For the wealthy, patriotic, and brash individuals of 1976, Cadillac introduced the Bicentennial Edition Eldorado. Upon its introduction, GM proclaimed the 200 examples celebrating the country’s birthday to be the “final American convertibles,” making them instant collectibles as soon as they rolled out of the factory.

All Bicentennial Editions featured identical Cotillion White paint with blue and red pinstripes along the hood and a commemorative plaque on the dash noting the limited production status. The interiors featured white leather seats with red piping, complimented by red carpets and dashboard. Additionally, these convertibles arrived fully loaded with the entire catalogue of equipment available for the 1976 model year, further establishing their status as the ultimate Eldorado.

Of course, these cars would not be “the last American convertibles,” but for several years they were the last open cars delivered off a production line by a major U.S. manufacturer, and that was enough to cement them firmly in the memory of enthusiasts.

The Bicentennial Eldorado offered here is an exceptionally early example, by body number within the first twenty of these special vehicles produced. While the car’s original delivery circumstances are not known, it is believed to have been purchased new by Peter H. Dillingham of Honolulu, Hawaii. Mr. Dillingham’s family had been among the most prominent in the islands’ business and politics since the 1860s, establishing railroads and acquiring vast tracts of land, and were major figures in the modern development of what eventually became the 50th state. Peter Dillingham followed his father in the tradition of investment banking, but also was a prominent Hawaiian steel guitarist who moonlighted with many local bands.

In January 1986, with some 4,000 miles, the Eldorado was acquired from Mr. Dillingham by Brooks Cadillac of Scottsdale – it is believed for use by one of their principals, as it was registered in Arizona as OLDLEO. Two years later, it was acquired for the collection of its present owners, joining several other highly significant Cadillac models in a stable where it has now been conserved for 38 years.

Still in extremely original condition, as it was acquired and as it has been preserved in the owner’s climate-controlled building, the car at the time of cataloging recorded only 5,229 actual miles. It is one of very few Bicentennial Eldorados to have become available in recent memory, and almost certainly one of the finest, with excellent and interesting provenance and an outstanding level of careful preservation.