Cadillac history 1978

1978 CADILLAC DEVILLE

Several styling refinements hit DeVille (and Fleetwood) for 1978. A new, bolder grille pattern in three-row checkerboard style was repeated to the left and right of the license plate below. The new pattern had fewer (and more square) holes than before. Cadillac's script was above the grille's header bar (mounted on the body), on the driver's side. A new solid-color wreath-and-crest ornament rode the hood. New, extra-slim vertical taillamps in tall chrome bumper tips had thin backup lamps inset in the middle and built-in side marker lamps. Back bumpers were new. DeVille's padded vinyl roof had a custom-trimmed backlight (rear window). Rust-prevention measures included Zincrometal panels and bimetal (stainless steel on aluminum) moldings, plus microencapsulated epoxy-coated screws in key areas.

Underhood was the 425 cu. in. (7.0-liter) V-8 introduced the year before. Six-way power driver's seat controls were now in the door armrest. New interiors included seatback pockets. Standard on all models: an AM/FM Signal-Seeking stereo radio with scanner and disappearing antenna. Coupe and Sedan DeVilles also had automatic climate control, power windows, and much more. Sunroof, wire wheel discs and 50/50 Dual Comfort seats were available. Nine interior color selections were offered in new Random velour or Hampton woven cloth. Up to a dozen Sierra Grain leather choices came with color-coordinated carpeting. Options included

a custom-trimmed padded vinyl top
rear deck accent stripes
color-keyed bodyside moldings
chromed wire wheels
electronic leveling
chrome accent moldings.

Coupe DeVille could have the Cabriolet roof package, including a chrome accent strip to highlight the Elk Grain vinyl top, Cadillac crests, and a French seam around the back windows -- offered in 16 coordinated colors. A DeVille d'Elegance special edition featured pillow-style 50/50 Dual Comfort seats in new Random velour (antique dark green, light beige, light blue. or dark mulberry). Upper doors and front seatback assist straps wore matching Random velour. High-pile carpeting extended part way up the doors. The glove box door held a "DeVille d'Elegance" insignia, as did the pillar behind back side windows. The hood, door, and decklid were striped. Side moldings held vinyl inserts that matched the body color. Other extras:

opera lamps
three roof-mounted assist straps
door pull handles.

The d'Elegance trim package came in 21 body colors. Arriving later were Phaeton packages that featured a simulated convertible top (down to authentic-looking welts and stitching). Offered in Cotillion White, Platinum or Arizona Beige (with contrasting top colors), these were identified by "Phaeton" nameplates on back fenders and wire wheels.

Model Number	Style Number	Body Type	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
6C	D47	2-door Coupe	6	$10,444	4163	117,750
6C	D69	4-door Sedan	6	$10,668	4236	88,951

ENGINES

Feature	Base engine	Optional fuel injected engine	Optional diesel engine
Type	90-degree, overhead valve V-8. Cast iron block and head
Displacement	425 cu. in. (7.0 liters)		350 cu. in. (5.7 liters)
Bore & stroke	4.082x 4.06 in.		4.057 x 3.385 in.
Compression ratio	8.2:1		22.5:1
Brake horsepower	180 @ 4000 rpm	195 @ 3800 rpm	120 @ 3600 rpm
Torque	320 lbs.-ft. @ 2000 rpm	320 @ 2400 rpm	220 lbs.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
Main bearings	Five
Valve lifters	Hydraulic
Fuel supply	4 Bbl. carburetor	electronic fuel injection	Electronic fuel injection
VIN Code	S	T	N

CHASSIS

Wheelbase: 121.5
Overall length: 221.2"
Height: 54.4" (coupe); 55.3" (sedan)
Width: 74.6"
Front Tread: 61.7"
Rear Tread: 60.7"
Standard tire: GR78 x 15-B wide WSW

TECHNICAL

Transmission: Turbo Hydra-matic transmission standard on all models; column shift.
Gear ratios: (1st) 2.48:1: (2nd) 1.48:1; (3rd) 1.00:1; (Rev) 2.07:1.
Standard axle ratio: 2.28:1, with 3.08:1 available
Hypoid rear axle
Steering/Suspension: variable-ratio, power assisted
Brakes: front disc, rear drum
HEI electronic ignition.
Fuel tank: 25.3 gal.

DRIVETRAIN OPTIONS

Fuel-injected V-8 engine ($744)
Heavy-duty cooling system ($41)
80-amp alternator ($51)
Engine block heater ($20)
California emission equipment ($75)
Limited slip differential ($67)
High altitude pkg. ($33)
Electronic level control ($140).

OPTION PACKAGES

DeVille Cabriolet ($369)
DeVille Cabriolet w/Astroroof ($1450)
DeVille Cabriolet w/sunroof ($1250)
DeVille d'Elegance ($689)
DeVille Custom Phaeton ($1929)

CONVENIENCE/APPEARANCE OPTIONS

Astroroof w/full vinyl roof ($995)
Astroroof (painted) ($1106)
Sunroof w/full vinyl roof ($795)
Sunroof (painted roof) ($906)
Cruise control ($122)
Controlled-cycle wipers ($32)
Rear defogger, grid-type ($94)
Six-way Dual Comfort power passenger seat adjuster ($118-$150)
Power 50/50 seat recliner ($116)
Power 50/50 passenger seat recliner ($210-$262)
Power passenger seatback recliner, notchback seat ($116)
Tilt/telescope steering wheel ($121)
Automatic door locks ($114)
Illuminated entry system ($59)
Fuel monitor ($29)
Theft deterrent system ($130)
Trunk lid release and power pull-down ($80)
Opera lamps ($63)
Twilight Sentinel ($54)
Guidematic headlamp control ($62)
Trumpet horn ($21)
Remote-control right mirror ($34)
Lighted thermometer on left mirror ($27)
Lighted vanity mirror, passenger ($50)
AM/FM stereo radio with digital display; ($106)
AM/FM stereo radio with digital display w/tape player ($106)
AM/FM stereo radio with digital display w/CB ($281)
AM/FM stereo radio with digital display w/tape and CB ($427)
Firemist paint ($163)
Padded vinyl roof ($215-$222)
Front bumper reinforcement ($9)
Chrome accent molding ($85-$100)
Accent stripes ($53)
Door edge guards ($ll-$18)
License frame: each ($9)
Dual Comfort 50/50 front seats ($198)
Leather seating area ($295-$315)
Carpeted rubber front floor mats ($31-$34); rear ($15-$21)
Trunk mat ($12)
Turbine-vaned wheel covers ($54)
Locking wire wheels ($541-$595)
Locking wire wheel covers ($179-$233)

PREVIOUS: History of the 1977 Cadillac NEXT: History of the 1978 Cadillac Seville NEXT: History of the 1978 Cadillac DeVille NEXT: History of the 1978 Cadillac Eldorado NEXT: History of the 1978 Cadillac Fleetwood NEXT: History of the 1978 Cadillac Overview NEXT: History of the 1979 Cadillac

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May 11, 2000; March 8/03