Boulevard Barge: 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible – SOLD!

July 8, 2021 Update – we confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

The last American convertible. That is how Cadillac pitched the 1976 Eldorado, even showing a buyer of two putting one in storage he could enjoy later on. Cadillac’s prediction only held true for six years when U.S. Federal Government roll-over standards never materialized and Lee Iacocca reintroduced Americans to downsized convertibles.  While newer convertibles provide the wonderful feel of top-down driving, there is nothing quite like the roominess and smooth ride that a nineteen-foot-long Malaise Era Eldorado provides.  Our latest example originally listed in June 2021 in Nazareth, Pennsylvania (Allentown) appears to be a finely preserved example offered at $25,000 currently. Comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their TR250 priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $22,400 and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $49,300.  Interestingly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool provides a much more conservative assessment as in this case the asking price falls between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $16,425 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $27,775.

1976 marked the sixth production year for the ninth generation Eldorado.  For 1975, the Eldorado was given rectangular headlamps, a new egg-crate grille, full rear wheel openings (eliminating fender skirts) and sharper lines, all of which resulted in a much sleeker appearance, reminiscent of the 1967–70 models, even though at just under 19 feet, it was much longer than the earlier generation car.  Having received a major facelift the previous year, the Eldorado for 1976 received only minor styling changes, including a new grille, a small Cadillac script on the hood face, revised taillamp lenses, and new black painted wheel covers.  While ’76 marked the final year for the convertible model, the two-door coupe carried on for two more production years.  During that time, the two-door Eldorado had the distinction of being the largest Cadillac available as the downsized Fleetwoods and DeVilled debuted for 1977.

We came across this video of the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado assembly line and its interesting to watch how the convertibles were built on the same line at the same time as the coupes:

Remember 19 feet as you head out to your garage to measure its depth.  That’s how deep your garage needs to be in order to fit this beautiful land yacht.  With the current prices for gas, you’ll also need deep pockets to keep the 500 cubic inch V8’s thirst for one gallon every ten miles filled. That’s the price to be paid for a luxuriously smooth and comfortable ride you can no longer find in any production car.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Runs and drives great. Very presentable original car. Owned 12 years. Goes out to shows, dinner or an occasional cruise around town. Needs nothing to enjoy. Was a Texas car for most of its life. Absolutely no rust on the body. Always garaged. Does not go out in rain or on salty winter roads. Well cared for and pampered.“

Show or go: what would you do with this Cadillac Eldorado survivor?  Comment below and let us know!