 1980.
In the beginning, all of the first 2,000 Seville cars were produced in the Georgian Silver color and had identical equipment, which allowed line workers to get up to speed quickly. This new,... View more smaller Cadillac was in direct opposition to other Cadillacs, where bigger meant better. In fact, the Seville was both the smallest and the most expensive Cadillac. It was about 1,000 pounds lighter than the big Deville models, which made the Seville easier for drivers to park and drive. It still was a full Cadillac with regard to attractive Cadillac features. Seville was initially priced at $12,479. It was built on the K-body platform, and had a 3-speed automatic transmission. It ran with 180 horsepower and got 17/23 city/highway mileage. The Seville was responsive, moving from 0 to 60 mph in 11.5 seconds.
The Cadillac Seville has been on the scene twice in its history. Back in the 1950s and 1960s it was brought into limited production as a special two-door hardtop model styled like the Eldorado. After a hiatus, it returned during the gas shortages of the 70s. It was in regular production from 1975 through 2004. The smaller luxury car was 100% Cadillac luxury, with all the trimmings. The name was selected in part because it was fresh and held no negative associations to it. It was pegged as a top-of-the-line vehicle, although it was smaller than other Cadillac models.
Its styling and features set Seville apart from others. It was re-engineered as the unique K-body" and stylists changed the body into an angular shape with a wide-track stance. There was a chrome grille and four rectangular headlamps, narrow signal, and parking lights across the front. Rectangular tail lamps wrapped around the outside corners in the rear, all adding to the sleek, long look of this new vehicle. An "Elegante" package was available from 1978 to 1988, adding $920 to the vehicle price. Other high-tech equipment was later added to the Seville, including the Cadillac Trip Computer, and by 1980 the car was now front-wheel drive.
In the 1990s, the Seville's horsepower was boosted to 180. The STS was made to be sportier-looking; it received dual exhaust, air bags, and other upgrades. It was priced at $36,320 and was featured on a hit television show, "Dallas". The 1992 Touring Sedan was the Motor Trend "Car of the Year", priced at $40,000. Over its lifetime, the Cadillac Seville was continuously improved, upgraded, and refined, making it a true luxury car for the ages. View less
