No Reserve: 42k Mile 1982 Cadillac Sedan DeVille

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A known ownership history is viewed by many potential buyers as crucial when assessing whether a classic should find its way into their garage. This 1982 Cadillac Sedan de Ville ticks that box, with the seller stating that they are its third owner. It presents beautifully and has a genuine 42,000 miles showing on its odometer. The Caddy has no apparent needs, generating twenty-eight bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in McCormick, South Carolina. The auction action has pushed the price to $10,800, and with No Reserve to hinder proceedings, this classic is under a week away from finding a new home.

Cadillac introduced its Fifth Generation de Ville range in 1978, following the industry trend of downsizing in a quest for improved economy. The land yachts were slowly consigned to the pages of history, although some manufacturers were slower than others to transition to smaller models. This 1982 Sedan de Ville presents beautifully and comes with a known history. The first owner was seventy-nine years old when he drove it off the showroom floor, with his sixty-two-year-old son inheriting the Caddy upon his passing. He passed away around two years ago, which is when the seller purchased it from his estate. The premium paint shades that year were from the Firemist range, with this car looking stunning in Light Redwood Firemist. This brings us to one of the few changes made to what was a genuine survivor because the seller treated the car to a high-end repaint once it was safely in his garage. The process didn’t include any panel or rust repairs and was a simple cosmetic refresh. It shines beautifully, with no obvious flaws or defects. The panels are straight, and the underside is as solid as the day it rolled off the line. I can’t fault the trim or glass, with this de Ville wearing the optional wire wheel covers. The narrow whitewalls are an appropriate finishing touch to the spotless exterior.

New for 1982 was Cadillac’s 4.1-liter HT-4100 V8 engine. Featuring closed-loop digital fuel injection, it developed 125hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque. However, its party piece was the ability to deliver fuel consumption figures better than 25mpg, a concept that would have been unthinkable for any Cadillac only a few years earlier. The company teamed its new V8 with a four-speed automatic transmission, while power steering and power brakes were standard equipment. Sadly, Cadillac rushed its latest motor into production and paid the price for that decision. Early engines were prone to problems, although if one has survived to the present day, it must be a good one. The seller states that this de Ville has a genuine 42,000 miles showing on its odometer without mentioning verifying evidence. Therefore, that claim must be taken at face value. They actively encourage test drives by interested parties, suggesting that there is nothing to hide with this classic.

The theme of impressive presentation continues inside this Cadillac. The Burgundy leather trim is free from wear, only exhibiting the wrinkles of age. The dash is spotless, the carpet is extremely nice, and there are no issues with the woodgrain trim or wheel. However, it isn’t merely about presentation, because this de Ville is loaded with features that most enthusiasts would rightly expect from a luxury car. These include climate-controlled air conditioning and power operation for the windows, locks, front seats, and trunk release. The buyer also receives cruise control, a tilt/telescopic wheel, auto-dimming headlamps, and an AM/FM stereo radio with rear speakers.

The intense bidding on this 1982 Cadillac Sedan de Ville proves that it has generated plenty of interest. The recent repaint means it can’t be considered a genuine survivor, but it is ideal for someone seeking a classic with a luxury edge. Recent sales results suggest that the price probably won’t go much higher, although one thing I have learned about the classic market is that we should never say “never.” Therefore, there is scope that the price could climb if two or more people view this Caddy as a must-have item. What do you feel would be a fair figure?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Matt

    I believe this wad the 1st year for a 4 spd OD tranny in a V8 Caddy, which helped w/ the mpg figures immensely. MPG figures were needed to cheer you up because 190 ft/lbs of torque was NOT gonna move that 4200 lb car very well. Still a great ride!

    Like 3
  2. John EderMember

    Take out the drool buckets…

    Like 3
  3. Zen

    Nice looking and comfortable, but their drivetrains were junk. This body style was begun in 77, not 78.

    Like 5
  4. Kenneth Carney

    I sure hope this car does not have that God awful 4100 engine in it. If it
    wasn’t the 8-6-4 fuel injection system,
    it was a whole host of problems that
    made these cars hard to sell as used
    cars after the new wire off. I nearly
    bought an ’84 like this in the early 90s
    Yeah, the. Car was a cream puff, but
    that engine was a real deal breaker for me.

    Like 1
    • Jason V.

      The 8-6-4 and 4100 were two different engines. The former was actually a 368 with the variable displacement tech (first if its kind). It was easily defeated by disconnecting the main harness. Then it just ran as a regular 368 V8, just fine.

      The former was a supposed to be a placeholder for the 4100 for a couple of years, but the chip set in the computer was simply not fast enough to deal with dynamics of the changing displacement requirements. So…They rushed the 4100 into production two years ahead of schedule. Brilliant…

      The 4100’s issues were mostly confined to the first year or two, however one of its known maintenance requirements is the need to add aluminum sealer with every annual coolant change. Many users either didn’t know this or just didn’t do it and the engines would end up with coolant in the crankcase. If the maintenance is done these are still decent engines. They are dogs though…

      Like 5
      • chuck

        Thanks for the explanation…. but if aluminum sealant is what’s keepin that thing runnin……… that ain’t much….

        Like 2
  5. rustylink

    yea lost me at the 4100 engine. Its a lump for this hump…

    Like 1
  6. Fox owner

    Early engines were prone to problems, although if one has survived to the present day, it must be a good one. Or at 42,000 miles it’s problems are just beginning. I must say that paint/interior color combination is stunning. I like it. Hey completely off topic, but I want to ask the Barn Find community something. Is a Subaru Forester with a rod knock worth saving? I ask for my daughter. It’s a 2017 with over one hundred thousand miles. Cheers

    Like 1
    • Wademo

      Absolutely not! For what it’s worth though, I despise Subarus!😁

      Like 0
  7. chuck

    My dad had a new one in blue…. not sure which engine… it didn’t handle well… kinda plowed the corners..

    Like 1
  8. ken

    hook and tow 4100

    Like 4
  9. jwzg

    An LS swap and a 4L80 are all that’s needed here.

    Like 0

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