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1976 Cadillac Eldorado

When Cadillac advertised its Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible for 1976, they described it as 'The Last Convertible.' This would be the last year of the convertible for Cadillac as their sporty coupes were becoming more and more popular. Another reason to cancel the drop-top was the modern roadways and improved stereo system. Highways were becoming popular and vehicles were traveling much faster. There was a declining interest in the drop-tops on the turnpikes and other major arteries. Stereo systems were improving, and the windy air hindered its appeal. As a result, the drop-tops were a declining commodity in Cadillac's eye.

The Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible for 1976 was the only convertible produced by the big-three in Detroit. The cost of creating these vehicles in such low quantities was creating a financial drain on Cadillac.

For 1976, Cadillac offered nearly every available option as standard on the Eldorado Convertible. This was the vehicle's sixth year in this design and a re-design was on the horizon. The car had seating for four in its massive 224.1-inch length frame. The car was large, luxurious, and very heavy, weighing over 2.5 tons. The engine, too, was large, displacing 500 cubic inches and powering the front wheels. It had overhead valves, a cast-iron block, hydraulic valve lifters, a Rochester four-barrel carburetor, five main bearings, and 8.5:1 compression. It produced 190 horsepower at 3,600 RPM and 360 ft-lbs of torque at 2,000 RPM.

The 1976 Cadillac Eldorado had a 126.3-inch wheelbase, a width of 79.8 inches, stood 54.1 inches tall, and rode on LR78x15B tires.

The base price for the convertible was $11,049, and the Last Convertible Replica Decor Package was a mere $85. Two hundred of the Eldorado Bicentennial Convertible were built and of those only 199 were sold to the public. General Motors kept the very last one for itself and got a Michigan vanity plate that simply said LAST to license it. Production of the replica cars began late in the model run after all of the 'standard' convertibles had been built.

A formal press release announced the unique 1976 Bicentennial Cadillac on April 21, 1976, and part of the statement stated that Cadillac had aggressively purchased all the remaining parts inventory from its second-tier supplier two years prior to making the construction possible. They were all identically equipped, powered by a 500 cubic-inch V8 engine, and finished in triple-white with the Cotillion White exterior, a white power top, and a white leather interior.

The Bicentennial Edition cars are based on regular production models and differ only in a few details. Any all-white convertible could easily be made to look like one of the last replica cars. The Cotillion White color was one that Cadillac had used for many years, and the convertible top is also white as is the Sierra Grain Leather interior. The Dark Firethorn carpeting, instrument panel, steering wheel, steering column, and seat belts are typical of interior trim code 072. They had exclusive wheel covers with white centers, replacing the black versions found on all other releases. A thin blue and red pinstripe adorned the hood and red pinstriping traversed each side. The finishing touch for all of them was a gold dash plaque that declared 'This 1976 Fleetwood Eldorado is one of the last 200 identical U.S. production convertibles.'

When Cadillac followed Chrysler and Ford back into the convertible market in the 1980s, a group of bicentennial buyers attempted unsuccessfully to sue the company.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

Cadillac advertising for 1976 described the Eldorado as the 'last of a magnificent breed'. The car has the distinction of being the final American production convertible of its era. Weighing a staggering 5,153 pounds and sporting a 500 cubic inch, V8 engine, the Eldorado was one of the biggest regular production cars ever offered. Surprisingly, the car also featured front-wheel drive.

by AACA Museum

Convertible
Chassis number: 6L67S6Q188007

This 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible was offered for sale at the 2006 Bonhams & Butterfields auction held at the Quail Lodge in Carmel, California where it was estimated to sell between $10,000 - $12,000. It was offered without reserve. The car is mostly original, except for the recent Firemist Green paint job. The odometer reads 82,000 miles since new. The interior is tan leather and the convertible top is still in good condition. At the auction, the car was sold for $9,360, just under the estimated value but still a fair price for this machine.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

This 1976 Cadillac Bicentennial Eldorado is number 38 of 200 produced. The odometer shows just 49 original, unrestored, or molested miles. This was the last year for the Big Cadillac Convertible.

All 200 Bicentennial Eldo models were exactly the same with all options included. Dash plaque starting it is one of the last 200 produced.

The original window sticker price of $12,795 with CA Emission or $50 less without, minus freight. Most stickered in the $13,200 range.

Convertible
Chassis number: L67S6Q231155

The 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible made its public introduction in September 1975. GM announced that the 1976 Eldorado soft top would be its final convertible model for the foreseeable future. The Eldorado was a front-wheel drive vehicle that had standard four-wheel power disc brakes, power steering, steel-belted radial whitewall tires and a leather interior.

This example was purchased new on March 15th of 1976, from Brogan Cadillac of Ridgewood, New Jersey. The original owner is also the current owner, making this a very rare one-owner car. The car was given - from the factory - a six-way dual-comfort power passenger 50/50 seat with recliner, AM/FM radio, carpeted rubber floor mats, cruise control, automatic passenger side mirror, heavy-duty cooling system, auto door locks, tilting and telescoping steering wheel, wire wheel covers and a hard boot for the convertible top. It also features the optional top-of-the-line fuel-injected version of the 500 CID engine, an induction configuration that boosted power by 25 hp over the base unit.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $35,000 - $45,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $24,200 including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: 6L67S6Q187444

This 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible is finished in Fire-thorn Red, with a white leather interior. The odometer shows around 75,000 miles. It has been in the same family since 1977, with a total of just 3 owners.

1976 was the last year for the Eldorado Convertible.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: 6L67S6Q102429

The 1975 Cadillac had been restyled and for 1976, only minimal changes were seen. The 'Cadillac' script signature was relocated from the grille to the hood on the driver's side. The crosshatch grille had vertical bars which angled forward at the center. They had quad rectangular headlamps with new amber-lensed parking lamps resting down in the bumper. There were horizontal amber-lensed cornering lamps that were located on either side of the vehicle, between the front wheel and the bumper. On the rear fenders and decklid was Eldorado script. Backup lights were located on either side of the license plate.

Two body styles were available which consisted of a convertible and a coupe. The coupe proved to be more popular with 35,184 examples sold in 1976. Approximately 14,000 examples of convertible found ownership during that year. The Coupe's had opera windows that sloped down and forward at the base, mimicking the dip in the quarter panel.

Power was from a 500 cubic-inch V8 which lost some of its power (in comparison to the 1975 model) due to emissions standards. A Bendix electronic fuel injection, which had become an option in 1975, was again offered as optional equipment. The base engine breathed through a four-barrel carburetor setup.

This particular example is finished in white with a white interior. It has air conditioning, the original Cadillac hubcaps, and an original 8-track/AM/FM stereo. Currently, it has just 47,200 miles on the odometer.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

The Cadillac Eldorado was marketed as one of the finest and most prestigious personal luxury cars. Built from 1952 - 2002 over ten generations, it became a true mark of Cadillac luxury and style.

In 1976 General Motors produced what they believed would be the last American convertible. At a time when gas was getting more expensive and cars were becoming more practical, the writing was on the wall.

With the extensive promotion, the Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado convertible would go on to sell more than 14,000 units; an impressive number for a car that had a base price exceeding $11,000.

Many 1976 Eldorado convertibles were purchased as investments, and thus seldom, if ever, driven. This particular example was purchased by its current caretaker in 2001. When purchased it had just 340 miles on the odometer.

Built at the Hamtramck, Michigan Cadillac assembly plant, this Firethorn metallic convertible with the Antique Dark Firethorn leather interior and white top is all original. It has a 500 cubic inch engine with optional fuel injection, one of less than 1,000 produced with this feature.

Convertible
Chassis number: 6L67S6Q119188

This 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible has a yellow exterior with a red interior. Power is from a 500 cubic-inch V8 engine offering nearly 200 horsepower and mated to an automatic transmission. There are power windows, power seats, power brakes, power steering, power locks, and air conditioning. In 2019 it was offered for sale at the Hollywood Wheels auction in Amelia Island where it had an estimated value of $30,000 – $40,000.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

This car is the actual 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible that was used in the 2005 'Dukes of Hazzard' movie. This is the only surviving car that was used in the film. There were two cars, one for stunts and this car known as the 'Hero' car, meaning it was the main car driven by the stars Burt Reynolds and Johnny Knoxville. Unfortunately, the stunt car was smashed during filming. The car has all the power options one expects from a Cadillac as well as the big Cadillac 500 cubic-inch engine. Extras include gun door handles, horns on the front, and a special custom parade boot that was made for the film. This car remains exactly as used right off the movie set and includes paperwork that shows Warner Brothers' ownership. There are also markings on the car and areas where cameras were mounted.

The Dukes of Hazzard movie was produced in 2006 and starred Seann William Scott, Johnny Knoxville, and Jessica Simpson. Burt Reynolds played the part of Boss Hogg. Scott and Knoxville play Bo Duke and Luke Duke who delivered moonshine manufactured by their Uncle Jesse (Willie Nelson) and depended on the General Lee to outrun the forces of Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane (M.C. Gainey).

The local ruler of Hazzard County is Boss Jefferson Davis Hogg, 'the meanest man in Hazzard County.'

Convertible

This car was purchased out of Texas from its original owner, Zoe Mae McDaniels, who received this Cadillac as a gift to her for her 50th birthday. This Bicentennial is completely original, except for a full repaint in the early 2010s due to the vehicle sitting in a carport for a decade. The exposed side was damaged and warranted a repaint. This is vehicle 90 out of 200 produced in 1976.

Convertible
Chassis number: 6L67S6Q107541

The Eldorado joined the Cadillac marque in 1953 as one of General Motors' trifecta show cars alongside the Buick Skylark and Oldsmobile Fiesta. These unique 'dream cars' were low-production models that were hand-built and represented the top-of-the-line offerings from their respective marques. The Harley Earl-designed Eldorado would remain in production for nearly five decades.

Cadillac introduced the ninth generation of the Eldorado in 1971, offered as either a convertible or two-door coupe. 1976 was the final year of the Eldorado convertible and GM promoted them as 'The last American convertible.' These would not, however, be the final Eldorado convertible as the body style returned for 1984, which led to a class-action lawsuit by owners of the 1976 model. The lawsuit was later dismissed. It may have not been the last of the convertible to wear the Eldorado name, but it was the last of the full-size examples.

This particular Eldorado Convertible wears a Chesterfield Brown Metallic exterior with a tan top and parade boot. The color and presentation are believed to be original, except for its bumper filler which was replaced with ABS material around 2010. The factory wheels are wrapped with whitewall tires and under the bonnet is a 500 cubic-inch V8 with a four-barrel carburetor and an automatic transmission. It has cruise control, air conditioning, power locks, a power top, a power trunk, power steering, power brakes, and power windows. The Light Buckskin leather interior features an AM/FM 8-track player.

Currently, there are 40,247 miles on the odometer and has been in the current owner's care for 28 years.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

The end of an era! 1976 was announced as the last year for the Cadillac Convertible. As a farewell, the last 200 convertibles off the assembly line were built identically as a special bicentennial edition. Every bicentennial came fully loaded with every option and received a triple white color scheme with red piping on the leather seats, plus red and blue pin-striping on the paint. Each car was also identified with a special gold plaque on the dash. These cars became immediately sought after by collectors, who were buying the cars new at nearly double the sticker price. This car was no exception; since new it has been stored in a climate-controlled environment to preserve its all original condition. With only 248 miles, the car is all original down to the tires, belts, and hoses.

Convertible
Chassis number: 6l67s6q189934

1976 was the last year for the Eldorado Convertible, and this example recently had its automatic transmission and 500 cubic-inch V8 engine rebuilt. It has had one repaint in 2012 and is currently finished in a silver exterior with a blue interior. There is a power-operated convertible top, an owner's manual, and extensive service records and receipts from new. This Cadillac has had four owners with known ownership history from new.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: 6L67S6Q261788

Cadillac built 200 examples of the Eldorado Convertible Bicentennial Edition in 1976, and this particular example is number 21. The Eldorado was introduced in 1953 as a limited production model built alongside the Oldsmobile Starfire Fiesta and Buick Roadmaster Skylark. By 1959, it had become the ultimate expression of the fin-focused, chrome-laden design language and a symbol of American wealth and status. During the 1960s, the Eldorado embraced the increasingly popular 'personal luxury coupe' segment. From 1967 to 1970, the Eldorado name was applied exclusively to V-8-powered, front-wheel-drive, two-door hardtops. The ninth generation arrived in 1971, the same year the convertible body style was re-introduced.

General Motors celebrated the country's birthday in 1976 with the Bicentennial Edition Eldorado, and the 200 examples were described by GM as the 'final American convertibles.' All Bicentennial Editions were fully loaded with the entire catalogue of equipment available for the 1976 model year. They wore a Cotillion White paint scheme with blue and red pinstripes along the hood and a commemorative plaque on the dash. The white leather seats had red piping, and red was used for the carpets and dashboard.

This particular example was repainted in 2015.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: 6L67S6Q185442

The Cadillac Eldorado was one of General Motors' trifecta of show cars introduced in 1953. These dream cars, which included the Oldsmobile Fiesta and the Buick Skylark, were hand-built, low-production vehicles that were the top offerings from their respective marques. The Eldorado, with its Harley Earl-designed styling, would remain in production for nearly five decades.

Cadillac introduced its ninth-generation Eldorado in 1971 with body style options of either a convertible or a two-door coupe. 1976 represented the final year of the Eldorado Convertible, and GM promoted it as 'The last American convertible.' Cadillac had promised it was the end of the line for the convertible, but the body style returned in 1984, which led to a class-action lawsuit by owners of the 1976 model that was later dismissed.

This particular 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible wears a Firethorn Metallic paint scheme, a white leather-trimmed interior, Firethorn carpet, an AM/FM 8-track player, and rides on whitewall tires with factory wheel covers. Beneath the bonnet is a 500 cubic-inch (8.2 liter) V8 engine that breathes through a four-barrel carburetor and is paired with an automatic transmission. Amenities include cruise control and air conditioning, along with power windows, locks, top, trunk, steering, and brakes.

Currently, this 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible has 14,063 miles on its odometer.

by Dan Vaughan