1991 Cadillac Allante 42957 Miles Red Convertible 4.5 Liter V8 Automatic

Description

Often referred to as "The Flying Cadillac," the Allante is a special chapter in Cadillac history. While the "flying" nickname could be used to describe the car's performance, it actually refers to the fact that the bodies were built by Pininfarina in Turin, Italy, and flown to the US for final assembly in a specially-designed 747 jumbo jet 56 cars at a time. Just this concept alone should tell you all you need to know about GM's commitment to building... something very special. This 1991 Cadillac Allante is a super clean 42,957-mile car that still carries its original bright red paint. The chiseled steel and aluminum bodywork remains handsome even 30 years after it was introduced, and these cars still attract a lot of attention on the road with their muscular good looks. The quality of the original build was very good, and the car still presents well, suggesting that Cadillac had learned its lessons about shoddy build quality and sought to make the Allante truly world class. This one has been dressed up with a set of aftermarket fog lights up front, but otherwise, there's not much to detract from the classic shape. There's some wear and tear, but it still attracts a great deal of attention. Cadillac really broke with tradition in the Allante's interior, going with deeply sculpted buckets in soft black Italian leather and a very driver-oriented dashboard. Digital gauges were all the rage in 1991, and the Allante has a full array of instruments keeping an eye on the engine, and it was one of the earliest applications of a tachometer in a Cadillac. And unlike many Allantes, the digital dash in this one is fully functional and bright, although there's a brake warning light (more on this in a moment). Of course, as the top-of-the-line Cadillac, everything was standard equipment, from automatic climate control, to power windows and locks, to a powerful entertainment system with both a cassette deck and a CD player, although it's been supplanted by a modern head unit stashed in the glove box. Overhead, there's a black canvas convertible top that stows neatly underneath an integrated hard boot that preserves the cars clean, elegant lines. The powertrain is lifted almost intact from the Eldorado, meaning you get a torquey 4.5-liter V8 driving the front wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission. It makes all the right V8 sounds, and has proven itself to be a virtually bulletproof engine over the years. The engine bay is typical of cars of this mileage and age, and shows signs of regular maintenance. It fires up eagerly with a great V8 rumble from the exhaust, and moves the roadster effortlessly. Servicing is easy, since many of the mechanical bits are shared with other Cadillacs of the time, so there aren't any exotic motor repair bills in this car's future. With an all-independent suspension, handling is lively and this car will surprise you with its capabilities, and the braking system was professionally converted to a hydro-boost setup to improve feel (hence the warning light). Wheels are 17-inch aftermarket alloys in excellent condition and wearing recent Goodyear performance radials. Despite their limited production status and exotic origins, Allantes remain reliable, fun, collectible cars with a strong following. This is a no-stories car with a clean ownership history that presents well and drives like it should. If you've been looking for a convertible this summer, but are tired of all the "me too" Mustangs and Chryslers, take another look at the Flying Cadillac. Call today!