Shorty Project: 1978 Cadillac Seville
The Seville was the first “smaller” Cadillac, born in the mid-1970s in response to rising demand for European luxury automobiles. And the increasing price of gasoline, which began climbing in 1973. Using mechanical components and a modified chassis from other GM products, the Seville would have a long run – 1976 to 2004. This 1978 edition was customized some time ago and became a “shorty” where the wheelbase has been reduced considerably to seat just one row of passengers. Our thanks to Paul in MA for this tip!
These cars were powered by a 350 cubic inch V8 borrowed from Oldsmobile, available as gasoline or diesel-consuming engines (we don’t know which is in the seller’s car, if there is one, but the gas engine would have sold better). The first generation Sevilles had a wheelbase of 114 inches with four doors and we assume that it’s at least two feet shorter now (maybe more). Also, the original cars weighed 4,400 lbs., but the shorty is likely north of 3,000. The early Sevilles looked a bit like Rolls-Royce Silver Shadows in appearance – and that wasn’t by coincidence.
Before the conversion seen here, this Seville would have been one of about 57,000 built in 1978, so they were plentiful, and this is not the first one we’ve seen get chopped. The seller says that the transformation was professionally done, but we don’t know when as the car has been sitting for 40 years. It’s an unfinished project as the interior is missing and its ability to run is unknown (it moves around on dollies under the rear wheels). Located in Exeter, Rhode Island, this two-tone custom Caddy is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $3,500. But that was two months ago, so perhaps it has already found a new home.
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Comments
Didn’t somebody manufacture these. I seem to remember seeing one now and then. May be wrong but definitely have seen worse.
The 76-79 Seville is one of the best looking designs of the Malaise era. Has the right proportions and is just downright handsome. Whenever I see these 2 door conversions I get indigestion and IBS. Why people!
The luxury LN & later cousin Concours Nova with chevy 350 was a lot cheaper in price & quite comfortable & faster than the Seville with 350 olds v8.
Just like cousin Cavalier was cheaper & faster than the Cimarron(4 cyl & v6 avail in both).
An outfit in California called Milan Coach Builders made these, I think about 500 in total. Apparently they also sold kits to those who wanted to build their own “Milan.”
I’d like a triple order of blind spots please…
Way too much C-pillar,or whatever it is.
Just when you think there can’t be any more of these.
Well, at least they didn’t ruin a GOOD car, as with the Nomad shorty conversions.
Straight ‘B’ pillar, not a Nomad…
Maybe they butched that too…
Maybe it’s not really a Chevy.
I’m my opinion, would look WAY better as a hatch back!
What an ugly car this one is. Someone ruined what was a nice car at the factory. No accounting for taste.
It needs an opera window and a continental kit rear spare tire for that pimporific final touch
Funny you say that because some of these came w two fake tire covers on the sides, between the front end and the door. Not sure about the opera window… but wouldn’t doubt it..!! Just wrong…..
“two fake tire covers on the sides” Oh yea, now we are talking. Put the continental kit rear spare tire with it too and its the ultimate mac daddy mobile
Mink fedora not included
Just check out 1978 Cadillac Seville Grandeur Opera Coupe…. no opera window though.!! (Why not.?)
Don’t forget the 26″ Gold Plated rims!
Just part it out from the door jambs forward an be done with it.
Don’t think I have ever seen nor heard of one of these , nt a bad looking ride though,
Another example of just because you can doesn’t mean you should
“Hold my chardonnay while I light the torch…”
If the R12 a/c still works, imagine how cold it could get inside this caddy.
🤢🤮
Why, just why?
Just because!
Fugly,just bury it deep, Please!
I never cared for the Milan just never looked right but I was very much attracted to the Grandeur. Hey to each it’s own. Those side vents do not belong. I guess he needed the money because the real Cadillac wire wheels are missing. Maybe he’s not really trying to sell this car. Rusty bare rims he could’ve at least put some hub caps on it.
Can’t hold a candle to the Clenet. ‘sniff ‘