Convertible Cadillac Eldorados from the bicentennial year of 1976 get regular coverage here on BF. The primary reason is their status as the last domestic convertible produced at a time when it was believed that convertibles would be outlawed due to safety (rollover) concerns. Furthermore, the fact that convertibles had lost their luster with the buying public also didn’t help their cause. But that’s not the reason that I chose to review this particular Eldorado. No, it’s the color, “Greenbriar Firemist.” I don’t believe I’ve ever spied a Caddy in this attention-getting hue. Mitchell G. discovered the listing for this car, and as soon as I reviewed that listing, I knew I had to cover it. Presenting itself regally in Buffalo, New York, this last of the line drop-tops is available here on craigslist for $20,000.
Cadillac’s famed Eldorado, first appearing in 1953, tended to be produced in generations that spanned two or three model years. This 1976 example is a member of the ninth generation and saw life between 1971 and 1978 – a pretty long stretch. Body styles for this generation included a two-door hardtop and a convertible with the open-air version, as previously stated, proclaiming “We’re outta here” after the ’76 model year. Final year sales were brisk, with about 49K copies rolling off Caddy’s Hamtramck assembly line, 14K of that total being convertibles.
The seller tells us that this car has been one family owned and has accumulated 74K miles of experience in its almost half-century existence. He also states that it has been garaged, and I would imagine not driven in winter either-Buffalo weather can be a real bear that time of year! Every aspect of this car’s exterior is like new and likely still presents as fresh as it did when new. The white convertible top is spotless, and I know from my own experience that it can be a constant upkeep task. The lack of fender skirts does this Eldo’s vibe justice, and note the bumper filler panels – they’re all there and intact, often not the case with Cadillacs of this generation.
The white “Sierra Grain” leather upholstery holds up the Eldo’s interior end of the bargain – it is resplendent and clearly hasn’t experienced too much top-down time. It also appears to have been gently used with no indication of ground-in crud, yellowing, or even normal leather creases. While I never found the instrument panel in this generation of Cadillac to be inspiring or in keeping with Cadillac’s overall luxury theme, it’s certainly adequate and appears, from what can be seen, to be in perfect condition.
Now, the elephant in the room for some, or perhaps under the hood, is the 500 CI V8 (8.2 liter) engine that manages to choke out 190 measly net HP. There’s no point in belaboring this statistic, so I won’t; we’ve all covered this ground before. The seller makes no mention of this car’s running or driving attributes, so interested buyers will need to make contact and ask about that important aspect. There is no reason, however, to suspect a problem. One interesting statistic that I did uncover is that the average 0-60 MPH time for this rig is twelve seconds; yeah, a bit lethargic, though this baby does tip the scale at 5,100 lbs. As with all Eldorados of this generation, it’s front wheel drive arranged, utilizing a Turbo-Hydramatic 425, three-speed automatic combined transmission/differential unit.
Several posts ago, I opined on that old saying that “Clothes make the man” could be altered to “Paint makes the car,” and I’d say that’s very appropriate in this case. I’m beyond wanting to own a car like this Eldorado, but I bet there is going to be a lot of interest and inquiries – it presents that well. Tell me your thoughts; do you think the Greenbriar Firemist finish makes this car, or is it just another Eldorado convertible?
Had mine for years in Firethorn Red. Became impossible to pass California smog so “Outta Here.” 2 instruments: Gas and speedo, seemingly connected. As speedo went up, gas went down.
Jim, good write-up. I’d say the reason I clicked on the article and read it, is the same reason you chose to write it up: the interesting, and attractive, color. When I think of this model, for whatever reason only white examples enter my mind.
Love ’em or hate ’em, Bob, this baby is a looker!
Thx,
JO
YEAH THAT GREEN IS A KILLER COLOR
The effects of winter in Buffalo depends a lot on the owner’s location. Generally speaking, the lake effect snow off Lake Erie hits hardest south of Buffalo, while north of Buffalo gets relatively less snow.
Regardless, this is a beautiful car. It’s too bad the engine is choked down to 190 hp.
“Choked down” is an appropriate term to use for all engines of that time period with its various smog control contraptions. And why didn’t the owner at least do a steam cleaning and air cleaner replacement on the engine? The dirty engine stands out like the sore thumb in contrast to the rest of this beautiful vehicle.
Another thing I’m wondering about the owner, is how could he drive it with that big green dot over his head?
What a looker. Love the green with white. GM and their Compatacolor interior were the best. Glad they went with the black wheel disks on these. Classy. Although Angel disagrees I still think this is an elegant dash.
One of my many Cadillacs was a 76 coupe Deville and it was green. It looked almost identical in color to that El Dorado. I finally painted the hubcaps to match the car and it looks so much better. I thought the El Dorado always had match hubcaps.
And just for the record when I was younger, I never had any trouble dusting smaller cars,from a red light which supposedly had more than 200 hp. Their engines were winding up high ready to explode just keeping next to me, then I opened the 4 barrel and waved bye, explain that one!
I will, 400HP and 525 ft. Lbs. of torque, (not pounds/feet)simple!
The King of all parade cars!
My Dad had one in Orange Sunfire Mist it was a beautiful and very comfortable ride. Reminds me of a time when old men showed the community they had in fact finally made something of themselves. Ahh the old boats Cadillac, Lincoln and Oldsmobiles I can almost smell the gasoline blowing out the tailpipes
My dad was born in Buffalo. Snow salt for at least 5 months every year. I want some photos underneath before I drive 6 hours to look at it. Nearly 50 years owned helps and that color is a knock out. Only Firethorn Red is better. If you watch recent auctions 76 Eldo convertibles are finally getting their just due. Several have sold near 6 figures. If this car is as nice underneath I would go 17K cash.
Buffalo’s a great town. Full of wonderful people.
I always think of Big Enos Burnette and his 13 Eldo convertibles. I don’t know if they were all red!
Now that is a classy looking big girl. Love the color combination and especially the pin stripes.
You know you’ve arrived when you drive up with that. All you need is a beautiful blond sitting next to you and your styling. Hey wait, I already have a beautiful blond sitting next to me, so all I need are the wheels.
Anyone know of an easy replacement for that underpowered engine? There has to be one out there, maybe even a turbo-diesel…. though I would rather have a regular fuel burning car. That is really the only thing wrong with what is a really gorgeous piece of old Detroit iron.
I can’t figure out why people think it’s underpowered. HPratings are as broad now as wattage ratings were for amplifiers in the seventies.
When I was 16 I bought my first Cadillac(a1965). I have never bought another make car and never took any to be repaired. I still do all my work but now I’m 67! OMG when did that happen??? Anyways the older Cadillacs had the biggest engines in a passenger car in the world. The torque was monstrous. 500 CID and 400 Brake Hp @ 525 ft/pds torque. My Cadillacs would and did blow away most of these so called muscle cars and almost all of the Jap cars.
Obviously you have never owned a Cadillac in the sixties or early seventies. Eldos were not as fast as the De Ville were, but they could still smoke the tires.
Underpowered? That’s funny.
To all my Fellow members of The GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT PRESERVATION SOCIETY, I thought you might be here. So, just wanted you to know I’m still around. Unfortunately new health issues have kept me from posting much. I’ll be back when I can. Thanks to all for the camaraderie here in The BARN.
This green color is just beyond YUMMY! Wow, just wow!