Seville Cadillac Models & History 1978

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.

STYLE

Model No. Style Number Body Type Seating Factory Price Shipping Weight Production Total
6K S69 4-door Sedan 5 $14,267 4179 56,985

ENGINE

Type 90-degree, overhead valve V-8
Block and Head 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
Bearings Five main bearings
Valve Lifters Hydraulic valve lifters
Fuel Delivery Electronic fuel injection
Built by Oldsmobile
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

DRIVETRAIN

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
Rear Axle 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.
Ignition HEI electronic ignition.
Fuel tank 21 gal.

DRIVETRAIN OPTIONS

Fuel-injected 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 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 headlamp 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 $11-$18
License frame each: $9
Leather seating area $295-$315
Carpeted rubber front floor mats $31-$34
Carpeted rubber rear floor mats $15-$21
Trunk mat $12
Turbine-vaned wheel covers $54
Locking wire wheels $541-$595
Locking wire wheel covers $179-$233