As the 1976 model year began, signs were already appearing
that change was imminent; that Cadillac's position might even be in jeopardy one day.
For the moment, though, little had changed. Only Lincoln competed in the domestic
luxury market, as Chrysler had abandoned its Imperial. During the '75 model year a
much different kind of Caddy had emerged: the compact Seville, powered by a
comparatively tiny, fuel-injected 350 V-8. Unlike the soft American ride and slushy
handling typified by big Cadillacs, Seville delivered control more appropriate in a
European sedan. Led by Seville's popularity, Cadillac set records for both sales and
production.
The new international-size Seville (introduced in mid-year) was 27 in.
shorter, 8 in. narrower and a thousand pounds lighter than a Sedan DeVille.
The smaller Seville, however, actually cost more than bigger Cadillacs. It
was powered by a more reasonably sized 350 cu. in. V-8 with electronic
fuel injection.
The Seville included a Controlled (limited-slip) Differential for extra traction. It had lamp monitors on each front fender to show the status of the front and rear lights. It also had optional illuminated entry and theft-deterrent systems and a new Freedom battery which never needed water. It offered new-look turbine-vaned and wire wheel covers. A new option locked doors when the lever was shifted to "Drive." Cadillac also offered Track Master, a computerized skid-control system that automatically pumped the back brakes in an emergency situation to shorten stopping distance.
Of special note on the option list was the Air Cushion Restraint System.
This was a forerunner of the air bags that received so much publicity a few
years later. Another option was the Astroroof, introduced in 1975, with
sliding sunshade that permitted use as an electrically-operated sunroof or a
transparent closed skylight. Both it and the "ordinary" sunroof panels could
give safety along with an open-air feeling -- especially since no convertible
was offered.
The Seville had as standard:
Described as "among the most fully equipped cars in the world." the
Seville had debuted in May 1975 and changed little for its first complete
model year. Marketed against Mercedes, the international-size,
contemporary styled four-door sedan offered near-European ride/handling
qualities, along with respectable fuel mileage. Seville could hit 60 MPH in
11 seconds or less, top 110 MPH, and cruise gently on the highway. The
computer-designed chassis was actually derived from Chevrolet's Nova, but
Cadillac did an extensive reworking of the X-body, with exclusive body
panels, and mounted a vinyl top. Seville's front end was unmistakably
Cadillac. A horizontal crosshatch grille was arranged in three rows, divided
into two sections by a vertical center bar. Quad rectangular headlamps sat
above twin rectangular parking/signal lamps and alongside large
wraparound cornering lamps. A Seville nameplate was fairly low on the
front fender, behind the wheel opening. Up front: a stand-up wreath/crest
hood ornament. Large wraparound taillamps (far different from full-size
models) and full wheel openings complemented the formal profile.
Body preparation included two primers, four finish coats, and an additional
lacquer coat. New zincrometal was used in key areas to fight rust. All told,
Seville was described as having an "uncluttered" look, less glitzy than other
luxury cars had become. Measuring about two feet shorter than full-size
domestic luxury cars, the new breed of Caddy sold well from the start.
The standard 350 cu. in. V-8 (from Oldsmobile) with electronic fuel
injection was mounted on a steel sub-frame connected to the body sheet
metal through damping cushions, to isolate vibration. An impressive
standard equipment list included
Seville's dash held an upper "information band" with functional control panels to the driver's left and right. 50/50 front seats were trimmed in seven Mansion Knit cloth colors, or optional genuine Sierra Grain leather in eight colors. A cross-grain padded vinyl roof was standard.
The Seville was a Series 6K and the body style was S69 representing a 4-door sedan seating five people (2 in the front, 3 in the back). The factory price was $12,479. The shipping weight was 4232 lb. And 43,772 Sevilles were produced.
| Type | 90-degree, overhead valve V-8 |
| Block and Head | cast iron block and head |
| bore & stroke | 4.057 x 3.385 in. |
| Displacement | 350 cu. in. (5.7 liters) |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 |
| Brake horsepower | 180 at 4400 R.P.M. |
| Torque | 275 lb.-ft. at 2000 R.P.M. |
| Main bearings | Five |
| Valve lifters | Hydraulic |
| Fuel delivery | Fuel injection (speed density, port-injected) |
| Manufacturer | Oldsmobile |
| VIN Code | R |
| Wheelbase | 114.3 in. |
| Overall length | 204.0 in. |
| Height | 54.7 in. |
| Width | 71.8 in. |
| Front Tread | 61.3 in. |
| Rear Tread | 59.0 in. |
| Standard tires | GR78 x 15-B SBR wide WSW |
| Transmission | Three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic with column shift |
| Gear ratios | (1st) 2.48:1; (2nd) 1.48:1; (3rd) 1.00:1: (Rev) 2.07:1 or 2.09:1. |
| Standard axle (final drive) ratio | 2.56:1 |
| Optional final drive | 3.08:1 |
| Rear axle type | Salisbury |
| Steering | variable ratio power assisted |
| Front suspension | unequal length upper/lower control arms, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Rear suspension | multiple leaf spring |
| Body construction | separate body and perimeter frame. |
| Wheel size | 15 x 6 JJ |
| Brakes | front ventilated disc. rear drum with power booster |
| Ignition | HEI electronic ignition |
| Fuel tank | 21 US gal. |
| Heavy-duty cooling system | $40 |
| 80-amp alternator | $45 |
| California emission equipment | $50 |
| Limited slip differential | $61 |
| Astroroof for full vinyl roof | $885 |
| Sunroof for full vinyl roof | $701 |
| Cruise control | $104 |
| Controlled-cycle wipers | $28 |
| Rear defogger, grid-type | $77 |
| Power passenger seatback recliner | $90 |
| Tilt/telescope steering wheel | $102 |
| Automatic door locks | $100 |
| Illuminated entry system | $52 |
| Fuel monitor | $26 |
| Theft deterrent system | $114 |
| Twilight Sentinel | $47 |
| Guidematic headlamp control | $54 |
| Remote-control right mirror | $30 |
| Lighted vanity mirror, passenger | $44 - $60 |
| AM/FM stereo radio w/tape player | $93 |
| Signal-seeking AM/FM stereo radio | $147 |
| Signal-seeking AM/FM stereo radio w/weather band | $61 |
| Firemist paint | $146 |
| Door edge guards | $7 - $11 |
| License frame | $7 each |
| Leather upholstery | $220-$235 |
| Carpeted rubber floor mats, front/rear | $38-$47 |
| Trunk mat | $10 |
| Turbine-vaned wheel covers | $45 |
| Wire wheel covers | $167 |
| Stowaway spare tire | NC |
Books about Cadillac |
History of LaSalle |
Books on other automobiles |
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