Top Luxury Cars of the 80s: 1980-1985 Cadillac Seville "Bustleback" / "Slantback"
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- čas přidán 28. 07. 2024
- Learn about how the 1980-1985 Cadillac Seville became a top luxury car of the 1980s, including a discussion about the design, mechanical, and joys/pitfalls of ownership. Story vetted by its Chief Designer (Wayne Kady).
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As a gm tech I was attending a class at the gm training center when this car was being introduced. The gm instructor told us this car had gm's best anti-theft feature ever. He stated it is so ugly that nobody would steal it. Just relating a memory from over 40 years ago.
Who designed the Pontiac Aztec year later was obviously paying attention.🤣
When I was a kid in the 80s my dad had an '85 model. I loved it. He would pick me up and take me to Denny's for breakfast. Riding in that car made me feel special, probably because my parents were about to split up and this was one of those rare father and son moments. But truly this was a unique Cadillac and totally underappreciated.
Made only at the Linden, NJ plant. I installed lower IP valances (lower portion of dashboard) on these and for a while made up front door pads as a subassembly by installing the fasteners and pull straps.
I had always heard that Bill Mitchell wanted this design before he retired. The original Seville was timeless. Tough act to follow.
That makes sense. The side profile was inspired by the Daimler limousine and Bill Mitchell was something of an Anglophile when it came to car styling. The first-generation Seville and most of GM's full-sized sedans for years after it, was inspired by the Silver Shadow. And, the ill-fated '78 and '79 Cutlass and Century "fake hatchbacks" were most likely inspired by the Rover SD-1.
As a designer, I have always found the "styling" of this car disturbing. It looked as if two different cars had been welded together. The styling of the rear half was in disagreement with the styling of the front half. The "design" was not cohesive. On the other hand, the Oldsmobile and Buick mid-sized "fake hatchbacks" had a more coherent design being "all of a piece."
@@pcno2832 Regarding the "fake hatchbacks," I believe their failure was due to not having roll-down glass in the rear doors. At a time when air conditioning was not yet universal, this would have been the kiss-of-death for most buyers. The rear operating vent windows were simply unable to provide sufficient flow-through ventilation durning high summer.
@@wallacem41atgmail
Designer of what?
@@patrickflohe7427 Buildings. I'm a retired architect.
40 years later it still doesnt look dated and looks much better than all the grotesquely styled cars amd "crossovers" of today.
That's for sure, with a little creative updating, the overall shape would sell well today's an upscale sedan, guaranteed.
When I was a kid we called it the buttless cutless. My neighbors always seemed to be in the shop.
😂
Thats good.
I've always, always, ALWAYS loved this car and design! So easy to spot and such a profile. So unmistakable!
Sure don't see those around any more, nice video! 👍😉🙂
For good reason -they're ugly!
My boss had one of these Seville's. We had a lot of snowy Winters back then in suburban Chicago. I remember she complained the angle of the tail lights made it nearly impossible to keep the snow from piling up on them.
Despite what some people might say, I love these cars. They were beautiful automobiles. And your Seville sir, is gorgeous. I love the color. Great video also
I really like these Sevilles. It's also worth noting, that the Imperial and Lincoln Continental of the early 80s followed suit with a more mild interpretation of the bustle back theme.
Love any Seville design from 76-96.
But the slant backs have always been my dream car. Esp the ones with two-tone paint.
I once owned a 96 Seville SLS for 10yrs. Beautiful, money pit, car.
This Seville was one of the most slick,and fine Caddy's ever, I personally have always loved this sporty and sophisticated car, I don't get the controversy, I think this style is a beautiful work of art,I'd Buy a 1980 81 in a heartbeat, before the went to the dreadful HT 4100 in 82!
I had the 1981 Seville with the diesel conversion engine. It was a huge POS. Always having issues especially in the injector area. Then had a 1983 with the 4.1. Never had issues with that one. Just had to replace an alternator.
Always liked those 2nd generation Sevilles,,, inside and out.
We had a neighbor who was a real estate agent and she drove a 77' Mercury Marquis coupe loaded to the gills with that beigr brown combo and a yellowish interior, it was so beautiful , her next car was like an 83' 84' Seville..
I ask her how she liked it and she loved it but 2 years later she was talking about how she wished she had the Mercury back cause it never broke..
They traded it for a Grand Marquis around 88' ish and it was a good one..
I was working in a Shop, and one of these came in on a Hook. It had ben rearended and the rear Bumper was pretty much dragging the ground. We did paint and body as well as regular Automotive. But, we didn't have a Frame Machine. So, he has a guy with a Frame Machine estimate a sublet repair. Kenny decided the sublet was too expensive, so he has the Bodyman try and pull it out , with the proverbial tree. They got it to where they thought it would be just fine. Straightened the Panels and repainted it in the original Black Cherry. He calls the customer and tells the the car is ready to pick up. So, the Customer shows up and I am looking at the Car, and I pointed out to Kenny that the Bumper was rather low to the ground. So, Kenny says, " when he sees that shine he won't notice anything else. I was like, "do tell". So, the Owner of the car walks up and suddenly his face changed. "What have you done to my car. The Bumper is almost on the Ground!?". Kenny was at a complete loss. So, he takes the rag in his hand and starts shining the rear Fender and says, "but but LOOK at the Shine!". I was stunned, and it quickly became a match of Wills! "my Bumper is on the ground!". "but but look at that Shine!". The Customer eventually won and the Bodyman had to redo all of that work, after the Vehicle came back from the Frame Shop. "BUT BUT Look at that Shine!" I had tears in my Eyes.
😂😂😂😂
I'm a Ford/Mopar guy, but I always liked these. The retro '30s styling was a breath of fresh air in 1980.
I was 10 years old when these came out and I LOVED this generation of Seville. Grew up in Florida in area with quite a few wealthier retirees so these were pretty popular. When my father was in market for a new car in ‘82 we looked at these, but much to my disappointment he ended up with an ‘82 Cutlass Supreme Coupe. Just not the same.
Your Dad picked the right car lol
The Cadillac 82 engine was not a good one. I saw a lot of theses sevilles living in the Sacramento CA area back then
Cutlass yeah. I love caddy but cutlass was a great car back then.
We didn't have this one but a '92 Eldorado. Man, I tell you, a Mercedes at that time was just a cheap fealing tin can in comparison.
I had one of these as a metallic gold Hot Wheels back in the 80s and I loved it.
I used to care for a Second Gen Seville custom limousine back in 1984. It was beautiful and the owner adored it. The FWD aspect made it a natural for lengthening.
This body looks best when seen from the side/rear angle. Otherwise the trunk seems to disappear when viewed from front angles.
At 5:25, wow that's a gorgeous yellow Eldorado! I've always called these Triple Butter.
I own a 1980 two tone with a 5.7 dealer swop done in 1981
Beautiful car!
15:22 You said that “I hope that you enjoyed the review of this second generation Cadillac Eldorado”.
Oops!
@@RareClassicCars It’s charming, just like your amazing collection and content! I was not trying to find fault.
There were a fair number of the '80-'85 Sevilles where I live, and I am one of those that like the styling. It is still a beautiful car today, and the interiors were beautiful as well. I actually like both Seville body styles, but I have not see the original one in years. I enjoyed this trip down memory lane 👍
Great writing, narration, pictures and editing. Entertaining and informative. Well done.
Love these cars…too bad the drivetrains weren’t up to the same standard as the design.
These Seville models are wonderful to look at. My dad had one and we thought it was great, especially the day the local Cadillac service advisor showed us how to access the on-board diagnostics so we could work on it ourselves, and we quickly disabled the 4cly, 6cyl option! I believe ours was the Light Stone FM Silver.
My grandfather had an '83 loved that car as a little kid for the years he had great design when a Cadillac was as Cadillac !!!!!!
That Caddy is one of the best looking one ever made. When it came out, I suddenly hated my 1979 Saville.
I had one of these I bought used several years ago. I really liked it, but got rid of it for something sporty and less old-man-like in about a year. I miss the room and the ride, which I remember to this day. Luckily, I got rid of it before any engine problems, which I didn't know at the time, were probably inevitable in it's future. Still, a nice car, with all kinds of options and gimmicks that weren't common back in it's day.
I love those Cadillacs!
Especially those with the factory cont.kit
No such thing as a factory Continental Kit. Only aftermarket.
I remember these when they first came out and they grew on me. A very elegant, avant-garde look and as Adam said , there is nothing on the road like it. The black and silver is so rich looking. I’m so glad Adam has on in his collection because it is such a part of history. Many cars I didn’t like as a kid…….I now love because they were so unique.
I have always loved this design! The sad thing is how it was saddled with such poor powertrains. The poor sales in the early 80's might have been due to the fact that we were going through a pretty bad recession.
Very informative.
Nice looking from my perspective.
BMW had a 7 series with a rear styling that wasn't traditional BMW. Many critics hated the design but they have aged well. Same for this Cadillac
Ich mag Ihre unaufgeregte Erzählweise. Sehr angenehme zuzuhören. Danke.
I thought that they were ugly when they came out. But, as someone has said below, the bland styling of todays' SUV's makes this year Seville look like a styling masterpiece in comparison!
Back I the mid 80s, I was a parking attendant who got to drive manySeville. Cad Sevilles. I always found it interesting that Cadillac and Audi shared the same electronic climate control in their vehicles.
This may not go over well here, but a friend of mine bought one of these for $200. It was on its way out, so we decided to drive it rally- style through the gravel state roads in the rural part of our county. Probably the most fun I have ever had.
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Well my eyes do not behold any beauty here.
I love watching ron livingston talk about cars
Great vid. Always loved this style Seville. Growing up, my neighbor across the street had a couple of these in the 80’s. The first one was white on blue on blue and it got traded in after a couple years for a new one due to mechanical issues. The second was triple maroon and was better but had problems later and ended up getting traded in for the new ‘92 Park Ave in dove grey/grey. Another beautiful car.
Adam, thanks for all the great content! You and the channel are on fire.
I had two Cadillacs-a 1982 Coupe deVille and a 1983 Fleetwood Brougham Coupe-with the HT4100 engine and never had any issues with either car. In fact, to this day, I regret having traded the Brougham Coupe. Great video, Adam, thanks!
I miss my 81 model but not the engine, a 4/6/8. Good to know you can disconnect the system. I think I would go for a 1980 model.
I was in my late teens early 20s when these were out so they were out of my price range, but I dreamed of owning a car that beautiful some day. I loved the bustle back and yours is gorgeous ❤
My grandfather Cadillac Joe, had a car lot in Toledo, waited out his friend who was embarrassed to start his noisy diesel Seville in front of Him. And my other grandfather said they looked like a frustrated rolls. But I love the way they look and dream of one with a 472.
I didn't like them at first, but later wanted one, even as a teenager at the time.
Growing up as a kid in the late 80s, I remember all of the Cadillac Models. My grandparents and my parents bought the Deville Models. My grandfather a '85 Coupe Deville, My grandmother '86 Sedan Deville and my Parents an '87 Sedan Deville as well. Going to alot of Cadillac Dealership's the two Models that stood out was the Allante and this Seville. I asked my mother what that car was and she told me. Another nick name people called it was a DuckTail Caddy because of the way the back was kinda shaped. My parents Deville was totaled by a drunk idiot only 4 months of owning the car. My grandmothers '86 was stolen in 1992 where all of the chrome and gold and other things were taken out it was considered totaled. And my Grandfather's 85 stopped working in '96. With all of that being said the 80s Cadillac's styling will always be interesting. The '85 Eldorado body shape has always been my favorite.
Yeah, she sure was pretty and I was quite proud at the age of 27, to own her and then it all went down hill. First, at a service center my second hand seville was what they called "converted" meaning used to be deisel but now used gas. A fact brought home to me when I sold the car and the buyers big brother demanded a thousand back. Then while going over the Whitestone Bridge we went over a bump and the entire dash board fell onto my lap. Equalled only by the passenger side door rest coming off when I reached over to shut the door. And I remember Cadillac dealer wanted $2000 to change a hose because they didn t want to be blamed for any other damage caused by them because the car was "Converted". You can see you hit on a subject I m passionate about. Just not put together well at least not the one I got.
I rode in one of the first new-for-1980 Cadillac Sevilles with Mr. Leonard Renick in September 1979 from a storage lot to the "New Car Carousel" at Renick Cadillac in Fullerton, California under cover of dark for the next day's display of the bustle-back! And, not too long ago, there was a beautiful soft yellow 1983 Seville with 33,000 documented miles for sale at Copart in San Jose, California. My 1985 Eldorado (with a new 4100 installed at Renick Cadillac in 1994) is coming out of seventeen-year storage for full restoration on March 28, 2022. It now has 108,462 miles.
I had a 1983 Seville. It was 2 tone. Champagne top and Chocolate bottom. The chocolate velour and road very smooth. Sometimes I miss that car
My favorite Seville was the 1976-1979. The 1976 model was introduced in mid 1975, and the first 2,000 made were silver on silver, with a silver leather interior. The first Seville I saw in person was in the showroom at Carl Johnson Cadillac, in Norwood, MA, with the unique round showroom, around May or June of 1975.
These were great riding and handling cars, you would never know that they were based on the Chevrolet Nova platform. It rode and drove and felt like a Cadillac. GM did a great job with the first generation Seville.
Unlike the 1977 Lincoln Versailles, which was based on the Ford Granada, but rode and drove and still felt like you were driving a Ford Granada! Same instrument cluster as a Granada, same steering wheel, and almost the same handling and ride, but a bit better than the Granada.
The FWD Humpback 1980 Seville never appealed to me.
The Versailles doesn't drive at all like the Granada, but yes the interior and exterior are pretty much the same. A lot of the suspension isn't interchangeable. It rides a lot like a big lincoln smooth and mushy with a ton of body roll. They would make a great sleeper. In reality it's just a big bloated ford falcon and the end of that platform.
@@grivolas2144 The Lincoln Versailles has frame rail extensions from the front rails to the rear body rails, to stiffen up the unibody, which the Ford Granada does not have.
The only part worth salvaging on the Versailles was the rear axle with disc brakes. They bolt on perfectly to the '67-'70 Mustangs. The rest of the car you send off to the wrecker.
My driver's Ed class in so cal had a b77 Mercury Monarch
The design was different, yet it was so different that it had a sense of classic style and character.
Personally I like the design.
I just love the kitsch of it all!
I always liked this too, but had to warm up to it during 1980, and grew to like it. My favorite is the 90s version Best but when you saw this 1980-85 Seville, you knew it was a Cadillac. I seem to remember where I live the 80 Seville had a 350 engine ( California)
I still want a Seville with the dash bright work. I thought when they went to the black it looked cheap.
I have always been a Cadillac fan! My favorite models are the '65-'66 models, '70-'74 Eldorados, as well as the'79-'85 models, '77-'79 DeVilles, and the first and second generation Sevilles. I think the first generation is beautiful and unmistakably Cadillac, but the second generation to me, is so striking and luxurious looking, and has always been very appealing to me.
My Mom always referred to these as the "squatting dogs". Dad liked them. My HotWheels version at the time was used as a mobile launching ramp for other cars... Dad's buddy had an all black one and had lots of trouble with the 8-6-4. I hated the pokey outey hubcaps...
😆 "squatting dog" I can see it... 🐕💩
I had an '80, I loved it. I mean it was my third Cadillac, I'm a Cadillac man. But you said it, I liked because some people hate it. My crown jewel would be the 1980 Gucci edition Seville. Hopefully one day...
Keep them coming Adam looking forward to that two-door Lincoln you picked up... I had a few of the cars you mentioned... an 81 eldorado biarritz waxberry yellow pretty car... A diesel that couldn't get out of its own way... Traded it in for a new 84 Seville d'elegance it was two tone silver and black with the 4100 should have kept the car instead of trading it in on an 86 Seville touring... in that lite quartz firemist and I believe canyon red ... The 84 was a nicer car... And the last new caddy was a 93 STS quick car... dark green... My latest is a 57 eldorado Seville in Desert Rose w/21k actual... I see you like the mercs a lot.. The only Ford I have is a 66 7 litre convertible... Love the ponchos... You haven't done a full review on that burgundy Bonneville at least I don't remember you doing one... I'd like to find a 67 Grand Prix convertible... I do have a 53 Skylark... 65 Riviera Gran Sport 67 vet a 69 Camaro... and Corvair. The rest are European... Finally I like those low mile examples you've amassed along with the knowledge you have about them... Look forward to more... Thanks Jake
I for one always liked this 2nd gen seville & still do.
My parents had an 83 Seville. Darn digital dash would add fuel as you went down the road so you never knew when you were empty. Had some good times in that car.
Back then in the 70's my dad was a Ford person and we always had Lincoln Continentals. 3 of them 1969, 72 or 73 model and a 76 but the last one we kept for 6 months before a trip to Europe that summer and picked up a 1976 300d Mercedes to drive there in Europe then ship back to here. My dad did get mom a used 3 year old 1986 Seville in 1989 but kept is till 1993 after dad passed before we sold it. Still had the Mercedes then and in comparison, they were day and night difference in build quality. I remember the HT-4000 engine I recall correctly in it and had to have the main bearings replaced in it as the dealer said it needed it. Major repair, but when they bought it, got an extended warranty on it was worth it for this repair.
When those were new, a friend remarked. “ it looks like a Garbage Truck”! And it did! From that point forward every time I see one I think of that. Of course with the junk HT 4100 engines there aren’t many left,
LOL garbage truck, never thought about that look.
As a kid, I referred to it as having the garbage truck back. I knew nothing of bustleback then.
I like these, so I'm not making fun of them, as uncomplimentary as "garbage truck back" is on the surface.
I had bought a used 1984 Cadillac Seville Elegante in Florida and took it with me to Germany, where I used it as a daily driver for a few years until another car drove into my side. I loved this car very much, every trip was an experience.
As a teen when these came out (West Coast) I was aghast.
Seville went against all that I was into then:
Euro, lightweight, black trim, minimalist wedge shapes (think Scirocco S).
Now 42 years later, I'm kinda smitten by the big, bold & chromey aesthetic of the '80 Seville.
A friend bought one of these new in 1982; it was two tone apricot metallic A very nice car, if underpowered. It had a wonderful Bose sound system.
Remember folks: Mary Barra was fresh out of college in GM’s “quality control” department when these cars came out!!!!!
Back about 1990 I has an 82 with a diesel. It was burgundy and gold with a burgundy leather interior. It was gorgeous! And gutless. I bought it right and drove it for a while and sold it for a profit. But I still wish I had another one. I fall in the camp of those who think it amazingly classy.
Adam thanks so much for this profile of the Seville. I Love Cadillacs and am a proud owner of several. However can you PLEASE do a review of the original 76-79 Seville, in my opinion that was the most revolutionary design and was much more beautiful than this bustle back one, I was 14 years old when it first debited in 1975 and the automotive Industry was taken by storm and LOVED the car. The straight back/notch back Roofline was the most original design the automotive industry had ever seen and the car was actually very reliable with its Olds 350. Beautiful Car indeed. Also Adam I think you made a mistake at the end of this video...you end by saying the "second generation Eldorado" instead of saying "Seville". Just thought I would let you know. :) Thanks...
My father almost bought a 76 Seville used in 77. The seller was asking $12000. My Dad freaked, and bought a new 78 Honda Accord LX. My Dad then sold his perfect 70 Grand Prix for $600, needed some engine work.
THE BEST LOOKING SEVILLE!
You are right, folks either love or hate these cars, I hate them. The original Sevilles were such beautiful cars. This slantback version was a swing and a big miss for sure. Admittedly, I never realized these later models were front drive though. My buddy's parents had one of these versions, there was something wrong with the choke though. The car was traded off pretty quickly due to having to manually open/close the choke in order to start the car. Their next Caddy was my favorite, an early 80s Eldorado coupe, now that was a beautiful car. I don't know if it had the 4.1 or the 364CI engine though. They had enough money to trade the cars off after a few years, so it never gave them any trouble.
For sure, the Yinglings always had great cars. They graduated from Caddys to Mercedes in the mid 80s
That dash is HUGE. This is the car I always remember villains driving in 80's movies.
Thanks for this episode, it's great to see this car in detail, I'm a fan of it and love the styling.
Adam, you should make a video covering the cars you DON'T have. It appears it would be a very short list. And while you're at it, you could show us the real garage where you keep all those gems. Love your work and the intelligent, knowledgeable presentations.
I thought the bustleback was kinda strange at first but it grew on me ! My uncle bought a 1980 and just loved the car !
A friend of mine bought one of these new, it was very comfortable & quiet. It sure got a lot of attention (and a few laughs!!) Thanks for sharing this fun video!!! 👍👍
LOL a co-worker asked me if the seller paid me to come and get it for the one I bought. Geez some people just have no taste.
This Seville reminds me of the 1980s Imperial.
I kind of like the slanted back, but I wish they had made it a bit longer for more trunk space and better proportions.
Really appreciated this segment. I owned a 1984 in two-tone brown. Dark metallic on the bottom and a "putty" color on top with the dark brown leather interior. Loved the look of this car and thoroughly enjoyed it. Never liked the first generation. Thanks, again.
Adam, you mentioned sales volume that was less than expected for this generation. I expect that the Eldorado of this era actually cannibalized a fair amount (same platform but much less expensive).
I worked for a used car wholesaler back in the day. One of the perks of the job was that I didn’t need to own a car. I can’t tell you how many of these I had to drive. I really enjoyed driving them.
I absolutely love this generation Seville. For some reason, I’ve encountered several over the years with brake booster issues. I don’t know if that was a common problem with this generation of Seville and Eldorado. I have to say that the ride in this generation Eldo/Seville is absolutely the best.
Compared to the succeeding 1986-91 Seville sedans, this one was actually a huge success.
I want one. Always Loved these Sevilles!!
I have a 81 Cadillac Seville Grand Opera Coupe Convertible. It is a 2 Door with a long hood made by Grandeur Motor Car Company. I wish I had a way to show it to you.
@@billcross1858 Thanks...I can't buy anything now. But thanks...Id only want a 4 door if I could.
What car did Wayne Kady use as inspiration for the bustle back concept? 40's-50's Rolls Royce?
Arguably the hooper bodied rolls Royce
I love your videos!!! I had a 84 and 85 commerative edition.. I loved this car although to small displacement engine!
Great classy design. Miss them ☺️
ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOU and this channel!!!! Always FANTASTIC Suff! 😎😁😍🤗
Wonderful video. As you mentioned, the Bustleback Seville had some virtually impossible shoes to fill. To Cadillac’s credit they took a daring approach with this unique and elegant car.
I owned a 1985 Seville elegante in this silver black and touring suspension here in Munich for 16 years it was an import from pompano beach 🇺🇸 in fact, it was such a glittering car so I couldn’t use it for a daily driver, this was a 1987 Buick Riviera T Type, also very exotic here in Germany! 😎🇺🇸
I would think after the sales failure of the 78 to 79 Cutlass and Century sedans (the coupes made it through 1980) aerobacks, GM would have paused the design of the Seville. The previous generation was perfectly styled and proportioned....but based on the prosaic rear drive X body platform. The 1980 to 85 were better designed and engineered chassis wise...but for the questionable diesel, V864 and HT4100 powertrain choices. The original Seville had a fuel injected 350 Olds based gas V8 which was a pretty decent engine.
I agree. The entire car industry was in turmoil after the gas crisis and with the rise of imports who were learning quite quickly what Americans would go for, there was virtually no room for error. While I do agree this version of the Seville is attractive in it's own unique way with it's retro styling, that hefty 25% sticker increase just can not begin to cover what one got in return.
As one who actually fell in love with the debuting X body (last true rear drive Chevy Nova) based re engineered version, if I were in charge, my choice for the next Seville would be less ambitious in select areas. Deliberately choosing to move those extra resources into things that would boost the value of the first generation.
This would mean working with the first gen body to "evolve" it, rather than totally going clean sheet with it. This clearly could've been done as there were a slew of lookalike GM cars that straight up ripped off the first gen Seville's profile because it was so iconic. Everything from the Olds Cutlass to Pontiac Gran Prix, Chevy Monte Carlo, and Buick Regal took the First Gen Seville to the next level. All of those cars should've gotten redesigned AWAY from the Seville, while letting the Seville KEEP it's unique styling from it's birth to evolve it ALONE. That way, the second gen Seville would develop the sleeker lines of G bodies that ripped it's styling and ran off with it as if it were their own. It would (ironically) gain the independent coil strut/shock suspension of those cars as a result, and STILL keep it's rear drive layout and the more robust TH350/ TH200 R4 four speeds that followed.
Engines would be simple. Drop the diesel until you GET IT RIGHT. Keep the Olds 350 as it's relation to the 307 ensures lower costs to operate and get parts for. NO FANCY V864 HT4100 nonsense! You're running before you can walk GM. Hell, you haven't even done fuel injection on a mass market level yet! Buy a Mercedes or a BMW and take it apart to see how they get fuel injection to work so reliably. Even with fuel injection, the Seville's fueling system is basic compared to what the Germans were fielding.... as they were sending injected cars over from as far back as the 60's. I wouldn't even consider putting in a Caddy designed engine until 4500/4900 era in the late 80's. So use all this time of borrowing the tried and true Olds small block, refining and boosting power and efficiency by improving it's injection and ignition systems. By the time you get those down reliably, your Olds 350 should be at least matching the mid 80's Fox body Mustang GT's power numbers with superior torque... making Seville perform with a 4 speed more authoritatively to run alongside the Bimmers and Mercs of the day...
I'd even let you do an STS version, either borrowing the Buick turbo intercooled 3.8 V6, OR let Olds do up a 4.3L V6 based off of the 5.7L and turbocharge THAT. G body design would allow you to move the column shift to the floor, and more sporty seats would easily swap in. Retune the suspension, lower profile wider and larger diameter tires, and you're all set. (In other worlds, imagine if a 76-79 Seville (Female gender) had a baby with an 85 Monte Carlo SS/ Buick GNX (Male)......
Hmmmm, the possibilities
@@joncouncil4454 I agree with your analysis. I would even take it a step further and if I were GM corporate I would have told Cadillac...no J based Cimarron...let's get it right...wait a year or two and base it on the front drive A body. They had a 6000 STE in the works...Cadillac could have evolved on that to make it their import fighter and had a V6 power train ready to go..vs starting with a four cylinder and waiting until 85 to put in a V6 J car. The A body was more substantial and could have given Cadillac a better small car platform worthy of their name...versus being a fancy Cavalier.
It seemed the First Gen Seville set the design language for the GM 77 Full size cars with a taller green house and boxier profiles...vs. the 71 to 76 B and C bodies. It seems the Seville didn't really comeback until the 92 model year..the 86 to 90s were too generic which plagued the entire GM line for those years. If only we could time travel and talk with the product planners...and would have insisted more differentiation with Cadillac...other than the A bodied based Cimarron...keep the larger cars rear drive....Mercedes and BMW did...as well as the larger Lexus and Infinti models.
@@325xitgrocgetter But with that early to mid 90's Seville came that Northstar engine and all those issues...Then Lexus had a much better car in the LS400 that was about the same price as the Seville....
1980 was the best year for Seville engines. It had a 350 with no gizmos.
@@encinobalboa I think only in California was the 350 available.
I bought one at a auction for $300. I loved that car
Adam I love your channel. I appreciate how you offer advice to people interested in collecting. You share your collection of low mileage cars that are in impeccable condition. You share knowledge on how to keep these cars on the road.
That said, I’d never want to own any of these cars. The original Seville was both a success and a failure. Sales and profits were outstanding, but it didn’t attract younger Mercedes/BMW/Jaguar/Audi/Volvo/Saab buyers as they’d hoped it would.
Clearly with the 2nd generation they completely abandoned any notion of attempting to lure young luxury import buyers into showrooms. I’d say this model and others kept such buyers from even looking at the later Cimmaron. It’s like Ford thinking young import buyers would venture into a Lincoln showroom to purchase a Merkur XR4Ti - adjacent to a town car with a padded vinyl roof.
I’ve long been curious what would’ve happened had Cadillac styled the rear similar to the 1st Gen Seville - just with multi-color taillights sans wreaths, silver accents, etc and an interior very much in the European executive car vein - driver focused dash, console, floor shifter, bucket seats with headrests behind the head (like the Ford Granada ESS’ optional European style headrests).
But ultimately I don’t think Cadillac/Lincoln can appeal to those who like the traditional version of American luxury AND those of us who prefer the contrasting European definition of luxury. Attempting to please everyone pleases nobody.
My neighbor (Miss Willie Mae) had one in the mid to late 80's. I thought it was the fanciest car ever made. I still think about her every time I see one.
This car has a real old money look. Big old upstate New York mansion with a long gravel driveway and 2 big dogs on the front porch this car fits that perfectly
These were real popular with realtors in that era. On tour day there would be a regular parade of them.
I had a 84 eldorado but wished I’d purchased one of these. They are beautiful
I had a 1982 triple yellow Seville. The engine had been replaced with an Oldsmobile. Loved the car always got looks and questions
Nicely thought out vid.
Loved my Seville slant back she was special, oh that dash. By the way my 4-6-8 never failed me, EZ read the frigging manual cover to cover.
GM had it absolutely right with the 1976-79 Seville.....and then they introduced this baroque Louis XIV jukebox.