Lot 134 - 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

The Eldorado was the top of the Cadillac tree, the ultimate ‘personal luxury car’ a statement of your success and standing. The 1976 Eldorado featured four-wheel disc brakes and a few very minor styling changes over the 1975 models. It was the last year for the 500 cubic inch V8 (8.2 litres), the biggest production engine fitted to any car until the Dodge Viper of the late 90s and it was to be the case that 1976 was the last year for American-made convertibles. The Detroit big three expected the US government to legislate to stop convertible production, so all rag-tops ended in, or by, 1976. The government did not follow through with such legislation, but American manufacturers did not offer a home-grown convertible again until the mid ‘80s. Because of this sales were really strong for the 1976 Eldorado. In fact, Cadillac could have sold more but they ran out of roof frames and mechanisms. Many of these cars sold at a premium over list price as buyers fought to get hold of the last American convertible.

Despite their popularity when new, finding a good example these days, for sensible money is easier said than done. In the US today, the best, low mileage examples are fetching $50,000 plus which is not good news for fans in the UK with today’s exchange rate. Cosmetically the car offered here was restored circa 15 years ago and it has held up very well. The car was fully painted in a shade that is very close to the Cadillac offering of Dunbarton Green. A new white leather interior, new green carpets and new white vinyl top was installed at the same time.

The vendor and predecessor profess to spending a small fortune on the car, but a labour of love, indeed the previous owner stated ‘it is terrific to drive, great in traffic, great at speed, no problem in hot weather and the engine is so quiet that, at idle, you would be forgiven for thinking that it’s not running. But, on the motorway is where this Eldorado comes into its own – it flies!’

Below are details of the mechanical overhaul which took part between 2018-2020;
Upgraded, re-cored radiator,
New water pump,
New battery,
Distributor - new ignition components,
Brakes:
All calipers blasted clean, repainted and rebuilt with new seals
New pads and discs all round (four-wheel discs standard on 1976 Eldo)
New metal brake pipes and flexi hoses
New brake fluid
Front hubs stripped, new lower ball joints fitted, new drive shaft boots both side, both CV joints greased
Front wheel bearings replaced/rebuilt
Rear wheel bearings repacked
New spark plugs
Oil and filter change
Rebuilt alternator
Front indicators - both lamp units cleaned of corrosion, new bulbs, new flasher can
New off side head lamp unit.
Four road wheels bead blasted, painted, four new white wall tyres (less than 1500 miles on tyres), wheels balanced
Rebuilt motor for power trunk pull down
Vacuum compressor rebuilt
Rebuilt rear suspension self-levelling unit
Heads removed
Strip, decoke, blast clean and de-carbon all valves
New face valves, cut valve seats
Bronze guide liners installed
New exhaust manifold gaskets and bolts
Rebuilt convertible top motor.
Rebuilt motor for power drivers seat.