The Pick of the Day is a 2007 Cadillac XLR-V listed by a New York dealership on ClassicCars.com.
In one of its 1976 brochures, Cadillac called its Eldorado convertible the “Last of the Breed” and warned readers, “It is the only convertible now built in America – and it will not be repeated in 1977.” Sure enough, the ’77 Eldorado brochure doesn’t show a drop-top, but its predecessor wasn’t the last of its kind for long. Cadillac released a newer Eldorado Biarritz Convertible in 1984. The Pinifarina-designed Allante then came along in the 1987 model year. Its successor, the XLR, came out for 2004.
In the years leading up to the release of the XLR, Cadillac made some major shifts in its product line. By the 2004 model year, it had two SUVs: the SRX and Escalade. It had also decided to go after performance-focused buyers with its V line of vehicles, starting with the LS6-powered CTS-V sedan. The XLR benefited from Cadillac’s concentration on making cars that were a combination of cushy and capable in two ways.
First, it was based on the underpinnings of the C6 Corvette. Second, it got its own high-performance V variant in 2006: Cadillac’s version of the BMW M/Mercedes-Benz AMG treatment equipped the angular XLR-V hardtop convertible with wire mesh grillles, a performance-tuned Magnetic Ride Control suspension, 19-inch V-series wheels, and upgraded brakes to handle the supercharged Northstar 4.4-liter V8’s 443 horsepower and 414 lb-ft of torque.
This particular XLR-V here benefits from relative rarity and low miles. According to the selling dealer, it is one of 99 ’07 Vs produced with Infrared paint, which is supported by the production numbers shown on the enthusiast site XLR-Net.com. That’s paired with a clear 3M bra and a Light Cashmere leather and microfiber interior furnished with more leather on the instrument panel, steering wheel, door panels, and center console, which houses the shifter for the six-speed automatic transmission. Features include a power tilt and telescoping steering column, push-button start, a head-up display, dual-zone automatic climate control, an infotainment system with navigation and a 6.5-inch LCD touchscreen, glossy wood accents, and aluminum trim.
Only one owner has had the pleasure of going for fast drives in this XLR-V. As the digital odometer under the Bulgari gauges shows, they (and the selling dealer) limited their indulgence in its supercharged power to just 15,924 miles. You can add to that total by buying this XLR-V for $46,500. It may not be the last Cadillac convertible (perhaps the Sollei concept will influence a future production car), but there’s nothing wrong with it being your first.
Click here to view the listing for this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com.
Source: www.classiccars.com