2011 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon

Highlights

• Rare RHD second-generation CTS Wagon
• Japanese import
• Huge specification
• Superb overall condition
• 3.0 V6 auto

Overview

Sometimes, a single car can change the reputation of a brand, and that was certainly the case with the Cadillac CTS.

Conceived under the leadership of legendary GM designer Wayne Cherry – the man who gave us the original Camaro and the Vauxhall Calibra, to name just two of his most PH-friendly designs – the CTS was a car with a tough brief. It was essentially to get Cadillac out of the golf club car park and into the one at the gym. To make the brand appeal to a whole new demographic of younger buyers, and to harmonise its dynamics with the best that Europe had to offer.

It was the first GM car on the rear-drive Sigma platform, for which GM openly benchmarked the BMW 5-Series E39 and Jaguar S-Type as its key targets. It was to be a Cadillac that was also a driver’s car, and with quality to match the best that Europe had to offer – a far cry, then, from the lardy Caddies that went before it.

Amazingly, GM nailed it. When the CTS appeared, it was lauded in the motoring media as being a truly great car to drive, and not just in the USA. It went on to spearhead Cadillac’s relaunch in other markets, such as Europe and Japan, which is where this example began its life.

Manufactured in 2011, it’s a second-generation CTS – essentially a major facelift, with an instantly recognisable face and a sharpened-up chassis, as well as a new 3.0-litre LF1 V6 developing 270bhp. More importantly, it’s a Station Wagon – a variant introduced in 2010 so Cadillac could try and steal a slice of the 5-Series Touring’s pie. And let’s face it, what’s not to like about a fruity estate car, especially one that’s black-on-black. This is a cool car, yet also refreshingly different.

Understandably rare in the UK, especially in right-hand-drive format, here is your chance to buy a brilliantly useful, quirky and really quite handsome modern classic, perfect for everyday use whilst still being delightfully different. There’s an awful lot to like.

History and documentation

• UK V5C in the name of the vendor
• MOT April 2025
• Imported in March 2024
• All duties cleared and copy of NOVA declaration included
• Original handbooks and manuals – in Japanese
• Some Japanese invoices and service records
• Japanese toll road card system still in place, as well as a centre console full of 7-eleven receipts and ramen restaurant loyalty cards, left for the next owner to complete the JDM package

Interior

• Black leather heated and cooled electrically adjustable seats
• Some very minor bolster wear on driver’s seat edge
• Black leather door trims
• Smart black carpets with Cadillac dealer mats
• Wood-style fascia trim and gear selector
• Fully functional climate control
• Heated steering wheel
• BOSE surround sound stereo system with boot-mounted sub
• Reversing camera
• Huge load bay with flat-folding rear seat and roller luggage cover
• Professionally cleaned and valeted ahead of sale

Exterior

• Original Black Raven paint in very smart order
• Powder-coated gold TSW alloys with recent Yokohama tyres
• According to the vendor, the Cadillac’s underside is incredibly clean and free of corrosion, as is common with Japanese import cars
• No notable dents or corrosion
• The buyer should expect minor marks and defects commensurate with the car’s age, but the vendor reports that the paint finish is excellent and has a good shine to it
• Rear privacy glass

Mechanical

• 3.0-litre LF1 V6
• 270bhp
• Six-speed automatic gearbox
• MOT advisory for oil leak has been addressed with the fitting of a new rocker cover gasket
• According to the vendor, the CTS drives very well with no reported issues with the engine, transmission, brakes, steering or suspension

Summary

Stealthy, stylish and surprisingly engaging to drive, the CTS Sportwagon (to give it its official moniker) is a fantastic choice of oddball estate. Svelte and smooth, yet somehow sinister, it’s a car that oozes presence.

It’s fabulously well-equipped, too, as well as being spectacularly comfortable. If you want a car that’s perfect for day-to-day use but at the same time truly stands out, you’ve found it. It’s a fascinating and unusual thing and it’s in mega condition.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Hampshire.