1983 Cadillac Seville

Description

This 1983 Cadillac Seville is on our short list of cars that are affordable today but will undoubtedly become future collectables. Why? Controversy. The razor-edged design of the mid-80s Sevilles is a love-it-or-hate-it proposition, we get it, but that's exactly what makes cars collectable. GM took a chance with the front-wheel-drive Seville and well-preserved one-owner cars like this will surely be the ones future collectors want to own.

Attractive colors certainly help, and the mid-80s often didn't produce cars that would fit in today. However, this handsome two tone tan and brown Seville looks timeless and elegant, immune to the fashion of the time and still appealing today. The styling was clearly derived from the 1950s Rolls-Royce sedans, most built by coachbuilder Hooper, and it translated rather well to the late-model Caddy. The paint is perhaps 16 years old and in very good condition, looking very much as it would have decades ago. There's no padded roof, which was common, giving it a sleek, clean look, and two-tone paint jobs always work best on these cars. All four door fit well and close with reassuring solidity, and all the chrome and stainless trim (and there is a lot of it) remains in excellent condition. Even pieces like the rubber fillers between the body and bumpers are nicely preserved and all the emblems are still in place, including the Seville script on the front fenders.

The sumptuous brown leather interior is in remarkable condition for being 100% original. Leather was still optional on the Seville so most of them got cloth upholstery, making this one even more appealing to future collectors. Of course, everything was standard on the top-of-the-line Cadillac, including automatic climate control, power windows, locks, seats, and mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and a rear defroster, so even if you press it into service today, it's a pleasure to drive. The A/C is still cold, the seats are firm, and all the digital gauges are fully operational, which is really unusual! The front seats show minor comfort marks but the rear seat is almost like new and the carpets only show very light signs of use. And despite the semi-fastback profile, there's a huge trunk under that sloping deck lid, beautifully finished with carpets and a space-saver spare in its own matching cover. Heck, even the hinges are upholstered to match!

Cadillac's 4.1 liter V8 was the only engine available in 1983, and while it's not making huge horsepower, it's smooth, quiet, and torquey, exactly what you want in your vintage luxury car. It's been properly maintained so it runs beautifully and there are plenty of new parts, including a fresh alternator, A/C compressor, hoses, and belts. The engine bay is tidy if not detailed for show, with all the factory markings and decals still intact. Turn the key and the HT4100 fuel injection ensures that it starts quickly and easily, regardless of the weather, and with a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, it's a fantastic highway cruiser that pulls down decent fuel economy, too. A fully independent suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes are impressive on a luxury car from this era and even the exhaust system appears to be original, suggesting a lifetime in a warm, dry climate. Wire wheel covers were all the rage in 1983 and it sits on 205/75/15 Vogue radials that look awesome.

Just watch, these are going to be popular in the coming years. In the meantime, you can enjoy this one with no guilt thanks to its low sticker price and long list of luxury features. Call today!