49K-Mile Luxury Roadster: 1991 Cadillac Allante

Cadillac’s marketing gurus referred to the Allante as an “Ultra-luxury roadster with coachwork designed and handcrafted in Italy by Pininfarina.” They were sure unusual to see in the showroom in the late 1980s and early 1990s. With over 21,000 produced, they aren’t overly rare but are rare enough to draw a crowd almost anywhere. Thanks to Randy J. for sending in this tip!

Somewhat similar in concept to the Chrysler TC by Maserati, which came out two years later than the Allante, the Cadillac was arguably more crisp, elegant, and refined. Both had some Italian DNA, but only the Allante had the panache of having bodies made in Italy and shipped to Detroit to be assembled on waiting chassis. Some might also make the case for a couple of Nash models, the Nash-Healey and the Metropolitan, which also had an overseas connection.

Cadillac made the Allante from 1986 for the 1987 model year until the end of 1993 and they came in this one body style, a two-door convertible with retracting soft top and available hardtop. This one has a black convertible top and there’s no mention of a hardtop being included in the sale. As was the trend at the time, these luxury cars had front-wheel drive. This example appears to be in outstanding condition and it’s hard to argue with a white convertible with red leather when you’re in Florida, or really anywhere.

With just under 50,000 miles, this Allante looks great inside and out, but there is a bit of wear on the outside bolster on the driver’s seat. And some fading on the red steering wheel, doubtless from the relentless Florida sun and heat, as that’s where this car has been since it was new. There isn’t a back seat as they were a two-seater, but there’s a little spot behind the seats for whatever, and the trunk looks clean in this example. This car was around $56,000 in 1991, which is around $129,000 today; ouch. The seller mentions that the information screen is black, so there’s something for your to-do list.

The engine is Cadillac’s 4.5-liter OHV V8 with 200 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque when new. It sends power through a four-speed automatic to the front wheels and this example is said to run and drive great. It’s posted here on craigslist in Ormond Beach, Florida and they’re asking $9,900. Here is the original listing. Hagerty is at $8,500 for a #3 good-condition car and $15,200 for a #2 excellent car. Have any of you owned or driven an Allante?