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Rarity Alert: 1-of-392 Supercharged 2008 Cadillac XLR-V Is Up For Grabs
Cadillac produced 1250 units of the XLR roadster for the 2008 model year, part of a run of 15,460 vehicles sold throughout a production run of six years. That was likely a severe disappointment for the folks at Cadillac, as Mercedes sold 5464 examples of the SL-class roadster in America that same year. A small percentage of these were destined to become Cadillac XLR-Vs, as part of Cadillac’s successful V-series line of high performance offerings. In the XLR, the V-Series sported dynamic componentry akin to that of AMG-grade Mercedes SLs, from bigger brakes to a supercharged Northstar V-8 making 443 horsepower. That’s a lot of motivation under that power-bulge hood, but sadly only a reported 392 V-series were sold in 2008.
Rarity is only one part of the XLR V-series’ equation. That’s because the star-crossed, Corvette C6–inspired, high performance droptop was also a stellar performer with styling touches that took Cadillac’s Art and Science design aesthetic even further than the base XLR did. As you see in this example for sale on Hagerty Marketplace, the mesh grille and bigger wheels give this special Cadillac even more road presence.
The XLR’s hallmark folding roof looks almost as good in the up position as it does folded down. The V-series exclusive 19-inch wheels do a fantastic job filling up the wheel arches, and the black paint wraps it all up in an aggressive and sinister cloak.
It’s a shame that so few XLRs were ordered with the V-Series package, but seeing is fully appreciating. And there’s no mistaking the fact it is roughly 500 pounds lighter than the AMG-fettled Mercedes SL 55. Putting both on a racetrack could make the driver wonder why the Cadillac is rarer than the Mercedes.
The V-Series telltales are more subtle inside the vehicle, yet similarly impressive. There are suede inserts in the heated and cooled bucket seats, and the V-Series emblem is emblazoned on the tachometer. Suede also graces the door cards, and Zingana wood trim with aluminum inserts represents a significant upgrade from a base XLR.
But the pièce de résistance in this package is of course the supercharged Northstar LC3 motor under that impossibly long hood.
A whopping 414 lb-ft of torque is nothing without control of a bespoke sport car chassis, especially one that’s been well maintained. This rare gem sports new brakes, front Magneride struts, and new tires. And that’s just for starters, as this modestly-higher mileage example (76,341 miles reported) has clearly lived a charmed life beyond that of a garage queen.
This XLR-V is so impressive in its detailing that it makes you wonder if more product mix should have been routed to this vehicle instead of its more sedate XLR brother. Perhaps not, but it’s clear which trim level is more appealing today—and not just because of the performance, but because of its rarity.
That isn’t always a good thing, as parts and service for all XLRs will likely continue to be difficult for the average consumer. Luckily Travis Wolfe restores electronics unique to Corvettes and XLRs, including those famously rare and expensive LED tail light assemblies.
As we previously discussed, Cadillac’s XLR is an homage to the custom built Cadillacs of their past, be it Allanté or Eldorado Brougham, and it fits nicely with its modern-day moonshot, the Cadillac Celestiq. But not XLRs are created equal. This black V-series with the optional chrome wheels is a rarity amongst an already exclusive selection. Its next owner must know they are buying something truly special—something truly evocative of the era, with only 391 peers sharing that title.
The current price is very reasonable but there is still time for this thing to lift off to Saturn. If I were closer I would think very hard on this one but long distance car shopping is not my thing
The XLR was such a beautifully-executed, faceted iteration of the C6. Even though a manual transmission wasn’t offered, it’s always puzzled me why it wasn’t more successful. It also makes me wonder what Buick, Oldsmobile, or Pontiac could have done with the same platform.
Prospective buyers should consider: the DOHC Northstar is an unconventional engine, that can be a challenge (but not completely impossible) to rebuild/remanufacture.
The major issue with this car was the standard car was more expensive than the Corvette and had much less power.
The V series should have been the starting point but it was too late to save it.
Most buyers looked at both cars and for the price of this car you could easily buy a C6 with all the good stuff and more power and on the same stiff platform.
The roof was cool but like the others it could be expensive to fix.
Cadillac tried to make it different but they just did not have the power needed to make it special.
Also Corvette people were reluctant to let them have more power as GM was winding to the bail out and Corvette needed all the sales they could to save the brand. The Corvette folks only agreed as they wanted to add production to the plant for protection in the bail out.
Soon after this Corvette offered the Grand sport for less money and all the goods the Cadillac had.
Cadillac has always wanted a sports car but never earned the rep for a good sports car. They really needed get a sports car out on the CT5 platform that was a good solid touring convertible and then work their way up.
But today with the new ZR1X they really would have a difficult time to top that. So I imagine they will not do much in this area as it is just not their good for them right now.
The real trouble is they have failed with two sports cars and they have one more shot. If they choose to do one they have to get it right and not compete with Corvette.
I kind of though they should have taken the C6-7 and try again now Corvette is now Mid engine. But the Corvette folks don’t like to share.
I wanted one of these for a while. Reading more about them and some of the issues and lack of parts scared me away. The tail lights were specifically something I remember as being unobtanium.
I always thought these were sharp and along with the other V-line, made a pretty good push against the AMG cars of the day. As mentioned, I think the price shied away a lot of customers. Just because they were cheaper than the comparable Mercedes, that didn’t mean Cadillac buyers wanted to spend that much.
I own an ’06 V, and it is an absolute blast to drive. If I had to continue to work with the dealer for service, I would have long since moved on from it, though. The good news is the “network” of people who know these cars is pretty tight, and I found a guy here who treats the car like he owns it, and knows where to look for parts when needed. (I keep hoping for a boost in their value, but even if that never comes to pass, it’s a fun piece of history to tool around in.)
Back in the day, I used to see a black XLR from time to time parked outside the post office that I patronized. One day I spotted the car as an older woman, probably in her late 70s, was stepping into the top down vehicle. I suspect I made her day when I said ‘Ma’am, that car sure looks good on you.’
It is a cool car. i remember when we got these at the Cadillac dealer and put it on the lift and compared it to the Corvette at the time. It was neat to see what was similar and different. I think I only saw an XLR V a couple times ever in the wild.
Nice car, but like many of Cadillac’s early “Art and Science” designs, the bumpers are a bit large and heavy looking compared to the rest of the vehicle.