1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

Lot details
Registration No: OAD986P
Chassis No: 6L6756Q253510
Mot Expiry: T.B.A.

"Like the running board and the rumble seat, the convertible is an item which history has passed by" (Cadillac General Manager Edward C. Kennard, 1976)
By the early 1970s, Cadillac was happily promoting itself as America's only rag-top manufacturer (conveniently ignoring Jeep in the process). Thus, its announcement that it would forever cease convertible production at the end of the 1976 model year caused widespread consternation (even though by that time the Caddy range contained but one open car). Billed as the "Last of a Magnificent Breed", the 1976 Eldorado Convertible was a true behemoth. Built around a massive perimeter frame chassis equipped with independent torsion bar front suspension, a coil-sprung 'live' rear axle and four-wheel disc brakes, it measured more than eighteen and a half foot long. Powered by the largest overhead valve V8 engine yet fitted to a passenger car (an 8.2 litre, 500ci monster) mated to three-speed 'Turbo Hydra-Matic' transmission, its driven front wheels had to contend with some 190bp and 400lbft of torque. Not known for its handling prowess, Motor Trend magazine commented that "manoeuvring the Eldo in traffic was like docking the Enterprise in a 30-foot slip". Boasting supremely confident styling, the big Cadillac's V-shaped cross-hatch radiator grille, quad headlamps, watch-tower rear lights and multi-buttress bumpers made it impossible to ignore. Despite selling just 8,950 drop-top Eldos during the 1975 model year, Cadillac found itself able to fit all 14,000 hood mechanisms that it had ordered for the following season. True to its word, it never made another convertible. Well not until 1984 anyway when it released the downsized Eldorado Biarritz and was promptly confronted by an unsuccessful class action for breach of promise!
Finished in yellow with cream leather upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in very good overall condition. Believed to have covered just 9,000 miles from new, it has resided in two private collections since 1997. Benefiting from power assisted windows / seats / hood it also comes with air-conditioning and a rosewood grain effect dashboard. Riding on steel wheels complete with Cadillac emblem hubcaps, it is offered for sale with "12 months" MOT certificate and road tax.