There are moments in automotive history when a manufacturer will bring together a selection of extremely good ideas to produce a car that fails in the showroom. Such was the case with the Cadillac Allanté. The vehicle featured crisp and modern styling, placing a two-seat Roadster within Cadillac’s model range for the first time in decades. However, the convoluted production process meant that the Allanté was expensive, a fact that resulted in sales volumes far below expectations. Our feature Allanté is one of the last to leave the factory in 1993, presenting superbly as a one-owner survivor. The only thing that it appears to need is a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Oaklyn, New Jersey. Bidding sits below the reserve at $5,800, but there is a BIN option of $12,999 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
Cadillac launched the Allanté for the 1987 model year as its first two-seat Roadster since the 1930s. It followed an interesting path with development, bypassing its internal Design Department, handing that role to Pininfarina. This caused resentment within Cadillac’s design staff, which isn’t a great way to begin the development of a new model. Pininfarina didn’t merely handle the styling, with the Italian company opening a new facility to manufacture the bodies, which were then shipped in groups of fifty-six in a specially designed Boeing 747 for completion at Cadillac’s Hamtramck factory. This Allanté emerged during the final production year, ordered by the seller in dazzling Pearl Red with a contrasting power top in Black. The car’s presentation carries the hallmarks of a vehicle that has been treated respectfully. The paint retains a beautiful shine, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and there are no top issues. One new feature for 1993 was the chrome alloy wheels, which this seller selected to provide a touch of exterior bling.
Cadillac ensured that buyers felt like they were receiving something special for their money when they ordered an Allanté, loading its interior with almost everything they would expect from a premium model. It included sumptuous leather trim, climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, eight-way power seat adjustment, cruise control, and a tilt wheel. The company attempted to reduce production costs during the final year, replacing the original Recaro seats with Lear-designed units, and substituting what it termed the “Symphony Sound” AM/FM radio/cassette/CD player for the traditional Bose stereo. This interior is as impressive as the exterior, confirming that the seller has treated the Allanté with respect throughout its life. There is no wear, UV damage, or broken plastic. The seller confirms that everything works as it should, with the A/C blowing ice-cold.
Many people believe that the Allanté received the engine it deserved during the final production year, with the beautiful 4.6-liter “Northstar” V8 finding its way under the hood. Shifting duties fell to a four-speed 4T80-E automatic transmission, with power steering and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes as standard equipment. The company quoted power and torque figures of 290hp and 290 ft/lbs in its Sales Brochure, stating that it could cover the ¼-mile in 14.9 seconds. The seller states that this Allanté has a genuine 61,000 miles on its odometer without mentioning supporting evidence. However, its ownership history may mean that such proof exists. It recently received new brakes and new tires, and with the seller encouraging in-person inspections and test drives, it appears that this Caddy is ready to go once the buyer hands over their cash.
The Cadillac Allanté deserved greater market success than it achieved because it represented one of those rare moments in automotive history where a manufacturer chose to be genuinely bold and daring. The 1993 model year proved to be the most successful in the badge’s shortened production run, with 4,670 buyers handing over their cash to drive one off the showroom floor. The company had a facelift for the following year ready to go, but decided to pull the plug due to issues with the vehicle’s financial viability. It is possible to find cars in the current market that are cheaper than the seller’s BIN figure, but their price seems justified when we assess its overall condition. Do you agree, or is it more than you would be willing to pay for this classic?
I own a ’93. The price is right for one in excellent condition. No power top though, it was not an option, something that reduced sales, it is a “one-man” top, but not so easy. It also has a fancy rear suspension that compensates for stress for a smooth ride on the straight away, and stiffens up for corners, mine still works at about 140,000 miles. It does suffer from wind noise, top up or down above 45 mph. It will cruise at 75 all day. It has the Northstar engine which in this version is very good. GM “value engineered” it for the next few years producing issues with proper oiling of the rearmost cylinders, then fixing it for its last few years. Parts are available, mechanically is it pure Cadillac, the underpinings are pure Eldorado, shortened 18 inches. There are three good vendors of used body and trim parts, one in CA, FL, and NJ. The GM parts can be found at RockAuto and other national parts vendors.
I always liked these but never got one. The ‘93 is the one to have, with the Northstar. Great color combination and condition but the Vogue whitewalls would be gone on day one if it was mine.
Charlie: an excellent verview description by a current owner, thks kindly
For that price it should include the hard top
I bought an earlier hardtop, some monkeying around to get to fit, but it does. Local body shop matched the color. Putting it on/off was a one man job IF you can pull it up to the ceiling of the garage with ropes and pullies. Otherwise you need two reasonably strong people.
At the dealership where we bought my wife’s Crossfire las month, they had a large number of 2 seater convertibles, and we were allowed to sit in / try out any one we wanted.
The one that felt the best to me was a ’93 Allante in this same color. It is a very striking color, and the one I sat in had a black interior. That wrap around dash with all of those buttons is very appealing.
Here is a link: https://www.qualityautosga.com/details/used-1993-cadillac-allante/112449044
Gorgeous Cadillac in the correct red. Darker, not fire engine red. White interior is beautiful, but the first thing that gets replaced, MarkeyMark, is the black convertible top to white. The Vogue WSW tires stay! Every Cadillac deserves WSW tires. Great condition and low milage.
On my bucket list along with the XLR-V
This one really catches your eye. I personally couldn’t think of a nicer color either. I agree with Angel every Cadillac needs whitewalls!!! Very nice!!!
The wheel/tire combination on this car is absolutely atrocious!
I believe those are factory and I think they fit the rest of the aesthetic.
If you’re in the market for an Allante the final year with the Northstar is the one you want. These cars still look amazing today. Decent price given it’s condition.
Still don’t know why he swapped out those Recado seats though. Some of the best drivers seats there are.
I had a 93. It was the best powertrain year. The seats from earlier Allante’s are supposedly better. This one seems to be missing the “winglets” for when the top is down. Check the cupholder also as they are prone to break. Great riding car with plenty of trunk space (unlike the XLR) so one can take an actual trip top up or down. Fun car.
Ended at $6,600.
Reserve Not Met.