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July 12, 2023 Update – The high bid did not meet the seller’s reserve price at the end of the auction, however, the buyer agreed to the seller’s $38,000 reserve price the following morning.  We’re pleased to report this Cadillac is one of the first from a European Buyer! 

GuysWithRides is pleased to offer Lot 218, a 27K original mile, 1976 Cadillac Deville-based, Traditional Coach Works Mirage Pickup. We are offering this rare automobile in an online, reserve-style auction on behalf of the current caretaker.

Bidding opened Wednesday, June 14, 2023, and closes at 4:30 PM Wednesday, June 28, 2023.

This 1976 Cadillac Mirage is part of a West Palm Beach, Florida, collection.

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The Deets

High Bid: $7,600 ($38,000 Reserve Not Met)

In the mid-1970s, if you preferred the ride of a full-size car but occasionally needed to haul some cargo, there were only two American-made offerings: the Chevrolet El Camino and the Ford Ranchero.  While buyers could option either of these “Utes” to their liking, more than a few well-heeled gentlemen farmers wanted a more luxurious offering.

Traditional Coach Works, a concern based in Chatsworth, California, once employed famed customizer Gene Winfield. Its Mirage, a Coupe de Ville–based pickup, wasn’t the only customized Caddy to emerge from the shop. Traditional also built a de Ville–based wagon called the Mirage Sports Wagon and a Fleetwood longroof called the Castillian Fleetwood Estate Wagon, the latter combining the then hot trend of Iberian-themed American luxury (

The 1976 Cadillac Mirage Pickup was a unique and stylish vehicle produced by Traditional Coach Works (“TCW”), a renowned custom car company specializing in modifying luxury cars. The Mirage Pickup was based on the Cadillac Coupe de Ville, already known for its spaciousness and elegance. However, TCW transformed this classic luxury car into a distinctive and eye-catching car-based pickup, often referred to as a Ute.

The Mirage pickup featured a modified body design that seamlessly blended a coupe’s sleek lines with a pickup truck’s practicality and versatility. The roofline was extended and gently sloped towards the rear, emphasizing the elongated silhouette. The Mirage’s most distinguishing feature was the flying buttresses behind the cab that kept the original coupe’s opera windows in place.

The front end of the Mirage Pickup retained the signature Cadillac grille, flanked by rectangular headlights and integrated into a subtly revised bumper. Chrome accents adorned the front fascia, enhancing the vehicle’s luxurious appeal. The Mirage’s rear end featured a custom hinged tailgate nicely integrated around the Coupe Deville’s standard chrome bumper and taillight setup.

Step inside the Mirage Pickup, and you will be greeted by a spacious, sumptuous cabin that epitomizes luxury and comfort. The interior was meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, including plush leather upholstery, wood trim, and chrome accents. The seating arrangement offered ample space for both driver and passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride even on long journeys.

The Mirage Pickup boasted a range of luxurious features and amenities. Power-adjustable seats, air conditioning, power windows, and a premium sound system were just a few of the creature comforts provided. The wagon configuration also allowed for a generous cargo area at the rear, making it a practical choice for those who desired both style and functionality.

Under the hood, the 1976 Cadillac Mirage Pickup was powered by a robust V8 engine. The specific engine options varied, as TCW offered customization based on the customer’s preferences. The standard engine was a 500 cubic inch (8.2-liter) V8, delivering ample power and a smooth driving experience. The V8 engine was mated to a three-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a refined ride and effortless acceleration.

Driving the Mirage Pickup was a true pleasure, thanks to its coil spring suspension system that provided a comfortable and composed ride. The Cadillac’s suspension was tuned to strike a balance between a smooth highway cruiser and a capable handler, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of luxury and performance.

Traditional Coach Works produced approximately 200 Cadillac Mirage Pickups during the mid-1970s, making them a rare sight on the roads. The attention to detail and craftsmanship exhibited by TCW made the Mirage Sports Wagon highly sought after by luxury car enthusiasts and collectors.

Today, the 1976 Cadillac Mirage Pickup is considered a classic and iconic vehicle, representing the fusion of Cadillac’s luxury heritage and TCW’s coachbuilding expertise. Its unique design, luxurious interior, and powerful performance continue to captivate automotive enthusiasts, ensuring its place in the annals of automotive history.

The current caretaker of this 27K-mile 1976 Cadillac Mirage Pickup purchased this example from a classic car museum in South Carolina.  The current caretaker sorted the car to make it road worthy again.

To help you make informed bids, we’re providing access to Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the Classic Car market, that provides an interactive graph of recent comparable sales year-to-date. By clicking on the green dots, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you make an educated bid on the car we are featuring for auction here:

Exterior Gallery

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Interior Gallery

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Underhood And Undercarriage Gallery

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Tires And Wheels Gallery

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Documentation Gallery

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If you have any questions about this 1976 Cadillac Mirage Pickup, please comment below or call Rudy directly at 877-468-6497.  Thank you for looking, and happy bidding!