The 1970s were a time of automotive excess: an era when size, strength, and luxuries were pushed to increasingly high standards just before the fuel crisis caused things to scale back.
The Pick of the Day is a 1976 Cadillac Eldorado listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Buford, Georgia.
“If you’re shopping for a ’76 Eldorado convertible, you already know that 1976 was the last year that Cadillac produced a convertible, and the Eldorado was the ultimate in luxury,” the listing begins.
That statement is only somewhat true: This was the last convertible of its generation, but not the last overall. An Eldorado convertible was reintroduced in 1984, and the 2004-2009 Cadillac XLR was also a two-seat roadster that shared platforms with the sixth-generation Corvette. At any rate, we’ll give the seller the benefit of the doubt because this looks like a remarkable example of a rare car.
The Eldorado was produced for 12 generations over the course of 50 years beginning with the 1952 model year. Today’s feature car comes from the ninth generation which debuted in 1971 on the General Motors E-body platform. The aesthetics reflected significant design updates from the prior car, including a wheelbase that was stretched by six inches. Overall length was pushed to 224 inches in 1976, making it possible for the roomy interior to accommodate six passengers comfortably via two bench seats.
“I’m the second owner and purchased it from a family member in 1996,” the listing states. “It has always been garaged and there’s no apparent rust.” Finished in “Firethorn Red,” this Eldorado shows 38,902 miles on the odometer and was reportedly repainted in 1998. The seller notes that the convertible top and the door panels could use some upholstery work, but the car looks great inside and out.
Moving this big beast down the road is a similarly big motor: Available powerplants were a 425cid V8 and a massive 500cid V8. Either one could be mated only to a three-speed automatic transmission.
Even though General Motors marketed this car as “the last American convertible,” we now know otherwise. Still, these 1976 convertible models have a special place in automotive history as the last of their kind. The final Eldorado, incidentally, rolled off the assembly in April 2002, about 21 years ago. That unit was donated to the Cadillac Museum in honor of one of Cadillac’s dealers, Don Massey.
“The car rides like a dream and always attracts attention,” the listing concludes. The asking price is $24,900 for this well-kept drop-top Cadillac Eldorado that would look right at home in any hometown parade.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
A beauty! Wish I had someplace to put it
How much would it cost to bring it to Chile , Valparaíso port. Is it possible. I could me interested in the car if that was feasible. I had coupe de ville , white 1962 model that was wonderfull.
Hola! You need to click on the link to reach out to the seller. Perhaps he/she can answer your question. Chau!
Beautiful no comments.
Hey Tyson, thanks for reporting on this beautiful Eldo. Just a couple of details that are wrong with your story, however: The very first Eldorado was indeed introduced in 1952, but it was a 1953 Model. 1976 Eldorado’s all had 500 C.I. V-8’s. The 425 was not introduced until 1977 – and was actually the same block with a smaller bore. Hope I’m not becoming a larger one by pointing these facts out. Cheers!
You are correct Rick. I had a ‘76 and a ‘73, both lovely “drophead coupes” as the Brits would say!
Another small detail are the wheel covers, which were color matched to the body color. Black were on a ‘75, easily done and sets off the car nicely.
Best, Bill Hernandez, Santa Fe, NM
Thanks Rick and Bill. Yes, thanks for clarifying those details. Ninth-generation Eldorado production started in 1952 for the 1953 model year, and ninth-gen engines included both a 500 and a 425 — with the latter starting in 1977. I suppose my article was addressing the generation in its entirety as opposed to just the 1976 model year. Glad you like the Pick!
Stunning, though most of today’s garages could not handle such a smooth riding boat