1979 Cadillac Seville

GMs Cadillac Division enjoyed fast-growing sales during the 1960s, however, the dawn of the 1970s brought new challenges due to a painful economic recession, the OPEC oil embargo, and a tidal wave of fuel economy and governmental regulations. A smaller model was considered, but Cadillac management was cautious not to endanger its well-established reputation by introducing a knee-jerk reaction to the challenges imposed. After witnessing Lincoln's success with a widened model range, and strong growing sales of imported Mercedes-Benz models, Cadillac decided to develop a new and smaller, yet characteristically Cadillac, model. It was to be an 'International' sized car, based on the newly designed X-Body Nova platform, and scheduled for a 1975 debut. It was given classical three-box supervised by GM Styling head Bill Mitchell, who commented he was trying to evoke the feel of Harley Earl's landmark 1941 Cadillac Sixty Special. It was given an Oldsmobile 350 V-8, Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission, and a four-door, vinyl-roof sedan body style. The only options offered on the fully equipped cars were a choice of sound systems and a power sunroof.

The new four-door sedan was called the Seville, with the name reprising the two-door Series 62 Eldorado hardtops of the 1950s. It was priced in line with its senior models, ensuring exclusivity and catering to loyal Cadillac buyers and influential customers. Released in May 1975 as a 1976 model, the limited-production Seville enjoyed strong demand at home and in Europe, with the United Kingdom's initial 100-car allotment sold out in just a matter of days.

The first modifications and updates to the Seville occurred for 1977, with the introduction of four-wheel disc brakes. Painted metal roofs finally became available thanks to improved body stampings. Additionally, a fine mesh-type grille was added. For 1978, the Seville received an optional diesel engine, tail lamps with engraved emblems, and the upscale Seville Elegante package with two-tone paint, brushed stainless trim, Dunlop wire wheels, special Sierra-grain leather seats with perforated inserts, and a floor console.

1979 was the final production year of the first-generation Seville's Nova-based body design. The detail-oriented upgrades included revised suspension tuning and revised engine mounts. The nameplates were relocated to the upper left portion of the grille. The standard engine remained the 350 cubic-inch V8 with electronic fuel injection, now offering 170 horsepower. The diesel version continued as optional equipment. The exteriors could be finished in a choice of 14 standard colors and seven Firemist colors. Interiors were done in new solid and striped Dante and Roma knit fabrics in 11 shades of Sierra Grain leather, or six colors. The Tuxedo Grain padded vinyl roof was available in 17 colors, including metallics or a plain metal top.

Standard features included Dual Comfort 40/40 seats with storage pockets and integral fold-down center armrests. Chrome-plated wire wheels with long-laced spokes were located at all four corners.

The Elegante Special Edition came with a painted metal roof, and bodies finished in two-tone Slate Firemist and Sable Black, with accent striping and full-length side moldings with etched black grooving. They had nameplates and Cadillac wreath-and-crest insignia. The Elegante added $2,735 to the base price of $15,650.

A total of 53,487 examples of the Seville were built in 1979.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2019