There was once a time when vehicles, often called the land yachts of the 1970s, were viewed by the broader community with barely concealed contempt. They reflected an era when manufacturers had yet to come to terms with the concept of producing smaller and more efficient examples of existing models. Today, such cars enjoy a strong following in the classic world. This 1976 Cadillac is a perfect example of the breed. It presents beautifully, features a low odometer reading and a rare factory sunroof, and is a turnkey proposition for a new owner. The seller has listed the Caddy here on Facebook Marketplace in Malone, New York. They have set a price of $22,900, and I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder T.J. for referring this stunning survivor to us.
The Eldorado badge joined the Cadillac range in 1953, with the Ninth Generation rolling off showroom floors from 1971 until 1978. The original owner ordered our feature car in 1976, choosing a combination of Cotillion White paint with a matching Landau-style vinyl top and contrasting Red pinstripes. Faulting its presentation is virtually impossible, and its condition would turn more heads today than in 1976. The paint retains a stunning shine, with any defects in it or the steel too insignificant to matter. The vinyl is spotless, devoid of the marks and stains that sometimes develop with age. The seller doesn’t mention rust issues, and I see nothing in the supplied photos that might cause heartache. Luxury cars typically feature air conditioning, but the factory sunroof provides an alternative for those preferring their ventilation as Mother Nature intended. The chrome reflects its surroundings like a mirror, and there are no glass problems. The damage-prone wheel covers are spotless, and the whitewalls provide the perfect finishing touch.
I often lament modern interior trim choices, as manufacturers now often focus on various shades of Gray. However, this Cadilac features a sea of Red with a few subtle touches to prevent it from becoming overwhelming. This includes some Black items and splashes of woodgrain and chrome to reinforce the luxury feel. The seats are trimmed in Red leather that looks flawless, while the lack of physical damage across all surfaces confirms that this Eldorado has been treated respectfully for nearly five decades. The plastic hasn’t succumbed to UV exposure, although the woodgrain on both doors may show deterioration. The only aftermarket additions are a hidden CD player and a power antenna. Those wishing to live in the lap of luxury are catered to by the air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, cruise control, and rear defogger. The seller confirms the A/C was recently upgraded to R134a refrigerant and that the heater received a new core.
Detroit has produced mighty motors since the first cars rolled off the line, but the 500ci V8 hiding under this Eldorado’s hood is a gentle giant. It produces 190hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque. The ponies feed to the road via the front wheels and a three-speed automatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes standard features. Most buyers were unconcerned about outright performance when handing over the cash for an Eldorado. This was probably wise because, with a curb weight of 5,302 lbs, that V8 has a lot of mass to shift. However, whether tackling heavy city traffic or cruising on the open road, this classic performs those tasks effortlessly. The seller confirms they recently replaced the radiator and exhaust resonator and that the Caddy is in excellent mechanical health. They quote an odometer reading of 58,000 original miles but don’t mention supporting evidence. It runs and drives beautifully and can be considered a turnkey proposition by potential buyers.
I consider my automotive tastes eclectic and will always admire cars that have been treated respectfully. This 1976 Cadillac Eldorado ticks that box, and I understand why someone would want to slip behind the wheel and drive off into the sunset. It needs nothing and would draw crowds if the new owner rocks up at a Cars & Coffee. It won’t appeal to everyone, but no car does. However, it could be the perfect choice if you crave a luxurious motoring experience. Are you tempted?
A beautiful Eldo, but the whitewalls belong on a `57 Eldorado, not a `76.
I agree about the white walls. But with the white wheel covers and white paint, they work.
For a pimp.
I agree on the whitewalls. A better choice would be about 1&3/4″ stripe or the narrow whitewall. I don’t have an issue with the color keyed wheel covers. Had those on my first car, a ’70 Caprice.
Hard to believe those rear bumper guards are factory, they’re so ungainly looking.
I noticed the driver seat chrome power switch. Every Caddy I’ve seen of this vintage had the switch hidden behind the trim piece or in the 80s, there was a color matching vinyl piece attached to the chrome trim pieces both seat cushion & back. Wonder if the switch went bad and they scrounged this one up. I could be wrong, too.
I am curious about the “drivers seat chrome switch”? I admit that I do not know what switch you are referring to. What does it do?
Thank you
I want it. No room. Wife. Not gonna happen.
One of the most beautiful luxury cars in the world. I wish it was mine 😀
Too much whitewall and too much white on hubcaps,paint emblack jack!
I think ‘in the day’ this was known among us (wheather car guy, garage rat, or actual mechanic – accenting order) as ‘the last merican vert’. As the auto industry evolved w/the pubilc’n gub’ment rules changing on: seat belts, clean the air, safety – we passed the rumor (all ways supported a course, eh?) by, in this case, the auto writers, motor trend on TV, etc. I think THEY did! shut dwn vert production (4, 6 yrs?). One of the guys bought one: “Some day these will be valuable.” Its still as nice as this but had ‘baritz’ appended on the end (maybe another caddy model?) He’ll sell it in nother few yrs as his kid’s legacy (less she wants it for same – drive monthly, in good weather, sell for HER kids).
There’s nothing wrong with the whitewalls, but please, get rid of those huge rear bumper guards!
It’s had the fender and quarter extensions and the bumper fillers replaced as those are the hard a/m plastic/fiberglass type that replaced the rubber ones it came with. Just being in existence would make them rot and almost fall off the GM cars that had them. They tried to tint and match them but the front and rear were done at different times I think. R/F is too beige and the L/R is a bit blue.
It wasn’t about racing…. it’s about absolute luxury. The CAD is awesome Cool 😎
It must be hard to get 500 cid to only put out 190 horsepower.
Had a friend whose dad had a 74 in Navy Blue with red leather/white top with about 11,000 miles on it that he drove on weekends if it was nice. Car even had a “Superfly” kit on it that was horrible but cool in a weird way. Off the line it moved like it was towing a destroyer but when it got to about 40-45mph it just took off and would go down the road with the speedo buried. I don’t know why they claimed only 190 unless it was to justify the lack of acceleration.
Superfly you’re going to make your fortune by and by….
To the Cadillac Kid,
The switch I’m referring to is the one you can see on the side of the driver’s seat. It’s the power seat switch.
I don’t care about the tires, bumper guards, or even the astoundingly terrible horsepower to gas mileage ratio, lol, just let me sit on those red leather clouds and dream! BTW, the wheel covers are in-character with the car, love or hate the package.
Nice looking unit but the tires have to go. I have a convertible in buckskin. Those J.C. Whitney bumper guards were common on lots of different things back then. As for the fillers. I put mine through a car wash back in the early 2000s, when it got to the end all four fillers were gone….LOL. I could tell the manager was squirming. I looked at him and said” faggetta bout’ it” This cannot be the first GM thing through here that has done this. We don’t wash many older cars. I said learning lesson, the next time any 70s or early 80s GM pulls up, get your disclaimer out. They all do this. Ford got it correct. GM not so much. I didn’t care, I was surprised they hadn’t fell off as I could tell they were on deaths door step when I bought the car.
Personally I agree get rid of the ’57 white wall tires. Also get rid of the white wheel covers, in the photos they look yellow compared to the white walls. I would put on a set of chrome wire wheel covers. I love this car but my budget doesn’t. I love RED! This car would be perfect for me if the exterior was red. I know it was very popular in ’76 but I dislike the vinyl Landau style top, actually I dislike any vinyl top.
Over thinking the tires
seems like over-thinking .
BEAUTIFUL CAR !!!
I WANT it.
Those rear bumper guards have gotta go. 👎👎
The whitewall tires should be 2.5″ to 3″
Both my ’75 Eldorado and my ’76 Coupe de Ville came with their original spares from the factory and were 2.5″ & 3.0″.
I also had 3.0″ whites on my ’70 & ’71 Rivieras
I like it. The true definition of luxury.
I always think of Boss Hogg when I see one of these old Cadillacs.
I love the red leather.
The milage could very well be correct? It looks believable and the numbers look straight like they should be.
Just my oponion!
Somebody has already snapped this gem up, I’d bet the rent on it! Have Fun & treat it with TLC💖🚗😎
Just passed one exactly like this one, wide whitewalls too looking as good in Alabama. Just no sunroof but looked to be in great shape riding by. Caught my eye cuz I just read this. Imagine that.
WOW 😲… just WOW! Nice freaking luxury cad for a very good price. C’mon guys… y’all way to nit picky. This Eldorado is cooool.
Long Live Land Yachts! These cars Mean America to Me! A few years ago there was a Broadway Musical called Ragtime,one of the songs was called the wheels of a dream! That is what Cadillac, Lincoln, Buick, Oldsmobile ECT: were producing! Decadent, Yes Great YES!! These vehicles weren’t leather lined shoeboxes ( SUVs) who’s sole purpose was hauling soccer balls! These cars were about arriving, showing off the success YOU earned and an achievement You made!