Introduced for the 1976 model year, the Seville name was familiar from the 1950s, when the exclusive Eldorado gained a hardtop coupe, expanding the line to two models: the Eldorado Biarritz convertible and the Eldorado Seville coupe. The new Seville for the 1970s, however, would be a new idea entirely in the form of a compact Cadillac with all the amenities and luxuries expected of the brand’s most prestigious models, packaged in an easier-to-manage size. While it would be easier to park, Cadillac would also employ a lighter, smaller displacement engine and a tuned suspension, which lent the Seville surprisingly agile road manners and exceptional fuel efficiency. Despite its smaller size, the Seville was an absolutely premium Cadillac: Holding a base price of nearly $13,000, most sold in the $14,000 range with some actually edging over the $15,000 mark, securing it as the most expensive Cadillac available, except for the limousine. The original body style, such as this example, would span production through 1979, with 1980 ushering in an entirely restyled car with bustle back styling. Presented in the rarely seen color of green with a black vinyl top, this 1978 Cadillac Seville is something unique and special. The initials “JEN” are stenciled at the top of the front doors, underscored by delicate, yet tastefully bold, red and gold pinstripes spanning the length of the beltline. Power is delivered by a fuel-injected 350/180 HP V-8 engine and an automatic transmission, and the green leather interior is boldly accentuated with wood-grain detailing. Power seats, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, remote mirrors, a rear defogger and a power antenna all conspire to create one of the most comfortable, well-equipped cars of the decade. Whitewall tires and wire wheel covers round out this modern Seville with a classic touch.
