Plenty has been said on these pages (mostly by me) about the Cadillac Allante failing to become a true collector’s item. However, at the risk of appearing to be a hypocrite, there’s no denying that really nice examples are darn attractive cars and downright affordable compared to similar vehicles that have matured into legitimate collectibles. The Allante shown here is a desirable late-production model with the more powerful Northstar V8 and also wears a shade of paint we don’t often see among the throngs of tired red and white Caddys. Find this 1993 Allante listed here on eBay for $14,950 or best offer.
The Northstar engine really changed the entire demeanor of the Allante. While this engine does have its failings and has been known to present owners with the occasional pricey repair that can make the decision to simply fire-sale the car at that point a surprisingly easy one, one that’s been looked after should help the next owner avoid this make-or-break moment. The Allante shown here has clearly been loved, as all the small details – from the luster of the paint to the pristine tail-light assemblies with the Allante script in near-perfect condition – seem spot-on, not to mention the low miles suggest seasonal-only use.
The interior is absolutely gorgeous, and while Cadillac stopped using Recaro seats by this point, that’s an insignificant detail in the case of this example. The seats are minty and the bright tan carpets – a true magnet for dirt and stains – remains in exceptional condition. The seller is correct that the final year Allantes were produced in the most limited numbers compared to other production years, and if you want an Allante that is likely to at least maintain its current value, a low-mileage Northstar car in a rare color is a smart way to go. Granted, there are lots of choices for near $15,000, but if you want an Allante, this might be the one to buy.
Of course, it introduces the age-old question when a certain model is available in strong supply for relatively short money, and in decent condition: why pay top dollar when you can experience the same car for far less? There are tons of Allantes for sale at any given time, albeit ones without the Northstar powerplant and likely higher miles. This car does seem like it is worth the price of admission, but likely only if you’re someone who’s tired of seeing clapped-out Allantes for sale on your Facebook Marketplace. So, what say you, Barn Finds readers: should someone buy this pristine Allante or stick with cheaper versions available every day of the week?
Where is it?
The re-listed eBay ad says Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania.
Lavery weren’t these beauties designed in an Italian 🇮🇹 studio ?
Designed and fabricated at Pininfarina, then air-freighted to the US for final assembly including installation of the powertrain and other running gear.
Thx Sub 👍🤝
Don’t forget that the Eldorado platform was air lifted from Detroit to Turin before Pininfarin put! their hands on it
With the high dollar of 1982 to 84, it was cheaper to do this, then build it in the USA
Oh wow, I’ve always liked the body design on these, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in blue before. Very pretty. I think it has spoiled me for any other colour on this car, now.
My Grandpa says he wouldn’t buy one of these even if Kelly Bundy came in the passenger’s seat. Says the engines were not good.
The HT4100 V8 in the first couple years wasn’t great, just adequate, then the HT4500 (LW2 4.5L) after that was an improvement, but the final-year Northstar is the one to get, predating the notorious problems that plagued the middle years of Northstar production.
No Allanté was ever built with the HT4100 milk-shake motor. Not one
The Allanté 4.1 has a different block, heads, fuel injection system, etc. it is a unique motor, if anything more closely related to the Cadillac 4.5
It is a smooth, quiet engine that is quite reliable
Not one Allantè was built with an HT 4100 engine . Not one.
I correct this because it’s so constantly repeated. It simply is not true.
Wow. Just landed here again forgot about this site probably last here about 10 years ago? Site couldn’t find my email address though lol.
Mid ’80s?
I bought a 62 Corvette in the mid ’80s that looked worse than this lol. Wish I could post a pic.
Best color!!
Beautiful color.
Why is the speedometer at 160mph ? The other gauges seem normal.
These were truly good looking Cadillacs, but they had several issues for the money they were asking. The electric pull down for the top was continually a problem. The pre 1992 North Star engines were not reliable. That said, this 1993 looks very clean. The color is unusual too. It might be the one to get?
No Allanté was ever built with the HT4100 milk-shake motor. Not one
The Allanté 4.1 has a different block, heads, fuel injection system, etc. it is a unique motor, if anything more closely related to the Cadillac 4.5
It is a smooth, quiet engine that is quite reliable
I had a 93 and you better hold onto the steering wheel when you floor it.
295 hp through the front wheel drive can be pretty wild.
Montana blue is probably the rarest.
I have always liked the styling on these, and Blue really sets it off. This is the year to get one, and the big pluses, for me, are the analog gauges and engine. If this weren’t 2500 miles away, I would be looking at it.
Wonderful ride. Good luck to both.
This blue is a striking color but I will never forget that my ’97 Seville with the Northstar and only 24k miles in 1999 was burning so much oil the dealer said they would have to replace the engine, ” for free” under warranty!! I drove straight to my local Toyota dealer and traded it straight across for a ’20 Toyota Camry XLE V6! Got over 200k miles trouble free from that car! Never bought another GM vehicle and I had the Corporate discount still!!
It took you from 1999 til 2020 to drive to your Toyota dealer!? Must’ve been located on the Moon. That would explain 200k miles on the Camry.
Supposedly, the Allanté NorthStar is better than later versions, they learned to make them cheaper
I know one ‘93 car locally with 500,000 miles…but the engine was replaced once
To order your new Cadillac Allanté with or without digital dash? I’ve heard that argument many many times. I love a digital dash for its looks but it’s complexity and unreliability was a huge factor. Mechanical is so much more efficient and easier and cheaper to repair.
This is an odd color. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in blue much less a Periwinkle blue. Personally I think a white top would have looked better but that’s just me.
Personally I think the dash needs more buttons.
Originally, there was no choice.
The analog – was added as an no cost option, I think in 1991.
The valets are very impressed by the high technology – when you park the car today
@Burt
You mean the 50+ buttons it already has needs more? I agree, can never have too many pushbuttons.
I guess you can ask any price in hooes someone will buy it. 10K is a deal. Anything above that is highway robbery.