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
