Cadillac Seville 2nd Generation (1980–1985) Price Guide

The second-generation Seville of 1980 to 1985 introduced the controversial bustle-back styling. This was a formal, squared-off boot reminiscent of 1930s coachbuilt cars that was either elegantly retro or awkwardly incongruous depending on who you asked. It also introduced, unfortunately, Cadillac’s most troubled engine: the HT4100.

The Car

The 1980 Seville switched to front-wheel drive on the K-body platform shared with the Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Toronado, and adopted the bustle-back styling that generated more comment than any Cadillac design since the 1959 tailfins. The 368 cubic inch V8 of the first-generation car was replaced by the 4.1-litre HT4100 from 1982; an engine plagued by head gasket failures and cooling system issues that damaged Cadillac’s engineering reputation severely. The diesel option offered in 1980–1984 is best avoided entirely.

Buying

The 1980–1981 cars with the 368 V8 are the most reliable. Avoid the HT4100 and the diesel. The third generation that followed improved matters both mechanically and aesthetically.