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.
Model Number Style Number Body Type Seating Factory Price Shipping Weight Production Total
6K S69 4-door Sedan 5 $15,646 4180 53,487

 

ENGINES

 

Feature Base engine Diesel engine
Type 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 22.5:1
Brake horsepower 170 @ 4200 rpm 125 @ 3600 rpm
Torque: 270 lbs.-ft. @ 2000 rpm 225 lbs.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
Main bearings Five
Valve lifters Hydraulic
Fuel supply Electronic fuel injection
Built by Oldsmobile
VIN Code B N

 

CHASSIS DATA

 

  • 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
TECHNICAL

 

  • 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.
DRIVETRAIN OPTIONS
  • 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)
OPTION PACKAGES

 

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

 

  • 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).