Collectible Automobile Magazine on 1977-79 Rear Drive Cadillacs

[jdemerson]

The December 2020 issue of Collectible Automobile has a nice lead article on the 1977-78-79 Cadillacs. Lots of good photography, and information about production, prices, current values, etc. Eric may spot an error, but I think it is well-done and worth a read.

John Emerson
1952 Cadillac Sedan 6219X

[BJM]

One of the last great periods and it is good affirmation of potential  or actual interest.  We cant all have high dollar cars.  These cars offer a lot of style and reliability.  That they are offered at fair prices will not last forever.

[J. Skelly]

That was the end of an era: the end of annual styling changes for Cadillac.

[rivstg1]

I"d like to think the 'era' continued till 1985, at least by way of the RWD Fleetwood Coupe as opposed to the downsized fwd Fleetwood coupe. I think that era/styling was equally if not a bit superior to the 77-79 due to the none sloped rear window.

[jdemerson]

I"d like to think the 'era' continued till 1985, at least by way of the RWD Fleetwood Coupe as opposed to the downsized fwd Fleetwood coupe. I think that era/styling was equally if not a bit superior to the 77-79 due to the none sloped rear window.

Yes, rear-wheel-drive Fleetwoods (and Broughams) of the 80s through 1992 are attractively styled. They aren't terribly different from the 77-79 models which are also tasteful and attractive. Of course the big difference is the Cadillac-built 425 ci engine in the tri-7s. The performance of 1977 Fleetwood with the 425 and 1976 Fleetwood with the 500 was comparable because of the large weight loss of the 1977s. The 1980 models had a de-bored 368 ci version of that engine, and later models had the V8-6-4.
Is it common to put the 425 Cadillac engine in the later models?

John Emerson
1952 Cadillac Sedan 6219X

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

"Fastback" style rear pillar sleeker than squared off roofline on Coupes, IMHO.

[BJM]

Agree with Eric.  I started out as a collector mostly with larger Buicks and was drawn to the Electras same roof profile for 77-79.  In 1980, I get it - GM needed to freshen but it was not an improvement. 

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Tri7 full size bodies were sharper, sleeker and more youthful overall compared to their '80s successors across the board for all GM Divisions IMHO, which gained visual mass and bulk.

I thought the 1980 Cadillac was a massive improvement back when it first appeared but over time I began appreciate the Tri7 models better in addition to having a better driveline. The raised hood dome of Tri7 models  was flattened in 1980/+ models which is not nearly as impressive from behind the wheel. I will say however the quality of fabrics and interior trim became more refined and elegant through the early '80s.

[druby]

One of the cars featured was the 1979 That belonged to my father, my uncle now has the vehicle and is a fairly low mileage car in excellent condition, my father was the second owner of the car and was purchased new at Capitol Cadillac. He has a sale price of $12,000 on it now.

[Roger Zimmermann]

Dan, what's happening to the LH high beam headlamp?

[Big Fins]

Dan, what's happening to the LH high beam headlamp?

The plastic adjuster broke. Get that fixed Dan. They still make replacements. You can buy them individually or a bag of eight. If one breaks, the rest aren't far behind. A quick squirt of WD-40 and let it soak for a few minutes saves them from breaking before attempting to align the lights.

An outfit in Syracuse, N.Y., called J&T  part #0853 has them. Hit up Google and see what comes up. I got mine off of Fleabay years ago.

[J. Skelly]

O'Reilly's and other chain auto parts stores carry the headlight adjustment screws