A restorer in Iran has brought luxury cars back to life, including the polished dark blue 1978 Cadillac Seville. Once produced in Iran, the vehicles were considered symbols of wealth and affluence in the country before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
A partnership between General Motors and an Iranian company resulted in the production of the cars who were sold in Iran for two and a half times the cost in America during the country’s oil boom period.
Despite the challenges posed by the scarcity of parts, aging vehicles, and US sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme, Khosro Dahaghin’s love for restoring luxury cars, such as the Sevilles, persists.
He meticulously examines every aspect of the vehicles in Iran, including the frames, components, and stitching, as part of his passion for restoring them.
As he works, he proudly wears a necklace with the iconic Cadillac crest and regards the Cadillac Iran as the most luxurious and special car ever assembled in the country. According to him, it was an unrivaled brand in any conceivable aspect at the time of its production.
On the surface, the Seville may not appear to be an appealing antique car with its nearly square frame and interior accented with wood.
However, it marked a significant shift for Cadillac during a period when American consumers were drawn to smaller luxury vehicles produced by European manufacturers.
Previously known for their massive, finned cars, Cadillac’s fuel-efficient and maneuverable Seville caught the attention of drivers seeking a new driving experience.
The Seville was equipped with a powerful fuel-injected V8 engine, luxurious interior options, and automatic locks and windows, offering a superior driving experience.
In 1975, when it entered the market, a base model Seville was priced at $12,479, which is equivalent to over $70,000 today. During the 1978 model year, General Motors produced almost 57,000 Sevilles.
At the time, Iran was the only country outside the United States where Cadillac was produced. General Motors established General Motors Iran Ltd., which produced the Seville and other vehicles, utilizing knock-down kits from Detroit.
The Seville was the most lavish car produced in Iran and assembled under the supervision of American engineers. However, the Sevilles sold for approximately $35,000 in Iran, which was more expensive than what American drivers paid due to higher import duties.
According to a New York Times story from 1977, a General Motors official remarked that Iranians desired a pair of Levi’s and a car as soon as they could afford them.
The exact number of Sevilles produced in Iran is unclear and remains a topic of discussion among the country’s car enthusiasts.
The exact number of Sevilles produced in Iran is disputed, with estimates ranging from over 2,600 to 2,500. Saeed Shobeiri, the editor-in-chief of Machine Magazine in Tehran, gave an estimate at the higher end of the range.
The Iranian Revolution of 1979 resulted in the departure of GM and the Americans from the country, with Sevilles continuing to be produced from remaining knock-down kits for several years under the nationalized GM Iran plant, which was eventually reshaped into the automotive firm Pars Khodro, which is still operational today.
As part of the Algiers Accords, that led to the release of captives at the U.S. Embassy in Iran, the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal awarded GM about $20 million. Shobeiri suggests that roughly 60 Sevilles remain on the road, while over 100 cannot be driven.
Dahaghin and his team are contributing to the preservation of Sevilles today. They have been restoring them at their garage in Roudehen, approximately 30 miles east of central Tehran, since 2013, drawing inspiration from the former MTV show “Pimp My Ride.”
The garage features Seville frames on display outside the shop bearing the iconic Cadillac crest. Dahaghin carefully inspects each car body inside while running his hands over the body lines. Some of the vehicles exhibit signs of age and rust, while a colossal V8 engine accompanies them.
Dahaghin also notes that the process of restoring these vintage cars serves a larger purpose beyond simply preserving history.
“We take a car that has been destroyed, and we bring it back to life,” he said. “It’s a bit like what we’re trying to do with our country. We’re trying to rebuild Iran and bring it back to life.”
Despite the challenges and time-consuming nature of the restoration process, Dahaghin shows no signs of slowing down. He has already restored over 50 vintage cars and has many more lined up for future projects.
For him, the joy of seeing these classic cars back on the road is well worth the effort.
“I like to see people’s reactions when they see these cars,” he said. “It’s like bringing a piece of history back to life. And that’s really what restoration is all about.”
In addition to preserving history, Dahaghin’s work also creates jobs for locals and helps support the economy.
He hires experienced mechanics and craftsmen to assist him in the restoration process, providing employment opportunities for skilled workers.
Moreover, these vintage cars have become a source of pride for Iranians, who can now showcase their country’s cultural and technological history on the roads. Restoring these cars has given people a sense of connection to their past and a renewed hope for the future.
Dahaghin’s passion for vintage cars and his commitment to restoring them has not only revived Iran’s automotive heritage but also instilled a sense of national identity and pride in its people.
By preserving and showcasing the country’s rich history, he is contributing to the ongoing process of rebuilding and revitalizing Iran.
Asgharzadeh’s sentiments are shared by many vintage car enthusiasts around the world who appreciate the unique charm and personality of these classic vehicles. The growing interest among younger generations in classic cars like Cadillacs reflects a desire for authenticity and a connection to the past.
Dahaghin’s restoration work not only preserves a piece of automotive history but also inspires a new generation of car enthusiasts in Iran and beyond.
As more people discover the joy and beauty of classic cars, it is likely that the demand for vintage car restoration services, including those for Cadillacs, will continue to grow.