Cadillac Seville 1976

Cadillac Seville Models & History 1976

As the 1976 model year began, signs were already appearing that change was imminent; that Cadillac’s position might even be in jeopardy one day. For the moment, though, little had changed. Only Lincoln competed in the domestic luxury market, as Chrysler had abandoned its Imperial. During the ’75 model year a much different kind of Caddy had emerged: the compact Seville, powered by a comparatively tiny, fuel-injected 350 V-8. Unlike the soft American ride and slushy handling typified by big Cadillacs, Seville delivered control more appropriate in a European sedan. Led by Seville’s popularity, Cadillac set records for both sales and production.

• automatic climate control
• bumper impact strips
• digital clock
• automatic glove box light
• High Energy Ignition
• inside hood release
• lamp monitors
• remote-control left-hand outside mirror
• litter receptacle
• automatic trunk light
• map light
• power six-way front-seat adjuster
• power front disc brakes
• power door locks
• power windows
• power steering
• AM/FM radio including power antenna
• Soft Ray tinted glass
• spare tire cover
• tamper-resistant odometer
• Turbo Hydra-matic transmission
• washer fluid level indicator
• steel-belted whitewall tires.

Described as “among the most fully equipped cars in the world.” the Seville had debuted in May 1975 and changed little for its first complete model year. Marketed against Mercedes, the international-size, contemporary styled four-door sedan offered near-European ride/handling qualities, along with respectable fuel mileage. Seville could hit 60 MPH in 11 seconds or less, top 110 MPH, and cruise gently on the highway. The computer-designed chassis was actually derived from Chevrolet’s Nova, but Cadillac did an extensive reworking of the X-body, with exclusive body panels, and mounted a vinyl top. Seville’s front end was unmistakably Cadillac. A horizontal crosshatch grille was arranged in three rows, divided into two sections by a vertical center bar. Quad rectangular headlamps sat above twin rectangular parking/signal lamps and alongside large wraparound cornering lamps. A Seville nameplate was fairly low on the front fender, behind the wheel opening. Up front: a stand-up wreath/crest hood ornament. Large wraparound taillamps (far different from full-size models) and full wheel openings complemented the formal profile.Body preparation included two primers, four finish coats, and an additional lacquer coat. New zincrometal was used in key areas to fight rust. All told, Seville was described as having an “uncluttered” look, less glitzy than other luxury cars had become. Measuring about two feet shorter than full-size domestic luxury cars, the new breed of Caddy sold well from the start.
The standard 350 cu. in. V-8 (from Oldsmobile) with electronic fuel injection was mounted on a steel sub-frame connected to the body sheet metal through damping cushions, to isolate vibration. An impressive standard equipment list included

• air conditioning
• variable-ratio power steering
• power brakes, door locks and seat
• courtesy lamps
• electric trunk lock release
• automatic level control
• a fuel monitor
• cornering lamps
• signal-seeking AM/FM stereo radio with power antenna
• tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• GR78 x 15-B steel-belted whitewall tires.

Seville’s dash held an upper “information band” with functional control panels to the driver’s left and right. 50/50 front seats were trimmed in seven Mansion Knit cloth colors, or optional genuine Sierra Grain leather in eight colors. A cross-grain padded vinyl roof was standard.The Seville was a Series 6K and the body style was S69 representing a 4-door sedan seating five people (2 in the front, 3 in the back). The factory price was $12,479. The shipping weight was 4232 lb. And 43,772 Sevilles were produced.

The Seville engine was a 90-degree, overhead valve V-8 with a cast iron block and head. It displaced 350 cu. in. (5.7 liters).

Keyword: Cadillac Seville 1976