The name "Seville" was chosen for Cadillac's first small car after extensive research. It was selected over other suggestions like LaSalle and LaScala, primarily because, as noted by GM Marketing Director Gordon Horsburgh, "It had no negatives." The name is derived from a Spanish province and its capital, renowned for its history and treasures of art and architecture. Cadillac had previously used the nameplate for a two-door hardtop version of the 1956 Eldorado, with 1960 being the last model year for the Eldorado Seville.
For the 1980 model year, the Seville's K-body platform became front-wheel drive, based on the E-body Eldorado, Buick Riviera, and Oldsmobile Toronado. The new model featured independent rear suspension. The standard engine was the new digitally fuel-injected 368 cu in (6.0 L) Cadillac L62 V8, with the 350 cu in (5.7 L) Oldsmobile diesel carried over from the previous generation available as a no-cost option, except in California. The razor-edged bustle-back rear styling drew inspiration from English coachbuilder Hooper & Co.'s "Empress Line" designs from the early 1950s. The Seville's bustle-back styling was the ultimate realization of many previous conceptual design efforts by GM designer Wayne Kady and was one of the last vehicles designed under the leadership of General Motors Vice President of Design Bill Mitchell.
In 1981, memory seats appeared on the Seville, a feature not seen on a Cadillac since the Eldorado Broughams of the late 1950s. A digital instrument cluster, shared with the Eldorado, was also new for 1981. Engine options changed for 1981, with the V8 now equipped with the V8-6-4 variable displacement technology. A carbureted 4.1 L (252 cu in) Buick V6 was added as a credit option. In 1982, the Seville offered heated outside rear-view mirrors and a "Symphony Sound" stereo cassette tape system. The previously standard diesel engine became an option with the introduction of a new 4.1 L (250 cu in) HT-4100 engine. For 1983, the Buick V6 was dropped, and a new "Delco/Bose" stereo cassette system was offered. This was also the last year for an available 8-track stereo system. From 1983 through 1985, it was available with a fake cabriolet roof option.
From 1978, through the third generation in 1988, the Seville was available with the Elegante package. It added a unique black/silver two-tone exterior paint combination and perforated leather seats in light gray only. Real wire wheels were standard, as were a host of other features which were optional or unavailable on the base Seville. In 1979, a second color combination was added, a two-tone copper shade with a matching leather interior. For the second generation Elegante in 1985, a monotone paint combination became available; however, dual-shade combinations, later available in various colors, remained more popular.
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