Cadillac resurrected the Seville name in 1976 and applied it to a mid-size luxury car at a time when big wasn’t always best. Spot shortages and higher prices had motorists thinking twice about fuel. Perhaps it was the right Caddy for the era, but Grandeur Motor Car Co. thought it was the perfect platform for the Opera Coupe, a “shorty” version of the car that harkened to the 1930s and the then-current disco craze. The seller’s sharp 1978 edition has a brand-new engine and is ready for cruising in Portland, Oregon. It’s available here on craigslist for $19,500 OBO. Thanks for the “Superfly” tip, “Zappenduster.”
Grandeur Motor Car Co. was a custom coach builder based in Pompano Beach, Florida. Their role was to take factory cars like the Cadillac Seville and convert them into something far more outlandish to appeal to the distinctive tastes of the “Rich and Famous” (a nod to Robin Leach – remember him?). The Opera Coupe was a 4-door sedan that was cut down and modified as a 2-door, featuring styling cues associated with the neoclassical era of the 1930s, complete with an extended front clip, fake spare tire covers, and a Lincoln-like grille.
The company may have overestimated demand, as only about 600 were built from 1976 to 1979. They were expensive to buy and maintain, nor were they even remotely practical (carrying up to three passengers in a pinch). But you didn’t buy one for sensibility – you drove one to show off. As far as these cars are concerned, if the Opera Coupe is your cup of tea, the seller’s edition could be one of the nicest left.
This gold “beauty” has a brand-new engine, probably a 350 cubic inch V8 if the builder decided not to deviate. No more than 300 miles have been accumulated since that installation was affected, and that part of the auto comes with a warranty. We’re told it also has “classic plates” that you’ll never have to register (that sounds odd and not typical DMV tactics). Everything looks ship-shape, though I expected the upholstery to be wilder than what we see. Who’s ready for an outing to Studio 54?
Nice Seville w the Opera treatment.
Love Pompano Beach ⛱️ 🌴
Met my ex on the dance floor at 54.
Thanks for the reminder.
[ drops the mouse ]
Gone…
The term that comes to mind is “fugly.” It is an unspeakable crime against aesthetic values. For the love of God and everything pure and good, please crush it and let’s never talk about this again. We never saw it. It never happened.
@Tbone
My eyes! My eyes!
The material chosen for the replacement upholstery is truly unfortunate. It should be caramel-colored leather. Cadillac never used cheap fabric like this.
I know many car enthusiast either like this Seville or hate it. Heaven owned a 78 Seville I happen to love the opera coupe. This looks like a nice one. Like the color combination. Of course the seller may have a task moving it for his ask.
These are so polarizing and every one ends up here. 🙄
Such a rare car to find for sure…even more rare when you look inside and find…CLOTH SEATS!!! 👻 👻 👻
I just barfed.
Sorry Russ, didn’t even read the article. Sprained my ankle running directly to the comments.
I do not understand the need to take a 4 door car and make it into a 2 door. Its ok with the correct proportions but these things are hideous.
One, to desecrate a Cadillac is unforgivable. But these proportions are way out of wack. They cut out the front seat instead of the back seat. Moved the front seat to the back seat, moved the dash and windshield back and added a mile long hood. There just are no words.
I’ve seen a few shortys at the Barn before, a ’56 Dodge comes to mind, but they are jyst as ugly and stupid. Usually done by a Shade Tree mechanic, but to devote a company to ruining Cadillacs………
And the sad part is there are people out there with more money than brains.
There, I’ve voiced my opinion. I hate these abominations.
Agree to disagree
I’ve already commented on these things. No need to repeat myself.
Thanks, I hate it.
I had to stop by to read the comments, and you all didn’t disappoint me. This car started out as a great looking vehicle but, IMO, the proportions were thrown off by the modifications. Obviously a few people liked these but not too many apparently. They say there’s a seat for every butt, so if this is someone’s dream ride I wish them good luck and hope they can take this one home. Good luck to the seller and the buyer.
Love this car! Did some sleuthing and headed to check it out. Thanks for the tip!