“Seville is a new expression of Cadillac excellence. International in size. Timeless in styling. Cadillac in craftsmanship. Very simply, Seville is designed to be one of the finest production cars built anywhere in the world.” So says a 1976 Cadillac Seville brochure and they were quite a revolution. This one is listed here on eBay in Chester, New York and the current bid is $9,600, but the reserve isn’t met.
The seller says that this car is wearing its original Phoenician Ivory paint and it’s in excellent condition overall. That’s hard to argue with after looking at the photos. I can’t help noticing that the passenger side doors appear to be a hair darker, but maybe it’s a shadow or something else is going on. The eggcrate grille is timeless.
The Seville was introduced in the spring of 1975 as a very early 1976 model and it was an immediate hit. GM wanted an import fighter to compete with luxury European brands and this was it. This car appears to be in outstanding condition and is wearing new rear bumper filler material. The first-gen Sevilles were made for the 1976 through 1979 model years. This car has reportedly never been driven in the winter and has had just two owners.
Nice. This looks like a car you could just get in and drive like it was 1976 again without too much trouble. The seats look perfect both front and rear and the trunk looks nice, if not as posh as the later bustleback Sevilles. I had one a few years ago and the trunk was nicer than our house. The seller doesn’t provide underside photos but they do show the bottoms of the doors and they appear to be solid.
The engine is Oldsmobile’s 350-cu.in. OHV V8, which with fuel injection had 180 horsepower. It sends power through a THM-400 automatic to the rear wheels and the seller says it runs and drives extremely well. This car has had its fuel system cleaned out thoroughly, including new injectors, a new in-tank pump, and lines, not to mention new brakes, and much more. Hagerty is at $10,800 for a #3 good car and $16,000 for a #2 excellent car. How much would you pay for this Seville?
Looks like a real nice example. I always like the clean lines of these cars.
Neighbor had a white 76 Seville that wife admired. Got her a 76 with Rolls grille, Moonroof, and silver paint. Great car, but ride doesn’t match longer wheelbase Caddies.
They were trying to make something a little more sport oriented ( I won’t say Sporty) ! Cadillac saw a departure of Buyers moving towards Mercedes Benz and relatively unknown BMW! I would have loved to be a fly on the wall in Detroit as they tried to stop market share erosion!
Odd, but these Sevilles were also assembled in Tehran, Iran, during the last Shah’s reign. There is still an active club, and limited service for these rare, Persian Cadillacs.
Just read an article on the American cars built in Iran. Thanks for the info.
Just from looking at the driver’s seat, this car looks legit miles. White stripe tires are right for the car. Some road rash on the right front fender behind the wheel opening. No big deal, probably the same on the left. I like these much better then next gen. Only trouble these days is the gas mileage, but if you go only to shows & weekend trips, not too bad.
I would like to see pics of the underside.
This started 4 door only for USAmerican cars – look where we are today.
Turbo 400 not needed for 180 hp motor, but it’s a Caddy, or should i say a fancy Nova underneath, front subframe/rear unibody & all.
I agreed with Joe because the underpinnings are all Chevrolet Nova. Pluck an Oldsmobile 350 out of the GM engine parts bin and add fuel injection to seem more European. I love the boxy shape of the Seville and its more practical size. Perfect for today. The car offered for sale presents itself well nicely for being 48 years old. A smart buyer in 1976 could have specially ordered a 4 door sedan with a V8 and all the options and come out $ ahead instead of springing for a Seville.
Not possible. The Seville was produced with extensive computer aided steering and suspension enhancements, the body tuning was extensive, driveline vibration free with constant velocity joints front and rear, level ride rear suspension, and there is much more. You can’t compare the Seville with ordinary GM cars. Take the so called “Nova” components, and enhance, modify, revise 500% then you arrive with the Seville.
A nice example , of a 1976 Seville ! This one has definitely been well cared for just by seeing the interior alone . The Cadillac Sevilles were popular when first introduced , but were expensive when new . I recall Cadillacs sales motto for the 1980s : ” Best of all , it’s a Cadillac !” Happy Motoring .
It was known as the Nova on 15 inch wheels.
Cadillac used that ad slogan in reference to the Cimarron also, lest we forget.
A truly timeless design Todd. These were elegant sitting still. And even better motoring past with the effortless 350 purring. A favorite Cadillac for sure.
A long time admirer of TRADITIONAL Cadillac Land YACHTS, I never understood the popularity of these NOVALACKS. 🤔. The next bustleback Seville had a classic formal styling more in keeping with The Standard of the WORLD. Lincoln has been criticized for VERSAILLES as an upscale Granada. For me Lincoln did a much better job in creating a formal, comfortable, luxurious automobile on a smaller scale!
IMHO this is better looking than the later bustle back cars.
What!? You didn’t care for the “Quasimodo” edition? LOL
A long time admirer of TRADITIONAL Cadillac Land YACHTS, I never understood the popularity of the NOVALACKS. 🤔 The next generation bustleback Seville had a classic style, more in keeping with The Standard of the WORLD. Lincoln VERSAILLES has long been criticisized as an upscale Granada. But Lincoln did a much better job with a much better looking, comfortable and Elegant smaller luxury vehicle.
Oops 😬! Oh well, though by mistake, believe repetition helps get the point across 😉!
Remember that the Lincoln Versailles was a rush job compared to the Seville. Same approach, different result.
A much better value would be the Nova LN, tho i don’t ever remember seeing one! & it was around 4000 lbs!! 21 gal fuel tank! …
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/vintage-reviews/vintage-review-1975-chevrolet-nova-ln-the-perfect-car-for-father-to-buy/#
Both it & the Seville “essentially a 4 door camaro”.
Personally, tho I thought the original Merc Monarch black on black as shown in magazine ads LOOKED the very best as a lux car & the only 4 door i would ever drive , tho the GM cars had superior suspension & steering.
My boarding school Door master had a 76′ Granada with a four on the floor and he drove it like a BMW on the back roads of western conn. He managed to SCARE teenage boys while doing so! The Granada was the ultimate SLEEPER!
NOVA, Caine! OUCH! 🤮
My older brother had a 1975 Nova LN 2dr – they were no regular Nova – it to had tuned suspension but unlike the Caddy you could only get a 260 V8 – it still had pep and rode almost as good as our Moms 1970 Coupe DeVille
A “Stinking Lincoln” is just that. A Cadillac is a Cadillac is a Cadillac is a Cadillac. That’s why Caddys are “The Standard of The World” and that had nothing to do with luxury at the time.
A Lincoln is not. Period!
Cadillac WAS The Standard of the WORLD for many years. But many unfortunate issues (V864, V6, Diesel, This generation Seville, Cimarron, down sized Eldorado and Deville AND Northstar) knocked Cadillac off that lofty perch. Standard of the WORLD was last appropriate for RWD FLEETWOOD Broughams. Even some of those (engines) missed the MARK. Today Cadillac doesn’t built a single vehicle that I consider worthy of Standard of the WORLD. But that’s only my opinion. Fortunately we STILL can have them.
Sometimes when I post, it shows as posted outside the posting box and it’s also still in the “box”. I just erase it out of the “box”.
Other times it posts twice like yours.
I do most of these from my phone and I wait a little bit after posting to see if it actually did post before hitting it again.
Thanks once again Jon. This OLD Dog 🐕 is tech challenged. Appreciate your help and comments! Can’t remember the singer, but was tempted to say Oops, I did it again! Song and artist were SO bad, it stuck in what’s left 😫 of my brain!
You’re probably thinking of Britany Spears, “Oops, I Did It Again.” Memo to Britany, a lot of us wish you’d never done it in the first place! LMAO!😆👍🤭🙄
Are we having fun yet?
Yes Jon. Somehow was thinking of Taylor Swift. Another TRAVISty😜 . My version 🎵 OOPS! 🎶 I did it again! 🎵 I pooped in my pants🎶 now they’re full of crap 🎵 just like this song! 🎵 I’ll do it again! 🤪 😜 🤪 😜. 🎵 And she’ll have fun til Daddy 🎶takes the T bird away 🎵. She probably wouldn’t even know what a Tbird is. Probably thinks it’s a TURKEY. 😉 Birds of a 🪶… Always enjoy your responses!
Back to the comment box. I found out that when you leave the email after posting and come back, your posting is there, but the duplicate in the “box” is gone. Also, if posting on your phone, drag the “post comment” down to the bottom before you click it and then, on your phone at least, you can watch the blue line travel across until it posts. You’ll see what I mean. I’m not so techy either. Proves old dogs CAN learn new tricks! You’re a real comedian!
Just click it once. The cache has to clear before you’re comment will show.
This OLD DOG is now a Vintage Rolls Canardly, Roll down one hill and Canardly get up the next! But enjoy playing with words. A friend has frequently told me You’re Crazy. I know but if I weren’t Crazy, 🤪 I’d go NUTS! 😮😁🤣😂. Hasta LA PASTA! Mi Amigo.
Silver or black would be timeless.
Boss had a black ‘77 that was dinged on top of one of the front fenders by a golf ball. He was not happy when he saw that but was fixed up and couldn’t see it afterwards. He let me drive it a couple times to get his dry cleaning and I thought the low gas light coming on was the coolest thing. If I remember correctly, it was a small yellow light that was dim at first and then burned brighter the lower the fuel level went.
Hey Vito, was your boss a Corleone? Guess he made you an offer you couldn’t refuse 😏. Years ago I saw a 73 Cadillac Limo parked with ROLLS-ROYCE type grille, Statue of Liberty hood ornament and front vanity plate reading MAFIA STAFF CAR, you toucha my car, I breaka you face!
Yes I remember those. I had the
“Official Mafia Staff Car” frame around my official Pa. “Chamber of Congress” tag on the front of my black 69 Coupe. I still have them.
To Cadillac Kid. For my 89 Brougham deElegance, I made a plate Cadillac Crest and Wreath in center (purchased) but added Hillcrest Cadillac (once was a Cadillac dealer) Beverly Hills, CA. Transferred it to my last 93 Brougham and is now on my Town Car. Living in the Midwest, it gets a lot of attention!
🎵 Two Black Cadillacs 🎶 Driving in a slow Parade🎵 One was for his wife 🎵 the other for the one who loved him at night 🎶 He’s not the only one 🎵 with a SECRET to hide 🎶! 😮 😲. Guess he got CARRied Under Wood! 😄 😁 🤣 😂 . 👍
I owned a 77 seville and loved it.one of the best caddies i have owned.
Gorgeous! Always liked these and would love to have one.
However, we’re about to move from New Brunswick to Alberta in the spring and I already have to justify shipping two summer cars. Maybe someday…
Summer Cars, Summer not! 😉 By the way, How is Al Berta? Haven’t heard from him for a long time 😕 !Can Nodda Peg it down! Sorry just can’t seem to help myself!
Just an observation. Any rubber or plastic fuel line on this car needs to be replaced IMMEDIATELY! When this car was made, fuels with ethanol content were almost nonexistent. All the flexible fuel lines will crumble when todays fuels are used in one, and with the operating pressures of fuel injection, that could be a fatal mistake.
Maybe it’s the angle, but it looks like the fitment of the right rear door is off. Otherwise nice Caddy. And the first-gen Seville is the best looking of the bunch, IMHO.
Yep.
You’re probably too young to remember the Tucker Torpedo automobiles. I have only heard of them. But never can resist the chance to play on words. So, guess that Tucker buyers got Tuckered out when they went to dealers only to find them closed and entire Tucker line had been TORPEDOED!😮
It must have been interesting walking into a Cadillac showroom during the country’s bicentennial year and seeing this lined up next to an Eldorado.
The new school ushering the old school out the door. Must also have been concerning and confusing to long-time Caddy owners.
See my original post. Traditional Cadillac buyers likely ignored the Seville (name previously graced upscale Eldorado Seville) and focused on Deville and Fleetwood. Others may have left in disgust at the idea of a car like this in a Cadillac showroom, perhaps feeling this was the beginning of slow descent from Standard of the WORLD. 😔 😟 😠 😡
& imagine when they later saw the Cimarron.
Good looking car. Like so many on these pages it can be improved by going electric.
IMOP, This and any vehicle can only become more problematic going electric. But NOTHING currently manufactured holds ANY interest for me!
Mine was a burgundy, in and out, and had the beautiful “Rolls Royce front end.” People thought I had butchered a brand new Seville. I loved that car and the attacks of the unwashed masses made it even more enjoyable.
Cadillacs first attempt at competing with foreign makers, and in My opinion better than the rush job Versailles from Dearborn! If given a choice I’d rather a bustle back Seville,but this is still a fine Automobile!
I may have shown this before, but I wondered what a two-door Seville may have looked like and made a quick one in Photoshop.
You know what? I like this rendition Scotty. Gives it more of a sporty rather than the stately look the 4-door does, although I also like the 4-door. Nice color, too.
Are you bringing your own clay mix bucket to GM’s designing studio?
With the product they’ve turned out lately, they could use you! 😁
I loved how Dearborn did the mark 6 in 4 doors ( Dream Car) and the last of the town Coupe’s! I wish GM had done a 4 door ELDORADO in 76! Those fender lines and beautiful rear end on a sedan… seductive!
If you removed that narrow sail-panel window, you’d have a little of the vibe of the super rare, possibly “one off” Mercedes Benz 600 “grand coupe.” Anybody else out there like, or ever seen the custom Seville roadster? Kind-of an American 3 seater (it kept the bench seat) 450 SL, if you blur your eyes real hard!
I always wanted to build one and call it unsevillelized
I used to secure the tail lamps, the rear bumper & qtr fillers, backup lamps & qtr filler flaps. There was a team of 5 of us that did the operation. 2 stocked the color coded filler pieces & backup & tail lamps. 2 that secured everything, 1 secured the center flap under the gas tank filler location & stocked the light bulbs to the lamp sockets. The good old days.
Early preview of later popular gm styling
While looking at car magazines in my high school era (early 1980’s), I recall ads (artist drawn/rendered, not photographed) for a customizing shop that took this era Seville (you had to supply the vehicle) and chopped the top and shortened the length to create a roadster. It would be interesting if any were transformed and if so, if any are around.
I could be mistaken, but seem to remember seeing an ad selling what I believe was called an OPERA Coupe, based on this Seville. As I recall it had only single side windows with landau roof. Not my cup of tea, but obviously left an😑 impression! Anyone else remember?
I think I know what you’re referring to. I’ve seen a couple in magazines that had the chopped & shortened roof plus built-in fake spare tires on the front fenders. If I had a cup of tea and a mouthful of such, I think I’d spit up the tea if I saw one again in a magazine. It was one of these outfits like Zimmer that did these. Ewwww!
Take this, cover the rear windows with padded Landau roof and you will have what I seem 🤔 to remember seeing advertised for sale as an OPERA Coupe. Don’t know if it was a one off, Limited edition custom built, or if I’m completely off my rocker.🤪.
During the 1980s, there was a company that would convert a Mercury Cougar or Thunderbird into a car called The Golden Zimmer! Late comedian Redd Foxx drove one!
Believe Fallon Carrington drove a Zimmer in first season of DYNASTY. Also a proposal for Packard revival ended up as the Blackhawk. Not sure how many were built, but I recall it as a strikingly elegant car. You may find it on the net. I’m going to look. Thanks for the reminder!
Seville beats Ver- sigh but Town Car beats DeVille! Both are superior to Town Truck ( Navigator) and Escalator ( Escalade)!
One thing I forgot. Seller says it has cruise control. Looks to me like the turn signal lever has no cruise engagement function and I don’t notice the servo under the hood anyplace. Unless it’s that thing at the left front by the upper radiator hose. Don’t have good enough looks at the dash to see the switch.
Cruise control switched were mounted on the dashboard in those days, Ford’s FINGERTIP cruise was the only one on the steering wheel at that time. I am not sure of this but cruise control MIGHT have been vacuum controlled ( like Ford’s) in those days! The All in one stalk that GM pioneered debuted in the early eighties!
True, the all-in-one did debut in the early 80s with the change to electronic rather than vacuum engagement in ’84 but you could just engage the cruise with the turn signal stalk in the late 60s on GM cars. Can’t speak for other makes.
Auction update: this Seville sold for $14,500.
This was when Cadillacs WERE Cadillacs. Every model in the lineup was sharp. Today they aren’t jack! All about SUVS & crossovers. The few sedans they still make are butt ugly jokes. Almost makes me want to cry.😕
Absolutely, after four decades of driving exclusively American cars I now drive Nissans! They have some style! It’s nice to drive something that stands out!
LOL! But Nissan? For me my current low mileage 2007 Town Car is the last gasp of traditional American Luxury sedans, carrying me in comfort, style, dependability, and CLASS. I frequently get admiring comments and offers to buy it. Unfortunately, for me, NOTHING currently built has ANY style or CLASS. But fortunately in America 🇺🇸 we are STILL able to express our opinions!
I sadly had to get rid of My 04 signature series because I could no longer get Air Shocks and couldn’t find a mechanic to rebuild them, I tried the coil springs in my 01 gmark ( Grand Marquis) and the car drove like a mechanical bull!! It wasn’t easy for Me to turn My back on Detroit but I just don’t like trucks!
Sorry to hear of you problems. I am extremely fortunate to have the same repair shop for over 35 years, taking care of what could be fixed, cost, and when I needed to move to another vehicle. Before I bought my 2007, I took another Town Car to the shop. They said No way. This one got a 👍. Unfortunately no one builds what we enjoy. Just had a near mint 89 Fleetwood Brougham pop up for sale. Very tempting, but can’t really do the deal. No offense intended! LOL and happy motoring. Like you, I don’t like trucks even when masquerading as Luxury vehicles!