Vehicle Description
Often referred to as "The Flying Cadillac," this 1990 Cadillac
Allante is a special chapter in Cadillac history. While Cadillac
was no stranger to building high-end luxury cars, the Allante was
really their first foray into the sporty 2-seater market and GM was
determined to create something very special as their flagship.
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 along should tell you all you need to know about
GM's commitment to building something very special.
The chiseled steel and aluminum bodywork remains handsome even 25
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 White Diamond paint was very good so it's
holding up rather well after 27 years, and the car presents nicely,
suggesting that it has always been a special car to somebody. With
just 28,442 original miles, it's a fantastic survivor that still
draws appreciative looks as it goes down the road. Build quality on
these was always pretty good, and they don't share many parts with
production Cadillacs, making them popular entry-level cars with
collectors who want something a little out of the ordinary.
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 1990, 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. 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. The leather
shows wear typical of a car of this vintage, but no damage, and the
carpets and dashboard are decent, with some fading due to living in
a warm climate all its life. Overhead, there's a black canvas
convertible top that stows neatly underneath an integrated hard
boot that preserves the cars clean, elegant lines. The car also
includes a color-matched hardtop that's a nice addition.
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. The chassis is solid and clean, and since this has
always been a southern car, there's no sign of rust belt issues.
With an all-independent suspension, handling is lively and this car
will surprise you with its capabilities. 4-wheel disc brakes were
part of the package, and feature ABS for safety. Wheels are
distinctive Cadillac alloys in excellent condition and wearing
225/55/16 performance radials.
Despite their limited production status and exotic origins,
Allantes remain reliable, fun, collectible cars with a strong
following. 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!