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Hold the letters, folks. If, after you read this buyer's guide, you find yourself wanting to ask us why a 14-year-old Cadillac is gracing the pages of a classic car magazine, stop and consider the marque's history.
More than 50 years ago, Cadillac truly stood as "The Standard of the World" with the stunning Eldorado Biarritz, the Series 62 convertible and the very expensive, hand-built, limited-edition 1957 and 1958 Eldorado Broughams, which listed for more than $13,000, a pretty penny for the time. After the 1950s, Cadillac no longer offered any custom-made cars. In the early 1980s, the 4.1-liter engine was a disaster, as was the Oldsmobile diesel, which could be ordered in some Cadillacs.
New stereos from Cadillac long out of production. The cassette decks and CD players are rebuildable. Prices vary from $125 to $225. This is four units that are serviced by removing a backside plate. The top houses the heating and cooling system, the next is a driver information cneter, next is the radio and CD player and at the bottom is a cassette player
Heading into the mid-1980s, then, Cadillac had to create something new if it wanted to remain competitive in the luxury car market; it needed an automobile that captivated the masses and that people could aspire to--a truly world-class car. Cadillac wanted to harness the prestige of European design and the skill of a renowned coachbuilder in order to compete with Mercedes and Jaguar.
Enter the Allanté.
Originally created under the code name "Callisto," the Allanté was designed and built in Turin, Italy, by noted coachbuilder Pininfarina. It was a true Italian-American offspring, because below its sleekly styled Italian bodywork rested an American V-8 engine and transmission, as well as other reliable mechanical systems. In all respects, the Allanté represented the best of both countries, a car imbued with an impeccable pedigree of style.
The Allanté proved popular in Hollywood. J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) drove a silver Allanté in the later years of the hit TV show Dallas; Sylvester Stallone drove one in Tango and Cash, and an Allanté was driven by Joe Pesci in one of the Lethal Weapon movies.
Engine
The 1987-'88 Allantés used the HT 4100 4.1-liter V-8, an underpowered 170hp engine that suffered from weak intake manifold gaskets, which, in part, could lead to internal engine failure. From 1989 through 1992, a far better 200hp 4.5-liter V-8 was used, with reports of numerous 4.5 engines lasting more than 200,000 miles. "One 4.5 engine that we know of has gone 300,000 miles," said Allanté expert Dick Hussey, who specializes in Allanté parts in Florida.
Shifter knob is leather-wrapped. No current reproduction is known. Natural oils from dirver's hand are the worst thing for leather; it's best to use Lexol on this also
In contrast to other engines of the era, the 4.5 V-8 is easy to work on. Dick said the key to long engine life is regular maintenance, particularly changing the coolant, and taking care never to overheat the engine.
By 1993, Cadillac had the right stuff with the all-new and all-aluminum Northstar. The name "Northstar" itself came from Cadillac's quest for something to guide the marque back to prominence; a state-of-the-art engine, it lived up to those lofty expectations, and still powers many Cadillac sedans today. The Northstar was the first domestic overhead-cam V-8 to employ 32 valves, four cams and four valves per cylinder. While the ZR-1 Corvette incorporated this technology a few years earlier, that engine was based on a Lotus design and not a domestic innovation.
The 1993 Northstar V-8 displaced 279 cubic inches and featured a 3.66-inch bore and short 3.31-inch stroke with a fairly high 10.3:1 compression ratio. The 295 horsepower was realized at 5,600 rpm, while its maximum torque rating of 290-lbs.ft. registered at 4,400 rpm. Fuel was delivered via electronic-tuned port injection.
This engine was designed from the ground up with absolutely no previously made Cadillac or GM parts used, and was able to run between 60 and 100 miles without any coolant in the block. One unique feature of the new design was the location of the starter inside the engine block, under the intake manifold. This proved to be a good design choice, as most engineers will tell you that dirt and water thrown up from the road are the two biggest culprits leading to premature starter failure.
Despite their innovative design and durability, Northstars can be difficult to work on. For example, the radiator must be removed to replace the alternator and, of course, the intake must be removed to replace the starter.
The 1993 Northstar, while basically a very stout engine, had oil leak issues with the case seal, says Tom Rohner, president of the Allanté Club of America and an Allanté parts vendor. Tom told us that the engine must be removed from the car to repair this flaw, a fix that roughly translates to about a three-day job resealing the entire engine with new gaskets. Cost: about $2,000.
Another problem with the Northstar is there have been some cases of stripped-out cylinder head bolts, usually in the middle of the rear head. This can be repaired, but the engine must be removed and upgraded head bolts installed with time-serts, which are thin wall, self-locking solid bushings. Made of 12L14 carbon steel and 303 stainless steel, they're very strong and, when installed properly, cannot wind down into a threaded hole.
Owner Dave Schultz
Despite these problems, we have heard of a 1993 Allanté engine that lasted 350,000 miles, and the car was still running with 440,000 miles on it when it was rear-ended and totaled.
Transmissions
Several automatic transmissions were used through the Allanté's production. From 1987 through 1992, a Turbo Hydra-Matic 440 F7 was used. We know of many TH 440s that have gone more than 200,000 miles without any trouble, so long as the fluid and filter were changed regularly. GM introduced the 4T80E, a stout four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, with a lock-up torque converter, for the 1993 Allanté. The final drive ratio came in at 3.71:1
Suspension
Unlike the Cadillacs of yesteryear, the Allanté utilizes a modern, road-hugging suspension design. The front featured struts located by one lateral link and one trailing link, coil springs, electronically-controlled shocks and an anti-roll bar. This system, called Speed Dependent Damping Control, debuted on the 1989 models and worked by firming up the suspension at 25 mph and again at 60 mph. The firmest setting also was used when starting from a standstill until 5 mph. Also introduced in 1989 was a variable-assist steering system.
The rear suspension was also independent, and incorporated unequal-length control arms, a toe-control link, fiberglass transverse leaf spring, electronically-controlled shocks and an anti-roll bar.
The tires were rated to 155 mph.
Brakes
"The early models had a Bosch-made braking system, which was terribly trouble-prone," Tom tells us. He says the system can be rebuilt, but at a price. The later disc brake system incorporated several improvements, which proved reliable. Ironically, GM chose Bosch to produce the updated braking system. According to Dick Hussey, "The system was not inherently bad, but failed because of poor maintenance. Nobody told us we had to flush and replace the brake fluid regularly. For those who replaced the brake pads, which usually pushed the old fluid back into the master cylinder, that is very bad."
Interior
The interior was a comfortable two-seat arrangement swathed in butter-soft leather; the steering wheel and the shifter handle also were leather-wrapped. The only option from 1987 through 1989 was a telephone, and the 1988-'93 models could be had with either analog or digital instrument clusters, unlike the earlier models, which only came with digital instrumentation. In 1991, the Allanté received a 200-watt, eight-speaker Delco-Bose stereo system. In its final year, 1993, a newly redesigned console module featured dual fold-out cup holders.
Body/Frame
As mentioned earlier, the bodies were built in Italy and then flown to the Hamtramck, Michigan, facility for powertrain installation. The hood, trunk and hardtop were aluminum, while the remainder of the body had steel panels. The hardtop became an option in 1990 and lasted through the end of the line. Chrome wheels were optional in 1993 only. Changes for 1993 included a deeper front spoiler and single-piece side windows.
There were some extra-cost paint colors available in certain years. The rarest color of all is Pearl Flax, a light yellow. Other rare colors include Verde Flax, a teal shade, Polo Green, of which there are only 50 1992 specimens and 88 1993 examples, and Montana Blue, a 1993-only color. Dick said there are reportedly about 150 cars painted Montana Blue; our feature car is one of these. Other colors available were Pearl White, Arctic White, Champagne, Pearl Red, Bright or Euro Red and black. There were also a number of Mary Kay Pink Allantés built. Tom estimates that about 17 of the 1993 Mary Kay cars survive.
Restoration Parts
Thanks to men like Tom Rohner and Dick Hussey, there is help for Allanté owners. Tom is busy working to reproduce Allanté-specific parts from his business, Tom Rohner's Allanté Store in San Diego, California. He said many engine and transmission parts, such as internal engine parts, water pumps, alternators, etc., are still available from any Cadillac dealer, although they almost certainly have to be special-ordered. Some electronic sensors may be very hard to locate in the coming years, and there are no known body parts available from GM, except what a dealer might have lying around. Despite the fact the oldest Allanté is now almost 21 years old, there are likely few of them sitting in junkyards.
Specialists
Tom Rohner's Allanté Store
619-807-8770
www.Allantestore.com
Reproduction seat covers, license plate brackets, floor mats, fiberglass parts, parking lamp lenses, carpet sets coming soon
Allantésource.com
561-844-3938
www.allantesource.com
Used parts, reconditioned stereos, master cylinders, body parts, trim, NOS chrome wheels
Cadillac King
866-890-0621
www.cadillacking.com
Club Scene
Allanté Club of America
17327 Via Del Campo
San Diego, California 92127
619-807-8770
www.Allante.com
Dues: $45/year (online)
Production
1987: 3,363
1988: 2,569
1989: 3,296
1990: 3,101
1991: 2,500
1992: 1,931
1993: 4,670
Owner's View
"I own plenty of cars and have had a bunch of Cadillacs, but this one car I will never sell," says owner Dave Schultz of Houston, Texas. "I bought this car brand new, and it's one of very few painted Montana Blue. I love the car because it is unique. I was considering a Jaguar V-12 and Mercedes Benz 560SL at the time, but could not afford them. My Allanté listed for $65,000 and I think I paid $43,000 for it.
"I have a little more than 20,000 miles on the car and it has given me very little trouble. I do all my own work and have only changed the fluids and serpentine belt. The biggest issue with this car is that it goes through batteries; I've probably installed 10 new batteries. It has so many computers that when the car sits, it drains batteries down to the point where they are useless. You have to drive it almost every week to avoid that problem.
"I love how it handles and you never see these anymore, but if you're buying an Allanté for a comfortable ride like the Broughams and Eldorados of the 1980s and 1990s, forget it. This is a sporty car with a rougher ride."
Parts Prices
Cassette player, rebuilt $125 to $300
CD player, rebuilt $225 to $300
Engine, HT4100, used $1,000
Engine, HT5400, used $1,000
Fender, used $600
Floor mats, custom $119
Hood, used $1,600
Northstar engine, refurbished $2,000
Master cylinder, ABS, rebuilt $950
Mirror, outside rearview, used $600
Spoiler, front, reproduction $199
Wheels, chrome 1993, NOS $1,600
Window regulator, rebuilt $350
Window switches $250
What to pay
1987: $5,500
1988: $6,500
1989: $7,000
1990: $8,000
1991: $10,000
1992: $11,000
1993: $17,000
Recent
On this episode of Repair2Rev, join us as Riley and Dane share invaluable tips and tricks on tackling one of the most crucial aspects of vehicle maintenance: the brakes. From the essential do's and don'ts to the step-by-step process of replacing and upgrading front disc brakes, you'll learn everything you need to know to keep your ride safe and reliable.
As they move to the rear of the truck they delve into the intricate world of rear drum brake systems, demonstrating the art of rebuilding and restoring this often-overlooked component of classic trucks. And to ensure your truck stops on a dime, they'll wrap up the episode with a comprehensive guide to bleeding the brake system, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for peak performance. Knowledge gained here will help you find your bargain buy without the anxiety of lacking repair tips. Hemmings is the ultimate destination for finding your perfect ride. Head to Hemmings.com to register and start your search today.
The British motor industry is well represented on this week’s round up of successful sales on Hemmings.com. The strongest listing went to an LS V8-powered 1997 Land Rover Defender 110 custom that outperformed the market and looked to be able to well outperform a stock 110. A 1978 Aston Martin AM V8 found a new home via auction, the same fate experienced by a V12-powered 1972 Jaguar XKE Series 3 roadster. The original Jeep Grand Wagoneer was perhaps the first luxury SUV and the 1988 example sold on Hemmings.com featured low-mileage and excellent overall condition. There are few muscle cars are instantly recognizable as a Carousel Red Pontiac GTO Judge, like the 1969 model detailed below. Finally, we look at a restored 1913 Ford Model T Runabout sold from a Canadian-based collection.
For the week of May 12 through May 18, a total of 61 listings crossed the Hemmings Auctions block. Including Make Offer listings of previously ended auctions, a total of 40 cars were sold, resulting in a net 66% sell-through rate. An additional 29 cars were sold via direct Make Offer listings.
You can keep abreast of the latest consignments by subscribing to the daily Hemmings Auctions email newsletter.
1978 Aston Martin AM V8
Reserve: $80,000
Selling Price: $84,000
Recent Market Range: $45,000-$80,000
Aston Martin produced some version of its V8-powered saloon from 1969 through 1989, though we are more likely to refer to the body style as a coupe on this side of the Atlantic. A beefy 5.3-liter DOHC V8 with multiple carburetors and a stout Chrysler-sourced TorqueFlite automatic very much gave the models a muscle car vibe, albeit one made with fine leather upholstery and thick wool carpets. This silver on red 1978 Aston Martin AM V8 Series III saloon, which traded hands last year via online auction for $46,988, achieved one of the highest prices seen in recent years for a coupe equipped with a standard-specification engine, particularly outside the U.K., where values are typically stronger.
1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Reserve: $63,000
Selling Price: $68,775
Recent Market Range: $54,000-$75,000
Perhaps no other American vehicle has combined class and off-road capability quite like the original Grand Wagoneer, the trailblazing luxury SUV that was produced by Jeep for almost three decades. This 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was submitted with just 27,417 miles showing on the odometer and plenty of notes from the seller indicating the original condition of the vehicle and all of its major components. The undercarriage, interior and engine bay photos all appeared to show an exceptionally clean example, which is notable for a rust-prone vehicle that has been in the Northeast since new. The net sale price, achieved with the 39th bid, was in line with market expectations for this very collectible vehicle.
1997 Land Rover Defender 110
Asking Price: $150,000
Selling Price: $157,500
Recent Market Range: $80,000-$150,000
The Land Rover Defender market shows no signs of slowing down, particularly as more and more examples are allowed into the U.S. via the DOT’s 25-year rule for previously banned imports. Likewise, there is a burgeoning market for what can best be described as restomodded examples, like this 1997 Land Rover Defender 110, which was powered by a modern GM LS3 V8, the same powerplant found in later C6 Corvettes. The list of what was original to this SUV might be shorter than what was changed, given the comprehensive nature of the build. Achieved via a direct Make Offer listing, the net sale price of this Land Rover was at the very top end of recent market activity for such customized Defenders.
1969 Pontiac GTO Judge
Reserve: $54,000
Selling Price: $52,500
Recent Market Range: $46,000-$62,000
This 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge ticked all the right boxes: matching numbers with photos verification of the partial VIN stamping on the engine block of the original Ram Air III V8, Muncie four-speed manual transmission, PHS documentation, and that classic Carousel Red finish and Judge decals. It looked to be in excellent overall condition, but it also appeared to have been driven and enjoyed some in recent years, with some signs of wear. And the net sale price, achieved via post-auction Make Offer listing, reflected the condition and authenticity of the car. A concours-level example, or one with a rare Ram Air IV engine for example, would likely command a premium over this one.
1972 Jaguar E-type Series III Roadster
Reserve: $65,000
Selling Price: $69,825
Recent Market Range: $78,000-$115,000
The final iteration of the Jaguar XKE was a bit larger than the original and not as precisely focused on its sporting nature. Rather, with a big V12 under the hood, it was more of a GT car. This 1972 Jaguar E-type Series III Roadster appeared to have some minor wear and tear and signs of road use, but it made up for any shortcomings with what appeared to be an abundance of authenticity. The seller noted that the exterior finish, interior upholstery and engine were all original. Reflecting the low number of owners and the car’s years sitting in a museum, the odometer reading of just over 30,000 miles was also believed accurate. While the net sale price was below market expectations, it was not too far off.
1913 Ford Model T Runabout
Reserve: $25,00
Selling Price: $26,250
Recent Market Range: $22,000-$36,000
There has never been a shortage of early Fords at Hemmings, dating to the earliest days of our magazine. Like any other vehicle, the most desired examples in the best condition will always attract the bidders. This 1913 Ford Model T Runabout appeared to have been restored to high level and showed only minimal signs of use. It was also equipped with an electric starter. The maroon body, black fenders and white spoke wheels nicely complemented the button-tufted black vinyl seat. The undercarriage appeared to be exceptionally clean, indicating little use for the car that was said to come from a Model T collection. The next sale price was well within the going market rate for an open-top, two-seat, early Model T.
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