Cadillac has a history of producing Special Editions, typically linking its brand with premium companies or notable designers. It released the XLR Neiman Edition in 2004, and only 101 of these cars left the factory. This one is a genuine survivor that presents beautifully. Of course, since it is a Cadillac, it is loaded with the luxury touches buyers expect from the marque. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the rare XLR listed here at Hagerty in Newport Beach, California. The seller set their price at $36,000 for a classic with 26,000 original miles on the clock.
Cadillac unveiled the XLR at the 2003 North American International Auto Show and released the production version for the 2004 model year. It featured stunning styling and won almost universal praise for its retractable hardtop. It initially sold reasonably well for a “Halo” model commanding a premium price, but volumes fell short of the projected 5,000 vehicles per year required to remain financially viable. However, Cadillac persisted, with the last car leaving the factory in March 2009. As was a fairly common practice, the company released an exclusive version during the first year, called the Neiman Marcus Edition. Limited to 101 vehicles, it combined unique Ultra Violet paint with polished 18″ alloy wheels. Each example featured engraved, individually numbered sill plates. This car’s plates confirm it as the fifteenth car built, and the seller states they are its second owner. The images reveal no evidence of cosmetic imperfections in the panels and paint, and its garage-kept history ensures it is rust-free. The wheels look flawless, as do the trim and glass. The hardtop works as it should, providing excellent protection in adverse weather conditions.
Lifting this Cadillac’s hood reveals what many enthusiasts believe is a truly great V8. The 4.6-liter “Northstar” delivers an impressive 320hp and 310 ft/lbs of torque. Power feeds to the rear wheels via a five-speed 5L50 automatic transmission, with the XLR also featuring power steering, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, Electronic Traction Control, and the “StabiliTrak” four-channel stability enhancement system. The seller became the Caddy’s custodian in 2018 when they purchased it from the original owner with 22,000 miles on the clock. They have since added 4,000, confirming that this XLR has been meticulously maintained. That type of history ensures that this Cadillac is a turnkey proposition.
This XLR is so loaded with luxury equipment that it would probably be quicker to tell you what it doesn’t have. However, the buyer will slip behind the wheel of a classic featuring climate-controlled air conditioning, power windows, locks, seats, and mirrors, a Head-Up Display, a tilt wheel, GPS, and a premium Bose stereo with touchscreen controls. It is one of the first production cars featuring Adaptive Cruise Control, a feature we now take for granted. The interior is trimmed in a unique combination of Shale and Ebony leather with eucalyptus wood trim. If occupants don’t already feel pampered enough, the seats also feature heating and cooling for improved comfort. The condition is consistent with the odometer reading, with no major flaws or imperfections. The driver’s seat shows slight wear on the outer edge, but it is something a leather specialist could address for a few dollars. The dash is spotless, and the beautiful Bulgari-branded gauge cluster appears perfect. The seller states that there are no electronic gremlins, with every feature working as it should.
Of the 101 examples of the 2004 Cadillac XLR Neiman Marcus Edition produced, 99 found homes with the buying public. The company donated one to charity, and the final car has spent its life at the General Motors Cadillac Museum. Considering the total 2004 XLR production tally of 3,665 vehicles, the Neiman Marcus Edition accounts for only 2.75% of total sales. The seller’s price is above the market average, but it is probably realistic for a car of this caliber. Is this a car that you would consider pursuing further?
Nice numbers from that Northstar Clarkey. Wonder 🤔 what Angel thinks of this special edition Caddy….
My man Stan!…..
Im not impressed by designer names. PRA4SNW and I were just discussing the rebooted Thunderbird Neiman Marcus Edition. That was black and silver.
This is interesting because of the color but it’s too dark in my opinion. It should have been a few shades lighter.
This is one of the few two seaters I like. But I was informed to get the last year (2009) because it had the best engine and got the bugs out. Or was that the Allanté? Or both? I CRS anymore.
Tell you what Stan, you buy it, I’ll drive it and we can go for a dinner and a show. 😏😄🙄
I’ll take any XLR, especially the V series. I think a nice champagne color suits this car with Vogue WSW.
🥂 always nice to read your comments Angel. 👍
Did not know they made a special edition of this car. That’s some color on the car, but does look well kept. Don’t know if will bring the asking but I have been wrong. The market didn’t really welcome them when they were new. I drive an 05 CTS-V and finding some parts now is getting to be a challenge. GM parts support for the older models is not great.
@Cadmanls
Yes, I’ve heard that they no longer make parts for the XLR and finding parts is extremely difficult and expensive. A taillight alone goes for anywhere from $3000 to $5000. Just ONE taillight. They are computer operated with a chip inside.
You have to handle these with kit gloves if you want to keep it and not replace anything.
Fashion designers (of course I had to look it up) and vehicles should never be mentioned in the same sentence.
These were only sold thorough the Neiman Marcus Catalog, not through dealers. Neiman Marcus is a department store known for exclusive items. In 2011 they offered 100 2SS Camaro Convertibles with ‘Phantom’ Stripes. The recent offering was just one Cadillac CELESTIQ – hand built plus an exclusive dinner in Detroit with a famous chef for two after you curated your build. All for $975,000.
https://www.neimanmarcus.com/editorial/fantasy-gifts-cadillac-carmen-celestiq-holiday-2023?srsltid=AfmBOorljx0Q5RhfIxRFqx0UoxWuYE36DWGpAJcUDyc2TT3Ou8sR0FzX
A year or so ago I really pumped up about these. I thought I should own one. The more I looked and time marched on. I decided to re-think it. The prices have gone down quite a bit. I would not pay a premium for this car. It is a 2004 and the limited addition does not make it worth 15 K more than another similar 2004.
Beautiful custom car, shame it has the infamously bad NorthStar engine
Maybe do some research. The car has the updated redesigned Northstar. It is not the same engine as the 90’s. It does not have problems other than some oil pan leakage. They easily go 200,000 miles as many have. If you run it low on water or drive it with a broke radiator it will have issues like every engine made.
Why is it so hard for Cadillac to get it right? Many remember the 1985s with terrible engines. Seville? El Dorado?
AKA needless mark ups!!’
I have a 2012 CTS coupe with 318 HP V6 3.6 liter. I paid $30K less for it last year than this car. The XLR is cooler looking, but not $30K cooler . . . IMO
These are impressive looking cars.Not sure of the problems with
these.Wasn’t the sticker price on these well over $100,000 new?
There’s something alluring to me about an expensive car
selling for a ton less not that many years later.
This would be a whole lot cooler than an older Corvette,and
would always get a lot more attention at a Cars & Coffee.
I could be wrong but I think the ones that were over $100k were the XLR Vs which came out at the end of the production run. The V’s were supercharged and had even more nice features. I live in Australia and as far as I know there is only one XLR in the country. As such I have never seen one in the flesh but that hasn’t stopped me lusting over them.
The Neiman cars were the first to be released and sold out. There is always someone who wants to be first. This unique color and plaque is all there Is different about the car. They rarely bring more than 10% premium. The 06 to 09 are much better cars and bring better prices. This is a 23k to 25k value car tops
Are parts for this car still readily available? Affordable? I look at British and Italian luxury cars this same age and do not like the answers, which is why they sell for a fraction of their original purchase price.
To answer my own question, an entire remanufactured Northstar engine can be had for less than a remanufactured VW air cooled engine, less than 5K. Go figure.
New headlights and taillights are no longer available from GM, and used replacements sell for $2k apiece IF you can source them.
Why is it so hard for Cadillac to get it right? Many remember the 1985s with terrible engines. Seville? El Dorado?
“The Wizard” owned one & recommends this car!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAYZ5OaZgbc
I think you meant “was” – as it seems to me they now produce excellent prodicts.
What a gorgeous color! Anyone know the paint code?
Caddy’s answer to Mercedes SL’s.
Being a Cadillac nut since my first one in the 60’s I’ve had my share of Northstars. They are great engines that propel heavy luxury vehicles like you’re driving a sports car. The reason so many had issues is because the inexperienced first owners thought the impressive performance would be matched by longevity, no matter how hard you pushed it. Sorry to say they were made of the same material all engines are made of, cast iron, cast aluminum and steel.
I hope who ever wins this beauty has enough sense and can afford to not drive the hell out of it as a daily driver. It deserves to be stored in a safe place and treated as the classic it is and not just driven but “shown off.”
The WIZARD likes it, he owned an ’04! Utube videos!
I like the C5 Cadillac with the Deathstar V-8. I just wouldn’t want to own one! Especially at this price point, where there are many other cars you could pick from.
No, Kurt,
GM/Cadillac stopped making parts for the XLR quite some time ago, which pushed the price for parts through the strosphere. One lonely little taillight sells for $3000 to $5000. So I’ve read. They have a computer in them, hence the high price.
Just like Jags, Bentleys, MB. I was surprised to find that rubber mats for my 48 Packard were actually being made in a cottage type industry referred to me by my club. It makes me wonder, what do manufacturers do with the molds for the plastic parts? They must just chuck them out.
I have often wondered that myself. The manufacturers must sell them off (?). After all, you can practically buy a complete ’65 Mustang or ’65 Chevy pickup through a catalog now, piece by piece. Somebody got hold of all those body molds.
By law in the USA, auto manufacturer’s only have to carry parts for 10 years after the year they were built. But do be wise about buying any aftermarket parts. I’ve seen tailgates have all the red faded to almost clear after a few years. They are not as good as OEM parts. Your better off finding used factory parts in a wrecking yard,and look for the lowest mileage car’s because parts facing forward always have pits and scratches or other imperfections.
Has anyone seen an XLR in a wrecking yard? A pretty rare bird, I would imagine.
I havent, but then, I havent been to too many yards lately. Used to be I’d spend days roaming huge yards. Pennsylvania has some really nice big yards, but spending the last 10 years in Vegas, there were only 3 that were pick and pull.
IF you can find an XLR in a junkyard, BUY IT! Parts are very expensive.