Cadillac introduced the Eldorado in 1953 as one of General Motors’ trifecta of 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 marques. 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 that 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 Firethorn Metallic. The consignor states that this is a largely original car with just over 14,000 miles showing on the odometer at the time of cataloguing. It rides on whitewall tires with factory wheel covers. The Eldorado is powered by a 500-cubic-inch (8.2-liter) V-8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor, backed by an automatic transmission. It is equipped with air conditioning and cruise control, as well as power windows, locks, top, trunk, steering, and brakes. The White leather-trimmed interior with Firethorn carpet features an AM/FM 8-track player.

The consignor has owned the car since 1989, during which time it has been garage-kept, and today, the odometer displays 14,063 miles at the time of cataloguing. Believed to be a largely original example, this “final” year model of the Eldorado Convertible persists as a true collectible among automotive aficionados.