83 cadillac seville rare faux convertible, time capsule low miles bring offers

Attention collectors--rare Cadillac limited edition with big potential, beautifully preserved.

Overview

This is a very interesting opportunity. As you may know, vintage cars from the early 1980's are currently the rage. Chrome, gold trim, two tone paint, faux convertible tops, you name it---the more bling the better. If you squint a little, there is a bit of Rolls Royce in the design--which we are sure was intentional. This has to be one of the best preserved Cadillac Roadster models still in existence. It was part of an estate collection, and clearly appreciated and loved for many years by its previous owner.

Cosmetic Impressions

This Cadillac sweetheart is virually rust free, with an overall appearance that apears very original. The only minor imperfections are found on the gold wire wheels, with a few small spots on the inside of the door jambs. If the car meets our price expectations, we will have these areas refinished prior to delivery. Notice there are two new black plastic factory replacement panels installed by the front bumpers. These will also be painted to match the car color before leaving the shop.

There are no significant door dings or scratches on this remarkably well preserved classic. While the over the top styling cues may not be to everyone's taste, they are absolutely the design elements that period collectors currently are looking for. The more ostentatious the better. This is not the ride for the shy and reserved. It is bold, and announces you have arrived. Very cool.

The supple leather interior is in terrific condition, as are the carpets, door panels and dash. Really nice. No smells or evidence of mistreatment anywhere. Frankly, this car was very well cared for inside and out. Even the long-term storage was handled professionally.

Driving Impressions

We tried to limit our time behind the wheel due to the cars classic status and low miles. We ran the car through of service department and took care of all needed service issues. The car is ready to be enjoyed. Acceleration, braking and ride comfort were all period correct. Very enjoyable for cruising or a night on the town.

Market Value

Roadster Salon specializes in the restoration of European convertibles, with focus on Italian makes. Clearly, this is not the normal type of inventory we represent. Consequently, we had to consult with a number of sources we trust as to this special cars value.

As you might expect, opinions varied wildly. Best we can tell, there are virtually no comparable Seville Roadsters currently available for sale. None. The NADA classic car guide does not have a listed category for this model. Looking at standard versions of the same car, one could resonably expect to pay $5000-$7500 for one in similar condition. The wild card is the limited edition status and options. These features set the car apart, and give it its charming and unique appearance.

One source familiar with this version estimated the car's value at $12-$15K. We have set our asking price below $10K, with the expectation of drawing substantial interest and offers.