Nice car. I'm a sucker for pretty much any and all Cadillacs, and this is no exception. I thought this was a great design in its day and it still looked good in 2002. Actually, the cleaned-up, de-chromed versions look better to my eye, but then I own a monochrome CT5-V.
The only (minor) letdown is the carryover, very FWD-looking wheelbase from the 1986 car. As reviled as that car was, I think its proportions actually work better with the platform architecture.
The updated 88-91 Eldorados look great standalone but besides contemporary competitors look too small. I think the design was good and would have loved to see it upsized to something close to 79-85 proportions.
Back in 1999 or so I drove an '89 Eldo in Carmine Red with red leather. I enjoyed it immensely. Unfortunately I was in college and my folks would have killed me if I dragged home a ten year old Caddy. But it was great. Comfy, powerful, and a really nice ride.
I bought a ‘94 out of a buy here/pay here operation as a very young man in the early 2000s. Blown head gasket, understeer into a stone wall that resulted in a later MY grille replacement, radiator and water pump (easiest water pump to change ever) over many years of service and over 100,000 miles. This was a cool car with a lot of interesting features and technology for its day.
That motor had a fun way of delivering power and launching that front end up at highway speeds and made great noises! For a commuter car you could do a lot worse.
Yowza. Beautiful car, but that red dash-to-white door panels transition is pretty jarring, made even more awkward by the carry-thru wood trim. I'm not surprised it wasn't available long.
I never knew they did that, but dang. It is jarring, I agree, but somehow it also looks right...or simply appropriate. I am a big fan of the maroon or very blue interiors around this time. Maybe a significant other wouldn't find it too appealing, but one has to admire the Commitment to Contrast!
That's pretty much how all cars with white interiors were done. Everything white, including the headliner, except for the carpeting, instrument panel, seat belts, steering column and steering wheel, simply because a matching white dash and carpet would be impossible to keep clean. Cadillac also had all burgundy interior, navy blue, saddle tan, black, neutral and other hues available.
Well, I love the Sevilles too. As long as they have the 4.9 and no goofy tacked on dealer crap, like fake convertible tops, ugly wheels, ugly aftermarket gold grilles and such.
I temped at a used car dealership last year, one I worked at many years before yet maintain a good relationship with the owner. Still washing/maintaining the fleet, which while hard work, grants new insights and appreciations for the everyday cars. We had a mint, very-low-mile ~2001 ETC in this red come through. It had a matching red vinyl half top--not my preference as I like any Cadillac or Brougham-era car in slick top form for maximum study and enjoyment of a vehicle's styling. This red is gorgeous, and the ETC sported some paint-matched pieces that were a nice update. My 6'5" self grazes the headliner, even with no sunroof. The unsprung weight is very much felt, but it took city street corners dead flat.
This era of Cadillac, especially the Sevilles, I do have a soft spot for. Yes the troubled-yet-brilliant-when-fixed Northstars keep many away, but the styling has always been good and has worn very well, even today. Only this era wear white-and-gold wall Vogue tires this well. Heck, I'd almost spec them if looking for replacement tires, though it'd depend on color etc. I'll probably go looking for Sevilles on Craigslist now, so thanks for that, Tom! So long as decent ones aren't priced at LS430 levels, one might be worth a look.
A good early Seville 92-93 with the 4.9 should still be 40-50% less than a 430. I would have considered an LS 430 but I wanted fwd. Also prefer the LS 400 but no more lower mileage reasonable priced ones anymore. Glad you liked the article.
Post-covid 2024 prices have been crazy, and really, post-covid prices AND vanishing availability of 15-25 year old cars (let alone in decent condition) has been something to behold. Very frustrating as well. A normal LS430 market supports examples in and around 8-10k, but for a while now, there's been either one or none available, and often north of 10k. I prefer the 430 for its headroom primarily as it actually has enough vs every other generation of LS. 400s are great, and I did enjoy the features of my 430 quite a bit. I like that the 460s are markedly faster and the Mark Levinson sound system even better than before, but dislike the added complexity vs the 430's (and 400's) robust and proven engines/drivetrains, which were plenty quick on their own!
I have read that used car prices have come down but in the “classic/enthusiast/special interest” market they remain high. Anything priced reasonably or not requiring a huge amount of work sells pretty damn quick.
I think in general they have eased, at least if my continual Craigslist scanning in the NW is anything to go by. The special interest cars have absolutely gone through the roof, and the semi-attainable ones need some work. I could potentially cash in on my truck as it's a really nice combo of 3/4 ton, 4x4, low miles, all its paint in good shape, and being a stick shift. I've put a good bit of money into it both in needed maintenance and cosmetically (new dash top, bezel, front bumper elements) after starting with a solid base, so it's very much "mine" even if my right ankle/shin is somehow not liking the foot/lower leg angle situation presented to it. Problem is, there is "nothing" really to go to, or like you said, what's worth going to is either very expensive or needs a lot of work.
[I will note that this sort of thinking and statement is very much First World Problems and that there exist a number of perfectly serviceable options with decent miles for a decent price, options I very much respect, even if my programmed American individualism and self-expression dies at the thought of owning one for any period longer than "novelty."]
“Nothing to go to” is a succinct analysis. The undesirable state (reliability & repair) of modern vehicles and the inflated prices, means we look to past glories. Perhaps we are becoming more like Cuba, so second world problems?
Somehow that still doesn't keep me from swooning over and pining for the rarer '06-07 3rd generation GS430 which definitely doesn't fit me stock, but would with modified rear seat mounts.
Well it's no Cadillac Cetera. the one that zigs and quacks. Be careful as to what you may disdain. There's usually something worse that you haven't considered. I like this a lot. I'm not a fan of the Camaros wearing Tuxedos that pass for Caddys these days. Yeah, they have the performance, but that performance, kind of ruined the legacy. There's no reason that everything has to be "HARD".
Caddy had gotten too soft, but I think they took it way too far trying to escape that. SUVs I guess are fine, because there's no previous history with a legacy to compare against.
"Cetera's trademark singing style developed as a result of his having to sing for a period of time with a wired-shut jaw after getting into a brawl at a Los Angeles Dodgers game in 1969."
I saw one just like this with a for sale sign in the window on the Costco lot in 2016, and went to the trouble of walking around it a couple of times...ended up buying a new Mustang GT instead
That is a great looking car. In light of the dungeons to follow the interior is really charming. I can picture the Mighty Harambe leisurely making the rounds of his lofty domain riding his matching cloud-white thrones.
April, great find and you are correct the 4.9lt is the one to have as the Northstars have numerious issues already addressed by ACFers previously. Keep her between the ditches and as Tom would say Brougham on….
Seemed to be a one year option, gives the look of the Touring Coupe without having to order the Touring Coupe or Sport Coupe which came standard with the Northstar. Clear as mud.
My great Uncle and Aunt bought a 1992 Seville and Eldorado when they came out. They looked great parked in the garage together. He was a Caddy man his whole life except for dabbling briefly with an Olds Aurora. The Seville was the first car I ever rode in with heated seats, and it’s the first car I ever drove as he let me move it around the driveway when I was 12.
He was a cool guy, was an insurance executive and helped to revitalize the Chrysler Building in NYC in the 70s. Got an obit in The NY Times for his trouble.
Nice car. I'm a sucker for pretty much any and all Cadillacs, and this is no exception. I thought this was a great design in its day and it still looked good in 2002. Actually, the cleaned-up, de-chromed versions look better to my eye, but then I own a monochrome CT5-V.
The only (minor) letdown is the carryover, very FWD-looking wheelbase from the 1986 car. As reviled as that car was, I think its proportions actually work better with the platform architecture.
The updated 88-91 Eldorados look great standalone but besides contemporary competitors look too small. I think the design was good and would have loved to see it upsized to something close to 79-85 proportions.
Back in 1999 or so I drove an '89 Eldo in Carmine Red with red leather. I enjoyed it immensely. Unfortunately I was in college and my folks would have killed me if I dragged home a ten year old Caddy. But it was great. Comfy, powerful, and a really nice ride.
"but then I own a monochrome CT5-V"
NICE, have you submitted to Drivin for Harambe? Want to hear about this one
I bought a ‘94 out of a buy here/pay here operation as a very young man in the early 2000s. Blown head gasket, understeer into a stone wall that resulted in a later MY grille replacement, radiator and water pump (easiest water pump to change ever) over many years of service and over 100,000 miles. This was a cool car with a lot of interesting features and technology for its day.
That motor had a fun way of delivering power and launching that front end up at highway speeds and made great noises! For a commuter car you could do a lot worse.
I love this. I've partially inherited an 89. One gen prior, but that V8 they shoehorn in it makes it an absolute blast to drive.
The prior Gen is lighter so the 4.5 moves it pretty well!
Yowza. Beautiful car, but that red dash-to-white door panels transition is pretty jarring, made even more awkward by the carry-thru wood trim. I'm not surprised it wasn't available long.
I never knew they did that, but dang. It is jarring, I agree, but somehow it also looks right...or simply appropriate. I am a big fan of the maroon or very blue interiors around this time. Maybe a significant other wouldn't find it too appealing, but one has to admire the Commitment to Contrast!
That's pretty much how all cars with white interiors were done. Everything white, including the headliner, except for the carpeting, instrument panel, seat belts, steering column and steering wheel, simply because a matching white dash and carpet would be impossible to keep clean. Cadillac also had all burgundy interior, navy blue, saddle tan, black, neutral and other hues available.
This is about the only Cadillac from the year of my birth that I’d even consider.
Well, I love the Sevilles too. As long as they have the 4.9 and no goofy tacked on dealer crap, like fake convertible tops, ugly wheels, ugly aftermarket gold grilles and such.
I temped at a used car dealership last year, one I worked at many years before yet maintain a good relationship with the owner. Still washing/maintaining the fleet, which while hard work, grants new insights and appreciations for the everyday cars. We had a mint, very-low-mile ~2001 ETC in this red come through. It had a matching red vinyl half top--not my preference as I like any Cadillac or Brougham-era car in slick top form for maximum study and enjoyment of a vehicle's styling. This red is gorgeous, and the ETC sported some paint-matched pieces that were a nice update. My 6'5" self grazes the headliner, even with no sunroof. The unsprung weight is very much felt, but it took city street corners dead flat.
This era of Cadillac, especially the Sevilles, I do have a soft spot for. Yes the troubled-yet-brilliant-when-fixed Northstars keep many away, but the styling has always been good and has worn very well, even today. Only this era wear white-and-gold wall Vogue tires this well. Heck, I'd almost spec them if looking for replacement tires, though it'd depend on color etc. I'll probably go looking for Sevilles on Craigslist now, so thanks for that, Tom! So long as decent ones aren't priced at LS430 levels, one might be worth a look.
A good early Seville 92-93 with the 4.9 should still be 40-50% less than a 430. I would have considered an LS 430 but I wanted fwd. Also prefer the LS 400 but no more lower mileage reasonable priced ones anymore. Glad you liked the article.
Post-covid 2024 prices have been crazy, and really, post-covid prices AND vanishing availability of 15-25 year old cars (let alone in decent condition) has been something to behold. Very frustrating as well. A normal LS430 market supports examples in and around 8-10k, but for a while now, there's been either one or none available, and often north of 10k. I prefer the 430 for its headroom primarily as it actually has enough vs every other generation of LS. 400s are great, and I did enjoy the features of my 430 quite a bit. I like that the 460s are markedly faster and the Mark Levinson sound system even better than before, but dislike the added complexity vs the 430's (and 400's) robust and proven engines/drivetrains, which were plenty quick on their own!
I have read that used car prices have come down but in the “classic/enthusiast/special interest” market they remain high. Anything priced reasonably or not requiring a huge amount of work sells pretty damn quick.
I think in general they have eased, at least if my continual Craigslist scanning in the NW is anything to go by. The special interest cars have absolutely gone through the roof, and the semi-attainable ones need some work. I could potentially cash in on my truck as it's a really nice combo of 3/4 ton, 4x4, low miles, all its paint in good shape, and being a stick shift. I've put a good bit of money into it both in needed maintenance and cosmetically (new dash top, bezel, front bumper elements) after starting with a solid base, so it's very much "mine" even if my right ankle/shin is somehow not liking the foot/lower leg angle situation presented to it. Problem is, there is "nothing" really to go to, or like you said, what's worth going to is either very expensive or needs a lot of work.
[I will note that this sort of thinking and statement is very much First World Problems and that there exist a number of perfectly serviceable options with decent miles for a decent price, options I very much respect, even if my programmed American individualism and self-expression dies at the thought of owning one for any period longer than "novelty."]
“Nothing to go to” is a succinct analysis. The undesirable state (reliability & repair) of modern vehicles and the inflated prices, means we look to past glories. Perhaps we are becoming more like Cuba, so second world problems?
"I prefer the 430 for its headroom primarily as it actually has enough vs every other generation of LS."
I thought I was the only person who felt that way!
Somehow that still doesn't keep me from swooning over and pining for the rarer '06-07 3rd generation GS430 which definitely doesn't fit me stock, but would with modified rear seat mounts.
Well it's no Cadillac Cetera. the one that zigs and quacks. Be careful as to what you may disdain. There's usually something worse that you haven't considered. I like this a lot. I'm not a fan of the Camaros wearing Tuxedos that pass for Caddys these days. Yeah, they have the performance, but that performance, kind of ruined the legacy. There's no reason that everything has to be "HARD".
Caddy had gotten too soft, but I think they took it way too far trying to escape that. SUVs I guess are fine, because there's no previous history with a legacy to compare against.
Interesting Grettenberger’s final act as GM was the Catera. As former Opel boss it would have seemed like a great idea.
"Cadillac Cetera."
BABY, WHAT A BIG SURPRISE that car was. Cadillac's troubles from the OLD DAYS were a HARD HABIT TO BREAK.
"Cetera's trademark singing style developed as a result of his having to sing for a period of time with a wired-shut jaw after getting into a brawl at a Los Angeles Dodgers game in 1969."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Cetera#Vocal_range,_singing_style_and_approach_to_singing
"OOPS" on my part.
Can't say I'm a HAPPY MAN after reading this.
I saw one just like this with a for sale sign in the window on the Costco lot in 2016, and went to the trouble of walking around it a couple of times...ended up buying a new Mustang GT instead
That is a great looking car. In light of the dungeons to follow the interior is really charming. I can picture the Mighty Harambe leisurely making the rounds of his lofty domain riding his matching cloud-white thrones.
I need to buy a gross of those disposable seat covers to keep the leather looking whiter than white.
It would be cool if there were tear-offs like they have for motocross goggles.
April, great find and you are correct the 4.9lt is the one to have as the Northstars have numerious issues already addressed by ACFers previously. Keep her between the ditches and as Tom would say Brougham on….
a sports appearance package
on a cadillac
interesting
Seemed to be a one year option, gives the look of the Touring Coupe without having to order the Touring Coupe or Sport Coupe which came standard with the Northstar. Clear as mud.
rad
put r888s on it
Interesting read. Thanks!
Beautiful car and a great write up.
I tried to but a Renault GTE once and the owner explained that the one reverse light thing allowed for the placement of a fog light on the other side
What a lovely car, and what a joy to own!
My great Uncle and Aunt bought a 1992 Seville and Eldorado when they came out. They looked great parked in the garage together. He was a Caddy man his whole life except for dabbling briefly with an Olds Aurora. The Seville was the first car I ever rode in with heated seats, and it’s the first car I ever drove as he let me move it around the driveway when I was 12.
He was a cool guy, was an insurance executive and helped to revitalize the Chrysler Building in NYC in the 70s. Got an obit in The NY Times for his trouble.
https://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/31/nyregion/edward-j-kulik-dies-at-76-revived-chrysler-building.html
Wow that's a nice car and a super clean example. Kudos