A known ownership history is viewed by many potential buyers as crucial when assessing whether a classic should find its way into their garage. This 1982 Cadillac Sedan de Ville ticks that box, with the seller stating that they are its third owner. It presents beautifully and has a genuine 42,000 miles showing on its odometer. The Caddy has no apparent needs, generating twenty-eight bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in McCormick, South Carolina. The auction action has pushed the price to $10,800, and with No Reserve to hinder proceedings, this classic is under a week away from finding a new home.

Cadillac introduced its Fifth Generation de Ville range in 1978, following the industry trend of downsizing in a quest for improved economy. The land yachts were slowly consigned to the pages of history, although some manufacturers were slower than others to transition to smaller models. This 1982 Sedan de Ville presents beautifully and comes with a known history. The first owner was seventy-nine years old when he drove it off the showroom floor, with his sixty-two-year-old son inheriting the Caddy upon his passing. He passed away around two years ago, which is when the seller purchased it from his estate. The premium paint shades that year were from the Firemist range, with this car looking stunning in Light Redwood Firemist. This brings us to one of the few changes made to what was a genuine survivor because the seller treated the car to a high-end repaint once it was safely in his garage. The process didn’t include any panel or rust repairs and was a simple cosmetic refresh. It shines beautifully, with no obvious flaws or defects. The panels are straight, and the underside is as solid as the day it rolled off the line. I can’t fault the trim or glass, with this de Ville wearing the optional wire wheel covers. The narrow whitewalls are an appropriate finishing touch to the spotless exterior.

New for 1982 was Cadillac’s 4.1-liter HT-4100 V8 engine. Featuring closed-loop digital fuel injection, it developed 125hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque. However, its party piece was the ability to deliver fuel consumption figures better than 25mpg, a concept that would have been unthinkable for any Cadillac only a few years earlier. The company teamed its new V8 with a four-speed automatic transmission, while power steering and power brakes were standard equipment. Sadly, Cadillac rushed its latest motor into production and paid the price for that decision. Early engines were prone to problems, although if one has survived to the present day, it must be a good one. The seller states that this de Ville has a genuine 42,000 miles showing on its odometer without mentioning verifying evidence. Therefore, that claim must be taken at face value. They actively encourage test drives by interested parties, suggesting that there is nothing to hide with this classic.

The theme of impressive presentation continues inside this Cadillac. The Burgundy leather trim is free from wear, only exhibiting the wrinkles of age. The dash is spotless, the carpet is extremely nice, and there are no issues with the woodgrain trim or wheel. However, it isn’t merely about presentation, because this de Ville is loaded with features that most enthusiasts would rightly expect from a luxury car. These include climate-controlled air conditioning and power operation for the windows, locks, front seats, and trunk release. The buyer also receives cruise control, a tilt/telescopic wheel, auto-dimming headlamps, and an AM/FM stereo radio with rear speakers.

The intense bidding on this 1982 Cadillac Sedan de Ville proves that it has generated plenty of interest. The recent repaint means it can’t be considered a genuine survivor, but it is ideal for someone seeking a classic with a luxury edge. Recent sales results suggest that the price probably won’t go much higher, although one thing I have learned about the classic market is that we should never say “never.” Therefore, there is scope that the price could climb if two or more people view this Caddy as a must-have item. What do you feel would be a fair figure?