My, how things have changed in the automotive world, at GM in particular. Back in the eighties, their top division, Cadillac, took a swing at the luxury two-seater market (Mercedes SL?) with the Allante, such as this 1990 example, an elegant-looking, Pininfarina-designed roadster. They also rolled the dice on the Buick Reatta and then later, the Chevy SSR. These days, however, it seems unlikely that Cadillac, or perhaps any other auto manufacturer, would deviate from their current marching orders lineup of SUVs, CUVs, and pickup trucks to pursue a new and different “fun” design. Alright then, stretching back 35 years, we find this clean, 106,000-mile Allante example that is being offered for only $3,500; what’s the story behind it? Let’s examine and find out. Denver, Colorado, is where this two-seater is located, and it’s available here on craigslist. Three cheers to Tony P. for this tip!
Built on GM’s V-platform, the Allante’s high-brow bodies were designed, as previously stated by Pininfarina, manufactured in Italy, and then airfreighted to GM’s Hamtramck, Michigan assembly plant for completion. Total Allante production, between 1987 and 1993, amounted to only 21,000 copies, with the ’90 edition accounting for about 3,000 units. Allante’s were produced in standard form with a folding fabric top, but a removable aluminum hardtop, as possessed by our feature vehicle, was available too. Our seller states, “In great shape cosmetically inside and out.” I’d agree, based on the images, the beautiful black finish is deep with no signs of fade, and nothing else appears to be out of place; no scrapes, dents, contusions, etc. The seller does note, “The hard top seems to be secured in the front but not on the rear. I will take some time to see if I can figure that part out.”
The interior, specifically the dash, has that eighties/early nineties blocky angular design that was common across many different marques and models – it seems Japanese cars, in particular, highly favored it. The pale gray leather upholstery is in fine shape, with the driver’s seat displaying the typical wear one would expect to find on a car that has experienced 106,000 miles of use.
Power is provided by a 200 net HP, transverse-mounted 4.5-liter V8, which drives the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transaxle. The seller suggests, ” It does need brake work. Something to due (sic) with the abs module that is common on these cars. ABS and brake light are on, and the pedal is hard. I would not recommend driving the car until this issue is fixed.”
So, there are some things to consider here. This Caddy looks fine; it is not a commonly encountered model, at least not these days, and the price seems reasonable. But the mileage has crept up, and there’s that brake issue; how extensive is that? What’s your thought, worth the gamble?
Always loved the looks and lines on this model J.O. Wonder if Angel has ever caught a ride in one. 🤔
@Stan
No, I havent Stan. Maybe if you buy this one I can finally get my first ride in one. LOL
There is something “off” about this one. For one I’ve never seen these taillights lenses. Very different from what I’m used to seeing almost like it’s a Canadian model or something.
And the price….. he’s giving it away. The cheapest I’ve seen these is $10,000 and that’s junkyard condition so what’s really up with this car?
But Stan, thanks for thinking of me.
I think the taillights are standard Allante units, but either the lighting and camera washed-out the silver pinstripes behind the clear lens segments in the middle, or the seller/PO took them apart to remove the pinstripes as a matter of preference, or perhaps sun exposure baked away the pinstripes over the years.
Cadillac has strayed from its “marching orders”; it’s given us two of the best sports sedans in the world.
The issue with the hardtop is likely due to an electrical malfunction, as a motor and rotating assembly with a couple of switches pulls the top down into position. This does not have the Northstar which is a big plus., and the Allante had advanced for its time self-diagnosing capabilities complete with error codes that you accessed through the center console. The price is really cheap for this unit. If the car isn’t concealing other electrical gremlins and you’re the type who likes to roll up his sleeves when a vehicle needs repair, this could be a good buy for you!
FWIW, the early Northstars equipped in the final-year ’93 Allante were produced before the infamous major problems with head bolts and such cropped up in later-production revisions to that engine.
@SubGothius
Just for the record my 1981 Seville could access the diagnostic codes through the center console
Vice Grip Garage just did an episode on this model. Pretty informative.
Yep. Hope he keeps it.
I didn’t know about him, thanks for the heads up!
And he was thankful that he didn’t have to mess with the braking system. At least til he got home. This is why this car is so cheap.
Always liked these and the STS’s but this one looks nekked with out any tinted glass~~ Hmmm.
My old boss had one of these, in pearl color I believe. Always thought they were good looking cars, unfortunately GM lost a boatload of money on them.
Not sure about the ABS problem, could just be a bad sensor. I can’t say for certain if this car has an ABS Module or not. If it does, replacing that could be costly. Recommend whoever seriously wants to buy this car, pay the money to have a competent shop go over this car from bumper to bumper so you can get an experienced based laundry list of repairs needed. No comments about the dashboard instruments. Th asking price is a bargain, if the fix it list comes in under $4,000 to set things right, you still will have a great car.
The brake master cylinder is no longer available for this car but they can be rebuilt if you find the right tech to do it and hope for the best.
these are sold cheap for a reason. they loaded with electrical problems and were just not well built. 1 was traded at the dealer i was at and 1 of the owners came out and told me to just park it out back it was going to the auction, and this was in the 90s. buyer beware
As I told Stan, there’s something off about this one. Its a really basic model. No driving lights up front, analog dash (which is probably a plus) something with that top and again the taillights aren’t right. I suppose if I scrutinized it I could find more. Top it off, it’s black. These look so nice and airy in light colors, pearlized white, yellow, gold, even a medium brown, but silver, red and black are a no for me.
Stan, I’m still waiting for you to say “come get your car, Ang.” 😅
Cadilac really got the looks right on these, I think they’re beautiful. It’s a shame they didn’t spend more time on build quality and working out the bugs. Could have been a huge seller.