1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

Description

“This is more than one of the finest convertibles ever built. It is the only convertible now built in America.” – Cadillac brochure, 1976 

By the 1970s, convertibles, once the most grandiose expression of the American automobile, had fallen out of favor with the buying public. Even Chevrolet, who always sold more Corvette convertibles than coupes, saw the numbers dramatically reverse. By 1976, all U.S. manufacturers had removed convertibles from their offerings – except Cadillac. The 1976 Eldorado convertible was promoted by General Motors as "the last American convertible," and they made sure the drop-top era went out in style. Powered by the massive 500 cu-in Cadillac V8 and measuring almost 19 feet in length, it defied the looming gas crunch and safety regulations in the biggest, boldest way possible. Although convertibles slowly started to be produced again during the 1980s, none of them can compare to the legendary full-sized bravado of the 1976 Eldorado.

Highlights 

• Offered from the final model year of the last full-size American convertible  

• The Fisher body tag decodes its original specification as follows: 

  • 76 – 1976 Model Year 

  • 6EL67FWD – Cadillac, Eldorado, Convertible, Front-Wheel Drive 

  • 007340 – Production Number 

  • 91 – Amberlite Firemist Metallic Paint 

  • 64R – Light Buckskin Top 

  • 642 – Antique Lt Buckskin Leather 

• Fuel-injected 500 cu-in V8 paired with a Turbo-Hydra-Matic automatic transmission 

• Finished in dark red metallic with a new white power-operated convertible top  

• Antique Light Buckskin Sierra Grain leather interior 

• 15-inch chrome wire wheels mounted with new Suretrac Power Touring whitewall tires 

• Accompanied by a color-keyed fiberglass parade boot and Light Buckskin leather tonneau cover 

• Front shocks replacement, alignment, and oil and filter change were reportedly performed under current ownership 

• This 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible is offered with the five-digit odometer currently displaying just over 41,400 miles at the time of listing; however, the title states that the mileage is exempt due to age 

Features 

• Automatic climate control 

• Power steering 

• Power brakes 

• High Energy Ignition System  

• AM/FM radio with power antenna  

• Remote-controlled exterior mirrors  

• Six-way power-adjustable front seats 

• Cruise control  

• Power windows and locks  

• Digital clock  

• Driver and front passenger reading lights  

• Tinted glass  

• Glass rear window 

• Three-speed wipers and washers  

• Lighters, front and rear  

• Visor vanity mirror  

• Courtesy lights  

• Center armrests  

• Automatic parking brake release  

• Front disc brakes  

• Automatic level control  

• Variable-ratio power steering 

Known Imperfections 

• The clock is inoperative 

Included 

• Color-keyed fiberglass parade boot 

• Light Buckskin leather tonneau cover 

Ownership History

The consignor reports acquiring this 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible in 2023.