1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

Description

While convertibles had been a popular choice among Cadillac owners in the mid-1960s, the demand for them began to decline in the ensuing years. Despite this shift, Cadillac maintained its reputation for luxury and continued to build big cars with big engines — for as long as it could, at least.  

In 1977, the automaker embarked on a new direction by introducing a completely redesigned model featuring smaller body dimensions and engines, aimed at improving fuel efficiency. Consequently, the 1976 model year was the end of an era for Cadillac’s full-sized luxury cars equipped with the iconic 500 cu-in V8 engine, and the Eldorado Convertible became the last American-built droptop for many years.  

General Motors made sure that it went out in style. At almost 19 feet in length, the Eldorado Convertible defied the looming gas crunch and safety regulations in the biggest, boldest way possible. The car featured a plush leather interior and power everything — steering, brakes, windows, locks, seat, antenna, and soft top. Cadillac produced 14,000+ convertibles that year, an increase of more than 5,000, due to the hype surrounding its “final” status. 

Highlights 

• Finished in Georgian Silver Metallic (13) paint with Sable Black (19R) top 

• Antique Light Smoke Gray leather interior (152) 

• Powered by a 500 cu-in V8 engine rated at 190 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque 

• Turbo-Hydramatic 425 (THM425) three-speed automatic transmission 

• The chassis number (6L67S6Q175365) decodes as: 

  • 6 – Cadillac  

  • L – Eldorado  

  • 67 – Two-door convertible  

  • S – 500 cu-in V8  

  • 6 – 1976 model year  

  • Q – Detroit assembly plant  

  • 175365 – Sequential production number  

Features 

• Front-wheel-drive, two-door luxury convertible  

• Exterior thermometer built into driver’s side rearview mirror  

• Quad rectangular headlights  

• Power steering, disc brakes, windows, locks, seat, antenna, and soft top 

• Wood-trimmed steering wheel   

• Automatic climate control (air conditioning) 

• Cruise control 

• 100 mph speedometer 

• 15-inch factory wheels with chrome Cadillac hubcaps 

• American Classic 235/75R15 whitewall tires 

 Known Imperfections 

• Paint bubbling around antenna bracket 

• Paint bubbling on driver’s side in front of rear wheel well 

• Driver’s door upholstery is cracked 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack 

• Owner’s manual 

• CD shop manual with section on Body by Fischer details 

• Miscellaneous spare parts  

• Detailed repair history document 

Ownership History 

The New York seller of this 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible has owned it since January 2011.