1978 Cadillac San Remo Ultima Convertible - Ultra Rare

You are bidding on a 1978 Cadillac San Remo Ultima Convertible. Rare indeed. In this color - perhaps 1 of 1.

Recall that Cadillac stopped making convertibles in 1976 (we can thank Uncle Sam for the ludicrous decision). However, it didn’t stop independent coach builders from creating their on convertible versions based upon already available sedans or coupes.

The San Remo Ultima was produced by Coach Design Group, located in WestLake Village, California. It is, without a doubt, the nicest conversion on a post war Cadillac model ever made. The - new for 1975 Cadillac Seville, was shorter, lighter and crisper than the cars it was made to replace (the behemoth Eldorado, Sedan DeVille and Brougham - although Cadillac also slimmed down all off their models), the new Seville created a market for a car no one was asking for. It sold like Obama T-shirts. I always found the Seville, while boxy, to be very attractive, masculine even. Upright and precise, there wasn’t a errant crease or bend in the metal that didn’t belong there. Buyers obviously agreed.

Immediately Coach Design Group saw the potential for a well done, expensive convertible conversion and their planning, designing and tooling took nearly two years to complete. Each car started life as a four door sedan, then had it’s roof completely removed. The B pillar was moved, the chassis reinforced and a special convertible top mechanism added. The top was also power operated. Aside from the two door configuration, Coach Design Group added older Eldorado tail lights, grafted into the body work (notice that the Seville tail lights are gone) and the trunk was modified to complement the new design. The doors were stretched, the headlights (on the Ultima model) were made to look stand alone and the car was painted with 24 coats of lacquer. Finishing it off was a custom Connally leather interior and true wire wheels.

With the top down she resembles the Rolls Royce Corniche, which I am sure was no accident. At $46,000 (1978 dollars) the car was very expensive. So much so that the planned production of 200 was halted due to lack of sales. Again, the consensus is that 20 were manufactured. This would include the base model, the Ultima and a Coupe version.

She drives like a Cadillac - because underneath the custom body is a bone stock 1978 Seville. She glides down the road, but isn’t ponderous. The fuel injected 350 cubic inch engine only puts out 175 horsepower, so the engine is unstressed. She shifts silently and is very modern to drive, even today (aside from the abysmal radio). There is even a trip computer in the dash - imagine that in 1978.

The car shows signs of a repaint. But she shows well. To win a concours you'll need a respray - but (as the pictures show) she can win any local car show.

We recently tuned her up with:

New injectors

New spark plugs

New spark plug wires

New rotor cap

Oil is changed and clean.

Tires are older but in great shape. The interior is a tad faded from original - and the front seats may have been redone - but that is hard to say for sure. The chrome and stainless is all in great condition - as the car was obviously kept indoors it's entire life. After all - she is 40 years old this year.

The brakes work as designed. The transmission shifts seamlessly and the engine runs strong and smooth (with only 175 hp).

The convertible top is in excellent condition and operates perfectly. There is slight shrinking which can be expected after 40 years. The snap on cover is also in excellent condition.

She has an aftermarket radio - and probable original speakers (meaning they stink). But - again, original.

All of the power windows work perfectly - we obtained an NOS 4 window switch for the driver's door - and installed it. Perfect.

The rear side windows are plexiglass (from the factory) and could use a polish (which I'll attempt). Point is - they aren't glass. The rear back glass is - however, glass (in the convertible top).

The wire wheels are also in great condition with one of the plastic "spinners" missing a spoke. Not sure where to get another yet.

There are one or two small dings in the body - that can be removed with paintless dent removal, I'm sure. I haven't tried however.

There is also mild checking in the paint (in small areas) as mentioned before. But, I'm picky and I want to be completely transparent. But she is completely rust free.

The San Remo is arguably the BEST looking variation of a custom hand made coach built car made post war. A true pleasure to own and drive.

She isn't cheap - given her rarity. I would consider trades on significant cars that require work or restoration (as this is what I love to do). So, it might be an opportunity to unload that project finally and step into a turn key rarity.

She is sold as is - where is. No warrantee is expressed or implied. Deposit via PayPal is non refundable - no exceptions. I can assist with shipping and hold the car for up to 30 days, but only if paid for in a timely manner. Wire funds preferred within 7 days of auction close. I report bidders that don't fulfill their contractual obligation to purchase the car. Bidding and winning means you bought the car not that you can now come inspect it. You are welcomed to inspect the car before the auction closes. Test drives can be accommodated also.

Clear and clean title in hand. No accident history known.

Please email questions. All are answered. Also, more pictures can be sent - just ask.

Good Luck Bidding!