Modern Classic: 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

To qualify as a "modern classics," we choose vehicles that are comparatively affordable now, and that we think will increase in value over time. These are cars many people would love to have: head-turners, trend-setters in their time, cars people still see that make them smile, cars that were definitive in their own right, stylish and fun to drive. For this series, we focus on cars that are at least 25 years old, so they can be registered and insured cheaply and aren't subject to annual inspections.


Tastes may vary, as may peoples' own definition of "affordable." Our theoretical limit is $50,000 for a car in good to excellent condition, which rules out many of the traditional exotics. This month's selection is the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible.

History
27 years ago, Cadillac believed it ended a glorious era with the announcement that it would forever stop building convertibles. Other than Jeep, which apparently didn't count, Cadillac was, at that time, the last American ragtop manufacturer. The division's 1975 convertible sales were only 8,950 units. The low volume was attributed to an increase in safety awareness along with a rise in hardtop popularity and air conditioner use. So Cadillac ordered up 14,000 convertible top mechanisms, and billed its massive 224.1-inch long, 2.5-ton '76 Eldo as the "Last of a magnificent breed." Proclaimed Cadillac general manager Edward C. Kennard, "Like the running board and the rumble seat, the convertible is an item which history has passed by." (Wonder what he thinks today?)


Cadillac was prepared to exit in a big way. Everything about the 126.3-inch wheelbase car was enormous. Under a huge expanse of hood lurked an 8.2-liter, 500-cid V-8. Emission de-tuning limited the engine to "just" 190 horsepower with a Rochester 4-barrel carb. That figure rose to 215 hp @ 3,600 rpm with optional ($647) Bendix electronic fuel injection. Torque was a more-than-adequate 400 lb.-ft. at just 2,000 rpm. A 3-speed Hydra-matic spread the power on the pavement, and 4-wheel discs (only on Eldos) brought it all to a halt.


Independent front suspension, a live rear axle, coil springs all around and rear load levelers were on a par with American expectations for that era. Predictably, the Fleetwood Eldorado, America's biggest front-wheel-drive car, wallowed, rolled, pitched and dove under cornering and braking. On smooth pavement, the ride could be likened to a mattress. Motor Trend reported, "maneuvering the Eldo in traffic was like docking the Enterprise in a 30-foot slip." That was probably just fine with most Cadillac loyalists. These cars were usually ordered with every available option: front shoulder belts, signal-seeking AM/FM stereo, theft deterrent, twilight sen-tinel, tilt/telescope wheel, a hard 'Parade' top boot, and more. Eldos were not available with Cadillac's Air Cushion Restraint system (an early airbag effort) or Trackmaster traction control.