Highlights
- Equipped with Cadillac’s revered Northstar V8 engine
- Opulently appointed with numerous electrical comforts
- Rare sight, particularly in RHD UK specification
- Very low mileage - just 40,820 miles
- Long MOT to September 2024 with no advisories
- Distinctive, ULEZ compliant executive express
The Appeal
In the late 1990s General Motors chanced upon a plan to use the Cadillac brand to penetrate the European premium luxury segment and take on brands like Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and BMW.
The result was the Cadillac Seville STS, a big saloon with a European flavour. With power from GM's advanced 305bhp four-cam, 4.6 litre Northstar V8, the STS boasted a higher specification than its direct rivals. GM elected to compete head-to-head on price in an effort to make an impact.
Sadly it didn’t work. Just 649 STS models were sold in the whole of Europe in 2001, of which very few were RHD UK market versions. Yet that result doesn’t really reflect just how good the STS was, as a growing band of aficionados is discovering.
With such a valuable and revered power plant under the bonnet, handsome design and opulent specification, there are lots of reasons why this car may well give you quite a considerable bang for your buck.
The History and Paperwork
- First UK registered 10th September 2001
- Current registered keeper since 5th June 2021
- V5 shows there having been 6 previous keepers during the first 20 years
- Current MOT expires 28th September 2024 with no advisories
- DVLA record of MOT’s supports the current mileage, presently 40,820 miles
- The 2022 MOT records the odometer reading in “km” and correctly states metric on the record
- The latest MOT has reverted to a ‘miles’ readout
- The European Market cars have a dash button to easily switch the readout.
- The MOT records are therefore all correct and consistent.
- There are two sets of keys including remote alarm/lock/fobs
The Interior
- Beige leather throughout with perforated centre panels in the wide comfortable seats
- Matching leather details in the door-cards
- Electric multi-way comfort adjustments for the front seats and headrests
- Heated front seats
- Multi-function steering wheel trimmed in matching beige leather
- Electrically adjustable steering column with an electronic toggle
- Wheel and seats have two memory positions stored using switches in drivers door
- Door cards and seats all in good order with wear corresponding to the age and mileage
- Trims appear complete and in good order throughout
- Carpets have a little colour graduation, protected by good thickness original over-mats
- Two raised curves to the front dash top towards the front windscreen vents
- No cracks or bleaching visible on dashboard
- Switchgear, knobs and cubby doors all look unmarked and working fine
- Dials and controls are crystal clear and all working correctly
- ‘Bose’ Radio/Mini-Disc Player looks like an original fitment in the centre-console
- Front centre armrest has a Multi CD changer inside
- The close-top does not seem to fully slide shut without force, so may require checking, if desired
- Beige headlining appears to be original and in excellent condition
- Air-Conditioning has multiple vents and blows ice-cold
- The dark privacy glass on rear windows may be aftermarket
- There is a secondary brake light located on the rear parcel shelf that may be aftermarket or UK dealer fitted
- Boot area is cavernous and in good order
- There is a large Cadillac embossed rubber mat in the boot
- It looks original and in excellent order
- Door and boot seals are all present, correct and undamaged
- Space-saver wheel and tyre is present beneath the boot carpets
The Exterior
- Elegant dark green metallic paintwork presents well
- A deep professional polish would likely deliver some very pleasing results
- There are a few chips, rubs and marks in places around the car
- Nothing that detracts from its overall smart appearance
- Scuffs to some bumper edges on this big saloon are the main points to mention
- The bonnet sports a Cadillac emblem on the front of the bonnet,
- This may have been fitted after the car was first registered or UK dealer fitted by request
- Small paint blister close to the Cadillac badge on the leading edge of the bonnet
- Both wing mirrors have some bush rash marks on the outer edge of the wing-mirror frames
- The wing mirrors operate electronically and fold-in or out on and worked when tested
- The silver finish on the 16” alloys has oxidised
- This detracts only very slightly from otherwise very smart appearance
- This can be easily rectified and should be a satisfying fix for the next owner
- All four ‘STS’ wheel centre-caps are original and present
- All tyres appear to have good deep tread
- Electric windows have no obvious damage and work without fuss
- Lights are in good condition with some signs of age-tarnish towards the tops of the front clusters
- The underside of the vehicle looks free of any noteworthy damage or issues
- All drainage channels look clean and tidy
- Sills look free of any signs of corrosion and appear entirely original
- Vin & manufacture labels inside the door shuts look bright and original
The Mechanics
- 4.6-Litre V8 Northstar Cadillac power
- Automatic gearbox
- The gearbox is reported to be smooth and fuss free, with seamless transitions between gears
- Vehicle starts with ease and immediately settles into quiet idle
- From inside the car, the idle is silent
- The exhaust note reflects the power of the Northstar V8 when the throttle is pressed firmly
- Recent new MOT raised no advisories
- All under-bonnet areas look original and unmodified
- Air-conditioning condenser, when used, gets very cold, so seems to be working efficiently
Summary
Genuine RHD, UK market Cadillacs of this period are rare beasts. With the mighty V8 under the bonnet, super-low miles and a myriad of comforts to entertain and pamper make this STS quite the ‘Q-Car’.
Few if any cars offer quite as much car for the money as you get with a bonafide, full fat RHD Caddy. This one has clearly been cared for and with long MOT offers the reassurance you need to hop in, press the pedal to the metal and enjoy this transatlantic executive express.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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