1989 Cadillac Allante

The Cadillac Allante was the inspired product of Italian-American co-production. This tradition had been established by Cadillac and Pininfarina many years before, dating back to the late 1950s with the limited-production Eldorado Brougham. Allante bodies were manufactured by Pininfarina near Turin, Italy, and then air freighted (56 cars at a time) in specially equipped Boeing 747s the 4,600 miles to Cadillac's Detroit/Hamtramck Michigan plant for final assembly.

The Allante models were produced for just seven model years, spanning from 1987 through 1993. During that time, they were constantly refined and upgraded. Power was initially from Cadillac's 4.1-liter V8 mated to a front-wheel drivetrain including an automatic transmission.

The big news for the Cadillac Allante for 1989 was a larger 4.5-liter port fuel injection engine that saw an increase in power. The 90-degree, overhead-valve, V8 engine with aluminum block produced 200 horsepower, an increase of 17 percent over the prior year's engine output. Zero to sixty improved from 9.5 to 8.3 seconds. Top speed also increased, from 125 to 135 mph.

The gold metallic exterior color was no longer available. Customers could select from seven different colors, including a new light blue metallic color. Inside, there were three color choices, including a new charcoal color. A new seat design was used which had a softer foam, and softer wrinkled leather trim. French seams were used for the wings and head restraints. The use of softer material continued for the instrument panel, doors, armrests, and upper door trim. The carpeted floor mats were reversible and washable.

The central door unlocking was now available from the trunk. The express-down window feature for both the driver and passenger was now standard. Cadillac's VATS was also standard. A passkey personal automotive security system, utilizing a resistor pellet within the ignition key, would render the fuel system and starter inoperative in the event an incorrect ignition key was used. An engine oil life indicator was standard equipment.

Cadillac made modifications to the Allante soft top, which helped reduce fabric wear. A self-folding fabric eliminated the need to walk around the vehicle while tucking in the fabric.

Mechanically, the Allante received a new speed-dependent suspension system which helped improve the vehicle's driving characteristics. The system responded to the vehicle's speed, offering smoother or stiffer support. The speed-sensitive damper system firmed the Allante's suspension at 25 and 60 mph. The system also monitored braking and acceleration to reduce the rate of fore/aft movement. The bushing and cradle mounts were re-tuned to help improve the ride.

For 1989, the 2-door Convertible Allante sold for $57,180 - which was nearly double the cost of the next highest-priced Cadillac. In total, Cadillac produced just 3,296 examples of the Allante in 1989.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2015