Seville Cadillac History 1982

“With styling imitated but never equaled, Seville is an American standard for the world.” So claimed Cadillac in its full-line catalog for 1982. Little change was evident this year, but there was a new standard powerplant under the hood: the lightweight HT-4100 aluminum-block V-8. The idea of a standard diesel engine hadn’t lasted long.

1982 Seville

Seville’s chassis carried new shock absorbers and rear springs, along with the familiar four-wheel independent suspension and electronic level control. Optional wire wheel covers had a locking device; aluminum alloy wheels were available at no extra cost.

Standard interiors used Heather cloth in a choice of five colors, or leather in stitched seating areas (eight colors). A full cabriolet roof became available in black, white or dark blue diamond-grain vinyl. That option gave Seville the look of a convertible sedan — at least from a distance. The available Touring suspension included P225/70R15 steel-belted radial tires, large-diameter front and rear stabilizer bars, altered power steering that gave more feedback, stiffer front torsion bar and rear spring rates, and increased shock absorber valving.

Limited-edition Elegantes, with a package price of $3095, used a sweeping two-tone French curve to accent the burnished and bright full-length bodyside moldings. Sail panels carried the “Elegante” script nameplate. Elegante also had accent striping and a stand-up wreath/crest hood ornament. It came in three two-tone color combinations, including Desert Dusk Firemist over Brownstone. Elegante interiors used tucked leather in seating areas, in three Sierra Grain colors. Steering wheels wore matching leather trim, and the console was leather-topped.