The Cadillac XLR was a two-seat luxury sports retractable-hardtop convertible introduced for the 2004 model year. The XLR was manufactured alongside the Chevy Corvette at the Bowling Green, Kentucky assembly plant. It shared the Corvette’s Y-platform, utilizing a hydroformed perimeter frame and unique composite body panels. Instruments were designed by famed watchmaker Bulgari. The XLR also featured Magnetic Ride Control, a head-up display, radar adaptive cruise control, HID headlights, and rear-mounted transaxle. Rather than using the Corvette’s V8, the XLR was powered by the 4.6-liter Northstar engine. Base price for the XLR was just over $75,000.
With the introduction of the 2004 Cadillac XLR, luxury retailer Neiman Marcus ordered a limited run of 101 special-edition XLRs for their 2003 Christmas catalog. The Neiman Marcus XLRs were available only through the Christmas catalog. They were finished in special-order Ultra Violet over Shale leather interior with eucalyptus wood trim. The Cadillac XLR Neiman Marcus Editions each had an engraved sill plate with the individual production number. According to Neiman Marcus, when the catalog was released on October 15th, 2003, the XLRs sold out in fewer than fifteen minutes, setting a record for Neiman Markus fantasy gift vehicle sales.
Our feature 2004 Cadillac XLR Neiman Marcus Edition is number 79 of 101 produced. It is finished in Ultra Violet over a Shale leather interior with eucalyptus wood trim on the steering wheel, center console, door panels, and shift knob. The XLR is powered by a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 producing 320 horsepower, backed by a 5L50 five-speed automatic transaxle. Equipment includes a power-retractable hardtop, Bose audio system with in-dash six CD changer, satellite radio, tilt-telescopic steering column, dual-zone climate control, Magnetic Ride Control, HID headlights, heated power seats, heated power mirrors, auto-dimming rear view mirror, park assist, navigation, steering wheel controls, and Homelink. The XLR rolls on aftermarket Stance Sport wheels shod in low-profile rubber.
This 2004 Cadillac XLR Nieman Marcus Edition will cross the Mecum Auctions block at their Chattanooga, TN event October 13th and 14th.
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Comments
Looks as good as any car available today.
Love the XLR: the small window of time when GM had the guts to bring concept cars to production largely intact. In this case, the ’99 Evoq concept became the ’04 XLR.
A large number of XLR-specific parts are discontinued; salvage yards are fully aware of this, pricing parts accordingly.
Many of those involved in even minor accidents where a head or tail light, (can’t drive legally without either) requires replacement are being scrapped, since insurance companies do not cover used parts. Used , working lights can run $5k, making it impractical for many owners.
With ELR production a fraction of the 15,000 XLRs built, those owners who intend to keep their vehicles long-term can expect the same issues if they haven’t proactively bought extra lighting components for spares.