Cadillac was undoubtedly marching to the beat of a different drummer when it unveiled the 1980 Seville. The latest offering’s “bustle-back” styling divided opinions, but it was nothing if not distinctive. Our featured Caddy emerged that year and is a fully loaded survivor with a genuine, verified 32,000 miles showing on its odometer. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Seville listed here on eBay in Lakeland, Florida. The current high bid of $10,300 falls below the seller’s reserve.

Cadillac introduced its Second Generation Seville range in 1980. Describing the “bustle-back” styling as subtle would be misleading, because the company designed its latest offering to draw attention. The original owner ordered this first-year example in Bordeaux Red. It is a classy shade that perfectly suits the Cadillac’s luxury leanings. More interesting is the top, marketed by the company as the “Full Cabriolet Roof.” Using waterproof cloth rather than traditional vinyl, the faux ribs give the impression that the Seville is a Convertible, which it isn’t. These tops often don’t age well, but the overall presentation of this Seville suggests that it has been garage-kept and protected from the elements. The panels are straight, the paint and top appear flawless, and this gem is rust-free. The sparkling trim, crystal-clear glass, and narrow whitewalls add the perfect finishing touch.

The 1980 model year was the last that Cadillac would fit its 368ci “L61” V8 under the hood of the Seville. The company was coy about quoting power and torque figures, but several reliable sources place the numbers at around 145hp and 270 ft/lbs. The Second Generation Seville introduced front-wheel drive, with all cars sold in 1980 featuring a three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. A four-speed automatic would join the party in 1982, improving overall performance and refinement. It is fair to say that with such modest power and torque figures, and a curb weight of around 4,000 lbs, the Seville developed a reputation for open-road cruising, not outright acceleration. The listing indicates that this classic recently emerged from an estate, and that the odometer reading is documented. The seller doesn’t mention the car’s mechanical health, but the indications are that it is a turnkey proposition.

Open this Cadillac’s doors, and it’s all there. The interior features climate-controlled air conditioning, power operation for the windows, locks, seats, trunk release, and the antenna. Throw in the Twilight Sentinel, cruise control, a tilt wheel, a clock, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player, and life aboard this Seville would be pretty pleasant. The Burgundy leather trim is in as-new condition, further supporting the seller’s mileage claim. The plastic and timber highlights show no evidence of deterioration, and the carpet is protected beneath color-matched factory mats.

Being different for the sake of being different is a high-risk strategy in the automotive world. Sometimes it pays handsome dividends, while at other times, a sales disaster awaits. Cadillac sold 53,487 examples of the Seville in 1979. It released the “bustle-back” in 1980, and that figure fell to 39,344. The distinctive styling failed to hit the sweet spot, and while volumes fell over the following couple of years, they increased in 1984 and 1985. These classics have begun to find their feet in the current market, with values climbing steadily. It is possible that once you factor in the odometer reading, bidding on this Cadillac could top $20,000. Would this Seville tempt you at that price?