Description
This car is Lot 443 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Beaulieu Sale on 6 September, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Friday 5 September from 10:00 until 17:00 and Saturday 6 September from 08:30 until 17:00 at The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.
Lot 443
1979 Cadillac Seville Gucci Edition Sedan
Registration no. not UK registered (see text)
Chassis no. 6S69B99470595
Rare special edition model
Left-hand drive
Automatic transmission
Present ownership since 2001
Always innovators in automobile technology, Cadillac continues to produce cars recognised everywhere as symbols of wealth and prestige. By the mid-1970s however, even Cadillac had been forced to recognise that the time was up for its traditional, 'gas guzzling' leviathans. And so, in 1975, the first of an entirely new type of Cadillac appeared: the Seville. Although the name had been part of the Cadillac lexicon for many years, on this occasion it was applied to a compact (by American standards) sedan powered by a mere 350ci (5. 7-litre) V8. Designated by its makers 'international size', the Seville eschewed the plush, boulevard ride of the traditional Cadillac in favour of more controlled, European-type handling characteristics. Commercially this policy succeeded brilliantly, as sales broke all records towards the decade's end.
The Seville offered here represents the collaboration of two of the world's most iconic brands: Cadillac and the leading Italian fashion house, Gucci, the result being the model's ultimate edition. Introduced for the 1979 model year, this special edition featured Gucci logos and badges inside and out, some of them gold-plated. They included a bonnet mascot of two interlocking Gucci Gs, while the red/ green stripe on the lower edge of the boot referenced two of the colours of Italy's flag. A full set of colour-coordinated Gucci luggage was included with each car. The design was the work of Dr Aldo Gucci, eldest of company founder Guccio Gucci's three sons.
Premiered at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami, Florida in September 1978, the Gucci Seville was not finished by Cadillac, its transformation being entrusted to Miami-based International Automotive Design Inc. The Gucci was sold worldwide via Braman Cadillac in Florida and cost $19, 900, over $7, 000 more than the stock item, not that that bothered the target market in the slightest. Celebrity owners included crooner Sammy Davis Jr, tenor Luciano Pavarotti, and soul singer David Ruffin. Exact production numbers are uncertain, with some sources suggesting that as few as 200 were built with only 10 surviving, making the Gucci Edition Seville one of the rarest of post-war Cadillacs and thus highly collectible.
This rare example of Italo-American fusion was acquired for the collection at a UK auction in 2001.
Ahead of sale, the car has been recommissioned, which consisted of a new fuel pump; fuel lines; fuel filter; and a stripping and repairing of the fuel tank. Additionally the gearbox oil was changed and a new battery has been fitted.
Accompanying documentation includes the purchase invoice; copies of old UK V5s; old MoT certificates (1992, 1993, 1999, 2001, 2003); old insurance documents from British Columbia dated 1990; and service invoices from Haynes Motor Museum dated July 1999.
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
