Seville Cadillac History 1981

Though basically unchanged for 1980, Seville got a few new touches including restyled (optional) wire wheel covers. Side accent moldings were now standard. An air dam below the front bumper was added, in an attempt to improve aerodynamic characteristics and gas mileage. Base engine was the Olds-built diesel V-8, now with roller cam followers on the valve lifters. That made Seville the only car around with a standard V-8 diesel.

Also new: an improved water detection/removal system for the fuel tank. New component labeling procedures were supposed to prevent theft. Seville’s long list of standard equipment included

• cast aluminum wheels
• four-wheel disc brakes
• cruise control
• power windows and door locks
• Soft-Ray tinted glass
• tilt/telescope steering wheel
• lighted vanity mirrors
• illuminated entry system.

Standard gear also included

• low-rolling-resistance tires
• low-fuel warning
• improved windshield washers.

New options:

• several radio and tape systems of advanced design
• a memory system for the power driver’s seat
• the modulated-displacement V8-6-4 engine that was standard in other Cadillacs.

A Buick-built 252 cu. in. V-6 with four-barrel carburetor was also available this year. Both gasoline engines brought buyers a credit of several hundred dollars.

Sevilles came in 13 high-gloss acrylic lacquer finishes, with accent striping and moldings. Optional were 13 two-tone combinations (such as Twilight Blue over Norfolk Gray) and 8 Firemist paints. Dual Comfort 45/45 seats were upholstered in Heather knit cloth; or 11 leather shades in tucked seating areas. Deep-pile Tiffany carpeting decorated the floor. Also standard: map lamps, assist straps, and an improved electronic-tuning AM/FM stereo radio.

Hoods displayed a burnished wreath-and-crest ornament over the vertical-style grille with its large header bar, and engine compartments had a new light. Cast aluminum wheels were standard. One-piece bumpers had built-in guards. A Touring Suspension became optional during the 1981 model year. Seville Elegantes had been easy to spot with their bold “French Curve” molding separating two-tone body colors. This year, base Sevilles gained the full-length accent moldings that had formerly been an Elegante exclusive. The pricey Elegante package included

• tucked seating areas and steering wheel in Sierra Grain leather
• 40/40 Dual Comfort seats
• leather-topped console
• Tampico carpeting
• “Elegante” script on glove box and body
• cross-laced wire wheel covers
• chrome side moldings.

Elegante came in four color combinations:

• Sheffield Gray Firemist over Sable Black (slate gray interior)
• Superior Blue Metallic over Twilight Blue (dark blue interior)
• Desert Sand Firemist over Briarwood Brown (light beige interior)
• Mulberry Gray Firemist over Bordeaux Red (mulberry gray interior).