1978 Cadillac Seville Sedan Original Survivor Rare Color

1978 Cadillac Seville Description

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Offered for your consideration – my beautiful 1978 Cadillac Seville.

The Seville was Cadillac's answer to the rising popularity of European luxury imports of the time. Cadillac’s market was shrinking as tastes were shifting.

To counter the threat, Seville became the smallest model in the lineup but also the most expensive. This new "internationally-sized" Cadillac launched in 1975, the Seville’s styling took strong cues from the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. Cadillac stylists utilized crisp, angular lines and thanks to a wide-track stance, the car had, and still has a substantial, premium appearance.

After travelling only 49,000 miles since new, this particular car is a true survivor! Finished in the much sought after Pewter Metallic with Silver Metallic vinyl roof - a combination as attractive today as it was 38 years ago when new! The light grey leather-trimmed interior is in amazing shape with no rips, tears or separation. The dashboard is fade and crack-free. It appears the car has never been smoked in as there are no unusual odors in the cabin.

The Seville was the one of the best-equipped automobiles of the time and this one is no exception. 5.7-liter, 350 cu in V-8 engine with electronic fuel injection, four-wheel disc brakes, AM/FM signal-seeking stereo with power antenna, Cadillac CB radio, 8-track tape player, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power windows, power door locks, deep-pile carpeting, fold-down center armrests, rear passenger reading lamps, wire wheel covers, cruise control, electronic level control, illuminated entry system, fuel monitor system, power reclining driver and front passenger seats, rear window defroster, twilight sentinel, Guide-Matic headlight control, remote-controlled right side-mirror, power trunk pull-down, carpeted floor mats, power-adjustable front seats, automatic climate control, opera lamps.

The car starts up, idles and runs great! I truly enjoy the drive in this Seville. It is like no other car I’ve owned. It’s smooth, quiet and luxurious. For a 70’s Cadillac, the car has a nice dynamic feel – it is not a pondering luxo land-barge as one might expect. Cadillac did a wonderful job refining the car to compete with the Europeans and create a viable bridge between old American luxury and new European luxury. One of the many reasons the first generation Seville was so successful.

I’ve had the car about 5 years and bought it from an owner in New Mexico. I believe this Seville has spent its entire life in the dry, southwest climate. The car was certainly well cared for given its original condition and low miles. I can find no evidence of rust that normally plagues cars of this era. When I received it I did some maintenance that included: new spark plugs and wires, new right-side motor mount, new center link and inner/outer tie-rod ends, new rear shocks, replaced valve cover gaskets, one injector and all injector seals – serviced the transmission including a filter kit and replaced a shift shaft seal. The muffler was replaced and an alignment was performed.

Late last year I replaced the battery and the alternator. New tires were installed and as I misplaced the key to the wheel covers – I purchased and installed appropriate replacement new-old-stock (NOS) wire wheel covers.

Important where I live… the air conditioner works great and blows cold. The rest of the automatic climate control functions work properly as well. The stereo works fine as does the 8-track tape player! The car is equipped with Cadillac’s CB radio that was all the rage in this period. I can only imagine Seville owners chatting it up with Big Bear and the Rubber Duck out on the open road! The bright chrome trim on the car is in beautiful shape! Small original details like silver trim paint on the front turn signals and taillights have survived the years. The car comes with its original owners manual, Delco radio and Cadillac CB radio literature and even original correspondence from the Cadillac Division of GM. I also have two pristine color brochures for the 78 Seville and a bigger catalog with all 78 Cadillac models that will come with the car.

Finer Details

This Seville is in wonderful shape but is 38 years old so there are a few things that aren’t perfect. I don’t want there to be any disappointments with the car so please read over this carefully. Ask any questions before bidding and the end of the auction. The cruise control is not working, neither is the power antenna. The steering has a bit of a “grinding” feel in one direction. Two mechanics suggested it was probably just a worn ball bearing and did not affect the cars steering or handling whatsoever hence my decision to leave it alone. I believe the painted finish of the car to be original. The finish isn’t as deep and glossy as it used to be but as you can see from the photographs the car presents beautifully! There are a few areas on the car that have an odd discoloration. I have tried to capture this effect in the detailed photos. It looks as if a liquid got on the paint and discolored it sometime in the past. Personally, I feel it would be a shame to repaint an original paint job like this but I’ll leave that up to the next owner. The effect is subtle but I mention it so there will be no disappointments. There are some typical cracks in the rear bumper filler panel. The center portion of the steering wheel has some cracking but the ring surrounding the wheel is in great shape. I believe the Seville was equipped from the factory with an inflatable spare tire. My car has a full-sized spare that I suspect was added per a prior owner’s request. The jack and associated hardware are included.

I love this car and searched for this specific model and color it for many years. I have enjoyed every minute with it but time and space constraints force me to let it go to its next owner.

Terms:

This car is in amazing condition - however it is nearly a 38-year-old automobile. I have done my best to represent it accurately. The winner of the auction is purchasing it as-is - no warranty is offered. The buyer is responsible for local pick-up and/or transport of the vehicle. I reserve the right to end the auction early as the car is for sale locally. Payment should be a bank-issued cashier's check or wire transfer. A $500 deposit is due within 24 hours after the auction. Balance must be settled within 7 days. Please ask all questions before the auction ends.