Cadillac Models & History 1978

SEVILLE SERIES 6K

At the rear, Seville displayed new bumper guards, an engraved chrome insignia on taillamps, and a painted accent stripe that extended across the decklid to give a wider, lower appearance. Lower bumper rub strips were body-colored. Seville’s grille had vertical slots in four rows, with the pattern repeated in two openings on the bumper, alongside the license plate. Amber parking/signal lamps sat below the quad rectangular headlamps, with amber/clear cornering lamps on the fender sides. The Seville script was behind the front wheels; a Cadillac script at the back of rear fenders, just ahead of the angled wraparound taillamps, and on the upper grille bar (driver’s side). Once again, the electronically fuel-injected 350 cu. in. V-8 engine was standard, with an on-board analog computer and new Electronic Spark Selection that altered spark advance to meet varying conditions. The intake manifold was lightweight aluminum. Oldsmobile’s 350 cu. in. diesel V-8 became available in mid-year, first offered in seven major cities. Electronic load leveling was new this year. Standard equipment included

  • a tilt/telescoping steering wheel
  • signal-seeking stereo radio
  • dual remote-control mirrors
  • fuel monitor system
  • power seat
  • power four-wheel disc brakes
  • controlled-cycle wipers
  • many more luxuries.

Sierra Grain leather interiors came in ten colors. Dover cloth upholstery (seven colors) was standard. Buyers could choose either a matching metal roof or Tuxedo Grain padded vinyl top. Sevilles came in 15 standard body colors plus six Firemist options; the vinyl roof came in 16 colors including metallics. Options included

  • real wire wheels as well as wire covers
  • plus opera lamps
  • a sunroof
  • 40-channel CB transceiver, plus electronically-tuned radios and tape player combinations.

A new trip computer option offered 11 digital displays, including

  • average speed and MPG
  • miles to destination
  • estimated arrival time
  • engine speed
  • coolant temp
  • voltage.

Seville Elegante was offered in two duo-tone body finishes: Platinum and Sable Black, or Western Saddle Firemist and Ruidoso Brown. Both had a painted metal top rather than vinyl. The second color began just above the beltline. Real wire wheels (not covers) had long-laced spokes. Full-length brushed chrome moldings had etched black grooving. An “Elegante” script and crest were on the pillar behind the rear doors. Seats used perforated leather inserts (Antique Gray or Antique Medium Saddle) and soft, suede-like trim. The steering wheel was leather-wrapped to match. Front seats included storage pockets. A fold-down center armrest and console separated the driver and passenger. Compartments were provided for a telephone, tapes, and personal items. Only 5,000 or so Elegantes were built this year but the special edition would remain for future seasons.

Model Number Style Number Body Type Seating Factory Price Shipping Weight Production Total
6K S69 4-door Sedan 5 $14,267 4179 56,985

 

ENGINE

 

  • 90-degree, overhead valve V-8
  • Cast iron block and head
  • Displacement: 350 cu. in. (5.7 liters)
  • Bore & stroke: 4.057 x 3.385 in.
  • Compression ratio: 8.0:1
  • Brake horsepower: 170 @ 4200 rpm
  • Torque: 270 lbs.-ft. @ 2000 rpm
  • Five main bearings
  • Hydraulic valve lifters
  • Electronic fuel injection
  • Oldsmobile-built
  • VIN Code: B
CHASSIS

 

  • Wheelbase: 114.3″
  • Overall length: 204.0″
  • Height: 54.6″
  • Width: 71.8″
  • Front Tread: 61.3″
  • Rear Tread: 59.0″
  • Standard tire: GR78 x 15-B wide WSW
TECHNICAL

 

  • Transmission: Turbo Hydra-matic transmission standard on all models; column shift.
  • Gear ratios: (1st) 2.48:1: (2nd) 1.48:1; (3rd) 1.00:1; (Rev) 2.07:1.
  • Standard axle ratio: 2.56:1 except high-alt. 3.08:1
  • Salisbury Rear Axle
  • Steering: variable-ratio, power assisted
  • Front suspension: independent coil spring, link-type stabilizer
  • Rear Suspension: Hotchkiss leaf spring, link-type stabilizer
  • Brakes: four-wheel disc.
  • HEI electronic ignition.
  • Fuel tank: 21 gal.
DRIVETRAIN OPTIONS

 

  • Fuel-iniected V-8 engine: ($744)
  • Heavy-duty cooling system ($41)
  • 80-amp alternator ($51)
  • Engine block heater ($20)
  • California emission equipment ($75)
  • Limited slip differential ($67)
  • High altitude pkg. ($33)

 

OPTION PACKAGES

 

  • Seville Elegante ($2600)
  • Elegante w/Astroroof ($3706)
  • Elegante w/sunroof ($3506)
CONVENIENCE/APPEARANCE OPTIONS

 

  • Astroroof w/full vinyl roof ($995)
  • Astroroof (painted) ($1106)
  • Sunroof w/full vinyl roof ($795)
  • Sunroof (painted roof) ($906)
  • Cruise control ($122)
  • Trip computer ($875)
  • Controlled-cycle wipers ($32)
  • Rear defogger, grid-type ($94)
  • Six-way Dual Comfort power passenger seat adjuster ($118-$150)
  • Power 50/50 seat recliner ($116)
  • Power 50/50 passenger seat recliner ($210-$262)
  • Tilt/telescope steering wheel ($121)
  • Automatic door locks ($114)
  • Illuminated entry system ($59)
  • Fuel monitor ($29)
  • Theft deterrent system ($130)
  • Trunk lid power pull-down ($67)
  • Opera lamps ($63)
  • Twilight Sentinel ($54)
  • Guidematic headiamp control ($62)
  • Remote-control right mirror ($34)
  • Lighted thermometer on left mirror ($27)
  • Lighted vanity mirror, passenger ($50)
  • AM/FM stereo radio with digital display ($106)
  • AM/FM stereo radio with digital display w/tape player ($106)
  • AM/FM stereo radio with digital display w/CB ($281)
  • AM/FM stereo radio with digital display w/tape and CB ($427)
  • Seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with tape player and digital display ($225)
  • Firemist paint ($163)
  • Padded vinyl roof ($215-$222)
  • Door edge guards ($ll-$18)
  • License frame: each ($9)
  • Leather seating area ($295-$315)
  • Carpeted rubber front floor mats ($31-$34); rear ($15-$21)
  • Trunk mat ($12)
  • Turbine-vaned wheel covers ($54)
  • Locking wire wheels ($541-$595)
  • Locking wire wheel covers ($179-$233)