1977 Cadillac Seville 5.7 Litre 350 cubic inches from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Last of the true great Cadillacs; an Icon

Faults:

Headlight discolouration on EU spec non sealed unit.

Two headlight adjusters fell apart.

Horn relay failed.

Air suspension compressor weak in operation.

General Comments:

All of the above faults occurred soon after purchase, due to car being infrequently used by previous owner, who had car for 24 years! Other than these minor issues, EVERYTHING works!

This Seville is a Dealer Approved Right Hand Drive conversion. Carried out by Lendrum and Hartman (no longer trading) of Kings Street, Hammersmith, London, UK, when first imported new into UK in 1977.

Triple-Black spec was a special order. Bodywork, chrome/bright-work, and leather interior are in near immaculate condition. This Seville is totally original, no rebuilds, repaints, or restoration! All due to the fact that the previous owner of 24 years, kept her in a heated garage. Being used only during summer months. NO RUST WHATSOEVER!

Only minor issues with some controls being sited in awkward places due to the RHD conversion. Foot-brake poorly positioned. Throttle very fierce in operation, cannot be adjusted due to conversion.

Engine is smooth as silk. Gearbox changes superbly. No oil, transmission or coolant leaks. Engine bay has all original service decals. Could handle better, but she is 30 years old!

Leather seats are like armchairs, so comfortable and supportive it makes driving this old girl a real pleasure. It took me a few weeks to get used to driving this car, and I'm grinning all the way!

If GM built a car like this today, they could not make enough of them!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th December, 2007

1st Feb 2017, 05:05

Why doesn't GM build a car like this now, if it's such a guaranteed success?

In reply to 1st Feb 2017, 05:05

3rd Feb 2017, 13:23

They do. They are called Cadillacs.

In reply to 3rd Feb 2017, 13:23

4th Feb 2017, 04:51

It's the original poster's contention that today's Cadillacs are different, somehow.

In reply to 4th Feb 2017, 04:51

16th Dec 2020, 08:41

The seats in modern Cadillacs are a joke compared to the old standards. If you want good seats in modern cars, you need to look at some big Ford or Lincoln vehicles.

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1977 Cadillac Seville 5.7Litre350V-8 from North America

Summary:

Last of the great Cadillac's

Faults:

Electronic control unit and the coolant temperature unit failed around 92000 miles.

Rear springs had to be replaced at 125000 miles along with the shocks.

Radiator replaced around 100000 miles.

Water pump replaced around 106000 along with all belts and hoses.

Front shocks replaced at 110000 miles.

Brakes, exhaust and tires have all been replaced, but I consider these normal maintenance items.

Car still a pleasure to own and drive. Excellent dealer support.

General Comments:

A thinly disguised version of the Chevy Nova, you'd never know it when you drove one. Although more expensive than any other Cadillac in that era it sold well despite being the smallest car in the line. Its quick, quiet, and handles well for such a heavy car. Not a cheap car to maintain, this model Seville is probably the most reliable model they have ever made. Its my pride and joy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th March, 2003

5th Jan 2004, 17:48

I have owned 2 76-79 Seville's, both were excellent cars, and one of them was a diesel.

It's common myth that the car is a Nova body, but the only thing remaining of the Nova was the trunk base plate and a small amount of sheet metal. Everything was upgraded or rebuilt. The entire body is lengthened and the frame was changed.

For a good history of the Seville, check out Collectible Automobile back issues. They have one that tells the whole story in detail. I drove my 78 for two hundred and thirty thousand miles, and just gave it to friend of mine who is driving it now. It's good to hear from another Seville lover.

Semper Fi, GySgt, Offutt USMC.

19th Sep 2007, 19:48

I was a mere 25 years old in '77 and was not making enough money then to afford one of these cars new. I thought they were incredibly beautiful and when I would see one on the road, I would stare at it as it passed. As the years went by, I never got the love of that car 'out of my system' I finally found a beautiful example-a '77 that is almost fully optioned in a gorgeous color combination. It is Desert Rose Firemist (a metallic rose) with a Claret (deep burgundy) leather interior and a Claret vinyl roof. My car even has the rare Astroroof. It is a pleasure to drive and I plan to keep it indefinitely. In 30 years, it has only racked up 40,000 miles! What a car!!!

1st Nov 2008, 20:25

I just brought a 1977 Cadillac Seville. I was 16 years old when it was made, only 1 owner before me and well looked after (buttercup yellow exterior & mustard interior, vinyl roof & original wheels)... she runs like a dream, so smooth she glides, hard to believe there is a V8 engine under the hood.

The last car Elvis ever brought was a 1977 Cadillac Seville. It sold at auction for 101,000.00 - now that is saying something :0)

I do have a question though, do any of you know the BEST website for information on how to maintain a 1977 Cadillac Seville?

25th Nov 2008, 17:10

Try cadillacforums.com. Very helpful.