1982 rear clip
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The (new) Cadillac
Database© has turned into such a vast undertaking that the compiler is
having difficulty meeting the request of many of its users who would like to see more
pictures of contemporary or "modern" Cadillac models.
Now that the bulk of Cadillacs up to 1975 have been covered,
wholly or even partly, it is time to move into the last two decades of Cadillac's long,
successful history as a manufacturer of fine, quality automobiles.
Initially, these pages will be limited to photos of the year's
models, with appropriate captions. Subsequently, some additional descriptive text
will be added.
So far as I have been able to determine, the easiest way to ID
most 1982 models is by looking at the "Veed" front grille, which is divided into
three horizontal areas each with many narrow, vertical openings. This theme was carried
through to 1984, with only slight modifications. In 1982 the name "Cadillac"
was spelled out in script at the top LH side of the chromed grille housing.
Additional information and photos of the 1982
models and the related sales literature may be found in The (New) Cadillac Database© sections entitled "Descriptions
and Specifications of Cadillac Cars 1976 - 1997",
"Cadillac and La Salle Sales Literature 1980-1984" as well as in the appropriate "Dream cars" section. Further
recommended reading includes:
"Standard Catalog of Cadillac, 1903-2000" edited by
James T. Lenzke, © 2000, published by Krause Publications, Inc., 700 E. State Street,
Iola, WI 54990 [ISBN #0-87341-925-1, Library of Congress #91-61301].
Images below are from the factory merchandising brochures for that
year. The various models are shown in ascending order of their cost.
>>>>>
1982 Cadillac
Cadillac's string of missteps in the
early 1980s has assumed their place in the automotive hall of shame. From the unreliable
diesel V-8, through the untenable variable-displacement V-8-6-4, to the unseemly Cimarron,
Cadillac seemed to be striking out every time it stepped to the plate.
Thus, it's a testimony to the
enduring power of the Cadillac name and the image it still projected for many buyers that
sales actually rose steadily from 1982 through 1985, from about 235,500 units to nearly
335,000.
Though Cimarron and troublesome
engines may have blotted its enviable engineering record, Cadillac still dominated the U.S.
luxury-car market.
Which brings up another 1982 Cadillac
surprise, yet another new engine. This was a small V-8, just 4.1-liters (249-cubic-inches)
with a cast-iron head atop a lightweight aluminum block, plus digital fuel injection.
Dubbed "HT4100," it was standard for all '82s (save Cimarron and limos).
The Cadillac 4.1 V-8 initially was
rated at 125 horsepower, same as the Buick 4.1-liter V-6, which remained a Cadillac option
for 1982. However, the V-8 actually produced a bit less torque than the V-6. It was
certainly far less torquey than the old 425-cubic-inch V8 or even the V-8-6-4, so the
full-size members of the 1982 Cadillac line were far from rapid.
A happier 1982 Cadillac development
was the addition of an optional Touring Coupe package for the 1982 Cadillac Eldorado. This
dressed the 1982 Cadillac Eldorado with black-finish body moldings (replacing chrome),
fatter tires on aluminum wheels, and standard buckets-and-console interior with unique
trim.
Traditionalists shopped the 1982
Cadillac catalog still had their usual choices of two- and four-door De Villes and
Fleetwoods in plain and D'Elegance trim. There were also standard and Biarritz Eldorados,
and base and Elegante Sevilles -- all available with fake wire wheels and convertible-look
tops.
Cimarron
