An enduring symbol of American wealth and status, the Cadillac Eldorado was introduced in 1953 as a high-end, limited production model alongside its General Motors stablemates, the Oldsmobile Starfire Fiesta and Buick Roadmaster Skylark. The initial Eldorado set the precedent for subsequent generations establishing the car as the top-dog in American luxury and culminated in the iconic 1959 example featuring the ultimate expression of the fin-focused, chrome-laden design language.

As the 1960s progressed, the Eldorado joined the increasingly popular “personal luxury coupe” segment and, between 1967 and 1970, the nameplate was fitted exclusively to two-door hardtops featuring V-8-powered, front-wheel-drive architecture. The ninth generation, introduced in 1971, brought a celebrated return to form with the reintroduction of the convertible body style. Today, this model represents the last bastion of Cadillac’s 18-foot-long drop-top land yachts.

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 the example offered here an instant collectible as soon as it 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.

This superb example was repainted in 2015 and remains well preserved, having been part of a collection and sparingly driven under current ownership. Thanks to its limited production and being among the last of the behemoth “E-body” convertible Cadillacs produced, the Bicentennial Edition will persist as a notable collector’s item for marque enthusiasts in general and especially those of a patriotic persuasion.