Cadillac introduced the Eldorado in 1953 as one of General Motors’ trifecta show cars alongside the Buick Skylark and Oldsmobile Fiesta. Each of these “dream cars” were hand-built, low-production, top-of-the-line models for their respective marque. The Harley Earl-designed Eldorado would kick off one of the most successful models for Cadillac—one that would remain in production for nearly five decades.

The ninth-generation Eldorado was introduced in 1971, offered in either two-door coupe or convertible body styles. The 1976 model year holds a special place for Cadillac collectors as it marked the final year of the Eldorado convertible, even promoted by GM as “The last American convertible.” People lined up to acquire one, with some even storing them as investments. In the end it was not the last Eldorado convertible: The body style returned for 1984, which led to a class-action lawsuit by owners of the 1976 model. The lawsuit was later dismissed. Today the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertibles are held in high regard among collectors. While perhaps not the last of the convertibles to wear the Eldorado name, this was the last of the full-size examples.

This 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible is finished in Chesterfield Brown Metallic with a tan top and parade boot. The consignor states this car retains its original paint, except for its bumper fillers which were replaced with ABS material about ten years ago. It rides on whitewall tires with factory wheels covers. The Eldorado is powered by a 500-cubic-inch V-8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor, backed by an automatic transmission. It is equipped with air conditioning (not blowing cold), cruise control, as well as power windows, locks, top, trunk, steering and brakes. The Light Buckskin leather interior features an AM/FM 8-track player.

The consignor has owned the car for 28 years, during which time it has been garage-kept and driven regularly. The car has 40,247 actual miles at time of cataloguing and is accompanied by factory literature.