Vehicle Description
This 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible is a beautifully restored,
well-optioned example of Cadillac's last "big" convertible. 1976
would mark the end of an era for America's most prestigious luxury
automaker; that is, 1976 would be the final year that Cadillac
would produce it "big" convertible. When Cadillac introduced the
Eldorado in 1953, it was a limited production convertible atop of
Cadillac's model hierarchy. For the next several decades, the
Eldorado Convertible would serve as Cadillac's top-of-the-line
model while also being an American status symbol. Nonetheless, by
1976 Americans' car buying preferences changed in part due to
rising gas prices and in part due to changing government
regulations. For its final year of production, little changed for
the Eldorado Convertible, utilizing much of the same sheet metal
from the previous design. Up front, changes to the grille,
relocation of the Cadillac script emblem at the nose, and a new
headlight and marker light layout gave the appearance of a
redesigned automobile. At the tail end, the Eldorado's styling
changed a bit as well with regards to minor trim updates and a
minor taillight redesign, but the overall silhouette was largely
left untouched. Nevertheless, 1976 was an important year in
Cadillac's history since the GM marque announced that the '76
Eldorado would be the last convertible it would produce; that is,
until the debut of the Allante in 1987. Interestingly, Cadillac
touted the 1976 Eldorado Convertible as the "last convertible to be
built in America" but Cadillac would ultimately wind up in
litigation when the 1982 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible was released.
Sadly, the final Eldorado Convertible rolled off Cadillac's
production line on Wednesday April 21, 1976, to a great deal of
pomp and circumstance with major news outlets broadcasting Cadillac
GM Edward C. Kennard and Manufacturing Manager Bud Brawner actually
driving the last Eldorado, complete with a Michigan vanity plate
reading "Last," off the production line. Given Cadillac advertised
the '76 Eldorado as being the "Last Convertible," Cadillac's
convertible production actually rose in 1976 to 14,000 units, over
5,000 more than the previous year Eldorado. This particular example
comes to us from a southern-based collector who took great care of
this luxury American converitble while under their nearly 10 year
long stewardship. Powering this '76 Eldorado is a 500 cubic inch V8
engine fed by a single 4 barrel carburetor that together were said
to have created 190 horsepower when new. The 500 V8 is mated to an
Automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels, making
this iconic front wheel drive Cadillac Convertible an easy car for
just about anybody to take for a spin around the block. This 1976
Eldorado is absolutely loaded with options! Power steering is a
welcome feature on any vintage car and especially on this 5,000+
pound cruiser as it makes squeezing in and out of tight parking
spaces feel almost effortless and greatly enhances the overall
driving experience. With power disc brakes on all four wheels, this
massive '76 Eldorado Convertible has plenty of stopping power. This
1976 Cadillac Eldorado also comes equipped with factory cruise
control which many forget was a major luxury back in the mid-70s.
The Firethorn vinyl power convertible top is in wonderful shape and
it goes up and down with ease with the simple flick of a switch.
This '76 Eldorado rides on a set of whitewall radial tires mounted
on steel wheels and accented with full wheel discs, giving this
Cadillac a fantastic luxury look and even better ride while
cruising down the road. The body of this '76 Cadillac Eldorado has
been correctly refinished in beautiful Cotillion White paint,
completing the exterior look of this luxurious convertible. The
interior of this 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible exemplifies
high class! The front and rear bench seats are extremely plush and
have been correctly reupholstered in white leather. The white
leather and woodgrain-trimmed door panels, Firethorn and
woodgrain-trimmed padded dash, Firethorn carpeting and
woodgrain-trimmed steering wheel are all in fantastic condition as
well and all appear to remain in their stock configuration. Being
that this Eldorado Convertible was a top-of-the-line luxury cruiser
in 1976, it's should be no surprise that the interior cabin comes
loaded with features! With factory air conditioning, you'll be able
to stay cool even on the hottest summer days while cruising around
in this '76 Eldo. Power adjustable front seats and a tilt steering
wheel make it easy for anybody to get comfortable driving this
gorgeous Convertible. Additionally, all four power windows and the
power door locks are all able to be operated while seated in the
driver's seat, as are the power antenna, cruise control, and
auto-dimming headlights. The dash is finished off with a locking
glovebox, ashtray, AM/FM stereo, clock, and various other controls.
Whether you're buying your very first classic car or you're adding
to your existing collection of Cadillacs, this 1976 Cadillac
Eldorado Convertible is a must have automobile! Don't miss out on
this beauty, give Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337!
*500 Cu. In. V8
*Single 4 Barrel Carburetor
*Automatic Transmission
*Power Disc Brakes & Steering
*Firethorn Power Convertible Top w/ Parade Boot
*Factory Air Conditioning
*Correct Cotillion White Exterior
*Correct White/Firethorn Leather Interior
*Cruise Control
*Power Seats/Windows/Locks/Antenna/Trunk
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 30,424 Miles
