Cadillac history 1981

1981 CADILLAC DEVILLE

Standard engine for DeVille and Fleetwood Brougham was the "modulated displacement" 368 cu. in. (6.0-liter) V8-6-4, with digital fuel injection. Optional: a 252 cu. in. (4.1-liter) V-6, provided by Buick. That V-6 had Computer Command Control and a knock sensor to adjust spark advance, as well as diagnostics. The Olds diesel V-8 was also offered.

Externally, DeVilles and Fleetwoods carried a new forward-peaked grille with heavy wide upper header bar (Cadillac script again at the side) over an undivided tight crosshatch pattern. Quad headlamps sat above quad amber parking/signal lamps, with wraparound clear/amber cornering lights. Standard wheel covers displayed a Cadillac crest on dark red background. New standard Electronic Climate Control offered digital accuracy. Standard equipment also included a six-way power passenger seat, power windows, and low-fuel warning. New pillow-style seating came in rich Heather cloth (four colors); or leather in ribbed seating areas (ten colors). Sedan DeVilles could have automatic lap-shoulder belt for driver and front passenger. Other options: a Heavy-Duty Ride package, wire wheel covers, and Elk Grain vinyl roof.

Model Number	Style Number	Body Type	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
6C	D47	2-door Coupe	6	$13,285 / 13,450	3801 / 4016 lb	62,724 (total includes the 2-door Fleetwood Brougham)
6C	D69	4-door Sedan	6	$13,682 / 13,847	3852 / 4067 lb	86,991 (total included the 4-door Fleetwood Brougham)

FACTORY PRICE AND WEIGHT NOTE

Figures before the slash are for V-6 engine, after slash for variable-displacement gas V8-6-4. A diesel V-8 was also available. By late spring 1981, prices rose on all reached $23,000 for the diesel, Coupe DeVille $14,345.

ENGINE

Feature	V-6	Diesel V-8
Type	90-degree, overhead valve V-6. Cast iron block and head	90-degree, overhead valve V-8. Cast iron block and head
Displacement	252 cu. in. (4.1 liters)	350 cu. in. (5.7 liters)
Bore & stroke	3.965 x 3.40 in.	4.057 x 3.385 in.
Compression ratio	8.0:1	22.5:1
Brake horsepower	125 @ 3800 rpm	105 @ 3200 rpm
Torque	210 lbs.-ft. @ 2000 rpm	200 lbs.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
Main Bearings	Four
Valve Lifters	Hydraulic
Fuel Supply	4-bbl. Carburetor
Made by	Buick	Oldsmobile
VIN Code	4	N

CHASSIS DATA

Wheelbase: 121.4 in.
Overall length: 221.0 in.
Height: DeVille Coupe 54.6 in.; DeVille sedan 55.6 in.
Width: 76.5 in. max.
Front Tread: 61.7 in.
Rear Tread: 60.7 in.
Standard Tires: P215/75R15 SBR wide WSW

TECHNICAL

Turbo Hydra-matic transmission standard on all models; column shift.
Gear ratios V8-368: (1st) 2.48:1; (2nd) 1.48:1; (3rd) 1.00:1; (Rev) 2.07:1.
Other three-speed models: (1st) 2.74:1; (2nd) 1.57:1; (3rd) 1.00:1; (Rev) 2.07:1.
Four-speed automatic w/V-6: (1st) 2.74:1; (2nd) 1.57:1; (3rd) 1.00:1: (4th) 0.667:1; (Rev) 2.07:1.
Standard final drive ratio: 2.41:1 except w/V-6, 3.23:1
Steering: recirculating ball (power assisted).
Front suspension: coil springs and link-type stabilizer bar.
Rear suspension: four-link drive coil springs, electronic level control available
Brakes: front disc, rear drum
Fuel tank: 24.6 gal. exc. diesel, 27 gal. and V-6, 25 gal.

DRIVETRAIN OPTIONS

4.1-liter gas V-6 engine ($165 credit)
5.7-liter diesel V-8 engine ($325-$351)
California emission equipment ($46-$182).
Engine block heater ($22).
100-amp alternator ($41).
Heavy-duty cooling ($59).
Limited slip differential: ($86).
Electronic level control: ($173).
Heavy-duty ride package: ($270).
Trailering pkg. ($59-$100).

OPTION PACKAGES

DeVille d'Elegance ($1005).
Coupe DeVille Cabriolet ($363).
Appearance value pkg.: ($802)

CONVENIENCE/APPEARANCE OPTIONS

Astroroof ($1058); N/A on limo.
Controlled-cycle wiper system: ($45).
Rear defogger, grid-type ($134-$175).
Automatic door locks ($129).
Garage door opener ($125).
Illuminated entry system ($67).
Dual Comfort front seats w/six-way power passenger seat adjuster: ($395).
Memory driver's seat ($169).
Power river's seat recliner ($130).
Notchback passenger seat recliner: ($130).
Leather-trimmed steering wheel ($79).
Tilt/telescope steering wheel ($147).
Power trunk lid release and pull-down: ($96).
Theft deterrent system ($157).
Twilight Sentinel: ($65).
Guidematic headlamp control ($78).
Opera lamps: ($72).
Trumpet horn ($28).
Thermometer on left mirror ($35).
Twin lighted vanity mirrors ($116).
Electronic-tuning seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with 8-track tape player ($195); with 8-track and CB ($480); w/cassette ($281); w/cassette and CB ($547).
Full padded vinyl roof: ($240).
Two-tone paint: Firemist ($293); partial Firemist. ($394).
Firemist paint ($208).
Accent striping: ($61).
Door edge guards ($16-$24).
License frames, each ($11).
Leather seating area ($439-$595).
Automatic lap/shoulder belts: ($150).
Carpeted rubber floor mats: front ($35-$38); rear ($20).
Trunk mat ($16).
Locking wire wheels: ($755).
Turbine vaned wheel covers: ($63).
Locking wire wheel covers ($266-$328).
Puncture-sealing tires ($106).

PREVIOUS: History of the 1980 Cadillac NEXT: History of the 1981 Cadillac Seville NEXT: History of the 1981 Cadillac DeVille NEXT: History of the 1981 Cadillac Eldorado NEXT: History of the 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood NEXT: History of the 1981 Cadillac Overview NEXT: History of the 1982 Cadillac

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