Cadillac History 1979

Cadillac Models & History 1979

• Carried over with only modest trim changes, Sevilles got a retuned suspension to improve their ride, plus new body mounts.
• Nameplates moved from the upper right of the grille to the upper left, and that grille had a tighter pattern than before.
• The grille’s pattern of vertical crosshatch slots was repeated in twin insets in the front bumper.
• Standard engine remained the 350 cu. in. (5.7-liter) V-8 with electronic fuel injection, now rated 170 horsepower.
• The diesel version introduced at mid-year was offered again.
• Sevilles destined for California received the three-way catalytic converter with closed-loop electronic controls, previously used only on other GM models.
• Bodies could have 14 standard colors, with seven Firemist colors available.
• Interiors came with new solid and striped Dante and Roma knit fabrics in six colors, or 11 shades of Sierra Grain leather.
• Either the Tuxedo Grain padded vinyl roof (in 17 colors, including metallics) or a plain metal top were offered at the same price.
• Options included the new digital trip computer and signal-seeking radios.
• Cadillac’s catalog claimed that Seville had been chosen “one of the ten most beautifully designed production cars of the last 50 years.” The special edition Elegante came in two-tone Slate Firemist and Sable Black, with accent striping and full-length side moldings with etched black grooving, plus a painted metal roof.
• Elegante was identified by a Cadillac wreath and crest as well as script nameplate.
• Standard were chrome-plated wire wheels with long-laced spokes. Seating areas and door panels had perforated leather inserts with suede-like vinyl trim, with leather-trimmed steering wheel.
• The Dual Comfort 40/40 seats had storage pockets and an integral fold-down center armrest.
• New for 1979 was plush fur-like Tangier carpeting.
• Elegante’s price tag was $2735.

• Wheelbase: 114.3 in.
• Overall length: 204.0 in.
• Height: 54.6 in.
• Width: 71.8 in.
• Front Tread: 61.3 in.
• Rear Tread: 59.0 in.
• Standard Tires: GR78 x 15-B SBR wide WSW

• Transmission: Three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic transmission column shift.
• Gear ratios: (1st) 2.74:1; (2nd) 1.57:1; (3rd) 1.00:1; (Rev) 2.07;1.
• Standard axle ratio: 2.24:1
• Steering: recirculating ball.
• Front suspension: independent with ball joints and coil springs, stabilizer bar.
• Rear suspension: Hotchkiss 56 in. leaf springs, five leaves, link stabilizer
• Electronic level control
• Brakes: four-wheel disc
• HEI electronic ignition
• Fuel tank: 19.6 gal.

• 5.7-liter diesel V-8 engine ($287)
• Heavy-duty cooling system ($49)
• 80-amp alternator ($54)
• Engine block heater ($21)
• California emission equipment ($83-$150)
• Limited slip differential ($70)
• High altitude pkg. ($35)
• Trailering package ($49-$103)

• Seville Elegante ($2735)
• Seville Elegante w/Astroroof ($3873)
• Seville Elegante w/sunroof ($3663)

• Astroroof (w/full vinyl roof): ($998).
• Astroroof (painted): ($1163).
• Sunroof (full vinyl roof): ($798).
• Sunroof (painted roof): ($953).
• Cruise control ($137).
• Rear defogger, grid-type ($101).
• Six-way Dual Comfort power passenger seat adjuster ($125-$160).
• Power driver’s seat recliner ($122).
• Power passenger seat recliner with six-way adjuster ($221-$280).
• Tilt/telescope steering wheel ($130).
• Automatic door locks ($121).
• Fuel monitor ($31).
• Trip computer: ($920).
• Theft deterrent system ($137).
• Opera lamps: ($66).
• Guidematic headlamp control ($91).
• Trumpet horn ($22).
• Electric remote left mirror w/thermometer ($90).
• Lighted thermometer on left mirror ($28).
• Lighted vanity mirror, passenger ($52).
• Electronic-tuning seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with 8-track tape player ($195); w/8-track and CB ($480); w/cassette ($225); w/CB ($380).
• Two-tone paint, partial Firemist ($361).
• Firemist paint ($171).
• Front bumper reinforcement ($9).
• Door edge guards ($13-$20).
• License frame: each ($10).
• Leather seating area ($330-$350).
• Carpeted rubber front floor mats ($33-$36); rear $16).
• Trunk mat ($13).
• Turbine-vaned wheel covers ($59)
• Aluminum wheels ($350)
• Locking wire wheels: ($569-$628).
• Locking wire wheel covers ($189-$292).

Keyword: Cadillac History 1979