I agree! The bigger the better. Just recently I got so used to driving this car that when I got into the Fleetwood Limited it actually felt small! And it's no small car haha. Everything is relative. But these cars are fantastic, it would be neat to see big cars make a comeback someday. Thanks again, Jake 😁
My grandpa always drove huge cars when I was a little kid in the 1970s (Cadillacs and Lincolns). His last bigger car was a '79 Ford LTD which he never liked because it was "too small". I drove it a few times when I was a teenager and the thing took up an entire parking spot. I would love to see how I would do with one of these big caddys.
James, you are amazing!! I love your enthusiasm towards Cadillac! It reminds me of myself! I love the fact that you are so young and still have the appreciation for Cadillac! I wish we could meet! We would have a lot to talk about! I have only driven Cadillac my entire life! My 1st Cadillac was a 75 Sedan Deville d'Elegance. I think it was still my favorite Cadillac ever! I learned everything I know about cars from that car. A couple of things that you probably already know but the reason Cadillac put the yellow trunk button in the glove box was for valet purposes. The round key that unlocks the doors and the trunk also locks the glove compartment. So theoretically, you could lock the glove compartment with the round key and then give the valet your square ignition key so the valet would have no access to the trunk. He would only be able to start the car with the square ignition key. The valet would have no way to lock the car, but I guess Cadillac cannot think of everything! Also, both the round & square key originally came with a Cadillac crest embedded into them. The keys were silver. Cadillac did not come out with the Gold Key delivery system until 1984 although you after 1984, you could get gold key blanks that would work for earlier models. Did someone say the Litter Recepticle was for a Kleenex box? The owner's manual states that it is a litter recepticle which speaks for itself. Speaking of the owners manual, did you know there is a little "pocket" for it in the glove box door? When you open the glove compartment, right below the yellow trunk button, there is a little "pocket" in the face of the glove compartment door where the owner's manual slides right it for safekeeping so it does not take up room in the glove compartment itself. You also mentioned how the seats "knew" to unlock when you opened the door. If you look in the door jamb, there is a 2nd door jamb switch (the 1st door jamb switch activates the courtesy lights when you open the door) so when the door is opened, it electrically signals the seat lock to "unlock." Those designers were pretty ingenious! A couple of other features I was wondering about, did the Eldorado have the Illuminated Entry System which when you depressed either outside door handle, a small lamp illuminated the key hole so at night, you could easily see where to put your key into the lock cylinder. I think I noticed it also had the red "low fuel" indicator which I think was standard on the Eldorado & Fleetwoods but optional on the other models. That feature also came with the Fuel Economy Monitor which when the car is started, there is a green dot light in the dash that comes representing good fuel economy but if you step on the accerator too hard, the green dot lot goes off and the amber dot light comes on representing poor fuel economy. On that car, the amber dot light should ALWAYS be on! lol Lastly, I was just curious if the level control compressor was still operational. It was standard on the Eldorado. The compressor was not electrical. It was a vacuum operated compressor that ran off engine manifold vacuum. I used to rebuild those things so I was just curiuos if it was still operational. Thanks again for your great videos!
I can't believe just how perfectly you video these cars. It's mind-boggling the amount of time you take for each one of them. It's as if the camera is making love to every car you show. Your videos are truly first-class. What an incredible job. Thank you so much. 🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅
My buddy back in our late teens/ early 20's had one of these in baby blue. His dad was a mechanic and picked him up one and fixed it up. I can still remember all the adventures and trouble we got into while cruising in that battleship lol
Very nice! It's the perfect car for cruising and adventuring, I could almost get into trouble with it too lol. Thank you for commenting and for watching the video!
My Grandpa got this car in a stock trade a long time ago. It's a creme color convertible. Me and my Grandma took this car out virtually everyday when I would come over there. I still take it out. Sometimes the most simple things in like can be the most precious. Also, great video. Very informative and informed. It's good to see videos like this of somewhat obscure cars. You are very educated!
Very nice, that sounds like a beautiful car. They really are so much fun to drive! I'm so glad that you liked the video, I really do appreciate the support and I love to make videos about cars like these 😁 Thank you so much for watching!
@@JB-zm1ex My grandfather on my mother's side had a 1964 Malibu SS Coupe that he bought used in 1965 and sold around 1990. That car was always garaged and had low miles. He sold it because he inherited his older brother's car. Unfortunately he did not tell me about his plans so that was disappointing. My grandfather on my father's side drove a 1972 Chrysler Newport for many years. That car was not valuable like the Malibu but I had a closer relationship to him. Now I only have a few photos of each of those men.
Your enthusiasm is infectious, and you say "mirror" better than most auto hosts! Knife-blade fenders were an Eldo feature from its '67 début. Thanks for this lively post.
You know you're getting old when cars that were brand new when you were in kindergarten/1st grade (and that you can still sing the commercial jingles to) are now "historical vehicles"
Haha that's awesome. These cars certainly do bring back memories for a lot of people. It definitely shows just how fast time flies by! Thank you for commenting and for watching the video, Michael!
This is a great overview dude. I got one of these as a gift from my crazy uncle and recently finished a complete motor service, runs like a dream now! Mine needs tons of cosmetic work, hope it will look as good as this one in a year or two
Thank you so much! That's very nice, these cars are really just fun to have on nice days :) We've worked on this one for a while now and its fun to see it get slowly better. I'm sure that you'll love it, these cars are unlike anything else. Thank you for watching the video! 😁
stock is only 8.5 to 1 compression.......... drop in a 64 eldo engine with 10.5 compression and more tricks and with a Nitro system a Ferri will NOT beat you off the line ! a 225 trans and REALLY enjoy.. In fact the used to scrap these beauties to buld motor homes around that AWESUM front drive..
I have a few older Cadillacs, from the 80’s primarily. I have been a Cadillac fan since I was in high school. I love the opportunity to see probably my favorite Cadillac of the entire 70s--the convertible mid 70s series Eldorado. You do a fantastic job describing the car and also respecting the cars. These are to me linear works of art and connection to a wonderful time in so many of our lives. James, I love your videos so much I watch them more than once so thank you for the effort to share these masterpieces with us.
That is really nice to hear. I know there are lots of people out there who have strong, personal connections with cars like these. I enjoy bringing these videos to people just like you, it makes me very happy to hear how much you truly enjoy them. Thank you so much for the support, it really means a lot to me 😁
No need to thank us for tuning in to the best and classiest car review channel on YT. Seriously, I'd be here if you talked about a washingmachine for hours. We really do enjoy, value and appreciate these awesome reviews you do and all the effort you put into them shines brightly. Listen to Aunt Barbara, she knows.
I hope that you'll have the chance to drive one of these someday. It truly is a wonderful experience driving with the top down, I can see why it is your dream 😁 Thank you for watching the video!
There is a photo of Arnold Palmer in front of the Augusta National wearing his green jacket and Gucci loafers while leaning on the front door of a red 73 Eldorado convertible white interior. It is the coolest photo from golf and automotive history. Whoever owns the one you are showing definitely needs to find that photo.
My Dad wanted one but would not fit garage as his Sedan De,Villes only had 'bout 2" clearance! Bought a '76 in 1985, Canary Yellow/Camel Top & Interior, 47K for $3300, put $200 in it and 3 weeks later a Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher bought it for his Dad for $4900.00...YES!
I had a 1972 Eldorado, I bought it when I was 23 years old !!! It was a Fire Mist Turquoise with a White Padded Vinyl Roof !!! With the Opera Rear side windows!!! And a 500 cubic inch motor !!!! And 27 gallon gas tank !!!! When the owner of the company saw it he bought one Too !!!! And we talked about our Eldorado’s all the time ! That was so cool, me talking to the owner about our Eldorado’s I was the hero of our Crew !!! lol ! I loved that Car !!!!! A hood that looked 20 feet long ! With that Caddy Emblem!!!! That was so much Fun !!!! 😊
My dad a 45 year GM employee got to buying my mom a new Cadillac for several years in the mid 70's. One was a '76 Eldorado Convertible with a white exterior and convertible top, the interior was red. I got to drive it most every evening as my mom didn't go out at night. It was very nice to drive and it had plenty of power even though the rating didn't suggest that. Several times driving on the expressway heading north to Lake Ontario riding with top down, ac blowing cold and cruise control set to 100 mph, that car sailed along effortlessly. I became very enamored with the Cadillacs and that same year I sold my '68 Z/28 and made enough to by myself a 3 yr old '73 Fleetwood 60 Special Brougham in triple white. I've had other Cadillacs over the years and today I drive a Cadillac CT6-V with the twin turbo 550 hp V8 engine. This model is AWD and also has 4-Wheel Steering. I think it's the best Cadillac ever made. Here it is if you'd like to see it. ruclips.net/video/iKEHNbjRrU4/видео.html
I love these cars. A friend of mine's dad was a huge collector and recently passed and my friend sold me a bunch of his Caddy's and Lincoln's, one was a 9988 low mileage Eldorado Convertible. Can't wait to get it going. Mine has the factory EFI that most mechanics didn't even know exhisted.
Wow, that is incredible! Sounds like you have quite the collection, I'm VERY impressed with the mileage on that Eldo. So cool! Thank you for watching the video, Dennis!
The Cadillac emblem on the headlight glass is similar to the bonnet/hood emblem Cadillac used in the early 1940s. They are a pair of wings, not horns. Another version has the wings set out to the sides. One weird thing is the plastic bits at the end of the front fenders. They lengthened the car but didn't have to change the moulds for the side panels.
They do look like wings! I don't think I've seen the ornament with the wings that go off to the side, very cool. Thank you for commenting and watching the video!
I was 14 in 1976. One of my friend’s parents drove one of these and even then, I thought it was over the top. I think it was billed as Cadillac’s last convertable.
I bet this was quite the sight to behold back then as it is now. And that's correct! Cadillac said that it was going to be the last convertible they would ever build (which, of course, wasn't true haha). Thanks for watching the video!
the unique thing about the '71-'75 full size GM, and '76 Eldo, ragtops is the 'scissor' top mechanism, which was shared across all the lines...I have a '75 Grand Ville convertible and its the same top as your Eldo...in fact mine has a few Eldo pieces in it that I got off a junker when restoring my Pontiac. the top was designed so that you could have a full width back seat, so instead of the usual top side rails that fold back from the sides of the rear seat, the top rails fold inwards on themselves and then scissors the side rails, side by side, behind the seat...the pivot is behind the seat...now you have a full width 3-person rear seat, perfect for parades. The Eldo parade boot allowed for people to sit on top of the seat for that reason. They really are amazing cars...full size comfort with true 6 passenger seating and that awesome convertible top. thx for the fun vid on your beautiful car!
Wow I never knew that the top was exactly the same as other GM products of the time but it makes sense. Very interesting to hear why they designed it as they did. You're very welcome! I love doing these videos, especially on these older cars. Thank you for the fantastic comment and for watching the video! I hope to hear from you again soon
I love your occasional references to “back then” (the intermittent wiper mention) I graduated high school in 1976 so I remember when these cars were new (including the new car smell) in the showroom at Wagner Cadillac in Tyler, Texas - my grandfather traded cars every couple of years and bought primarily big Buick Chrysler Plymouth and Dodge hardtops and station wagons - my mother drove big Plymouth Sport Suburban wagons with the fake “Brazilian Rosewood” on the sides and rear facing third seats - I took my driving test in her 72 Sunfire Yellow Sport Suburban wagon (actually the sales brochure car in 72) including parallel parking it! .. right side passenger outside mirrors were optional back then and thankfully that wagon had one! just watched your review of the 76 Fleetwood 75 - never knew there were two different versions (sedan and limousine) as you described - thanks for the interesting videos
Every time you pointed out the Cadillac logo or emblem you said it was to let people know it was a Cadillac, I guarantee you everyone back in the 70s knew it was a Cadillac even without looking at the logos..😎✌
You're very welcome, Michael! I'd love to see that happen someday, they're unlike anything else and I'm sure it'll fit in wherever you take it 😁 what country are you from?
Great video! I believe that was the last year Cadillac offered a factory convertible. Some aftermarket convertibles were converted, but I always thought they looked chopped up and would not be collectable. Also the reason no door release was put on the driver's side because theoretically the driver would always be in the car if there was a passenger in the back seat. Whereas , if people were being dropped off, the person being dropped off first would sit in the front seat. The person being dropped off next would sit in the backseat and would be able to exit the vehicle without the driver getting out of the vehicle. After all they are driving a Cadillac eldorado! I always thought thermometers on the driver's exterior mirror was so cool. I think they were even lit when headlights were on. Thanks!
Thank you, Jason! That's true, it is supposedly the last "factory" Eldorado convertible. I agree, this is a nicer looking car than the 80's convertibles. Ah and that's a good point about there being no rear handle on the drivers door, thank you! And that's right, the thermometer does light up at night 😁 The thermometer is also still perfectly accurate too!
I've owned three of these over the last 35 years. Installing the parade boot is a one person operation. Simply lock in the driver's side first then the passenger side "hinges" down into the drivers side then slides back and locks in place.
Wow very nice! Good to know, thank you! We definitely don't have much experience with it since we only do it a few times a year. Thank you for watching the video!
You are probably too young to remember the show "The Dukes of Hazzard", but I loved Boss Hogg's big white Eldorado. I even had the match box version of it.
0 thanks for your upload you know. The 76 eldorado wow I was 17 when the car came out. My uncle had bought one yet I'm from not mistake and we were living in Rhode Island at the time you had a pre-order them because they were supposed to be and I think we're the last spell Dorado and the people wanted to get them and paid a premium for them. If I remember correctly my uncle's was a brown color with a beige interior. I can see him you know when when I first saw the title of the video I saw my uncle sitting in the car with the top down. That the driver's wheel the steering wheel I remember the back seat wasn't all that big. I own the 1980 eldorado and it also had all there wasn't a convertible it was a barrettes so it had a stainless steel roof and the stainless steel rocker panels on the side of the car under the doors and it's also had a base interior with brown. My dad owned the 72 or 73 Cadillac coupe deville is to drive that around a lot too but that El Dorado was really something it's like that the phone looking out over the hood of the car on the front end from the driver's side or passenger side big you know and by the way even for another's in the 60s had the square key for the ignition and the door lock size if I remember correctly and around key was over for the trunk that was pretty common for most of the American car manufacturers back in the day. The gasoline door you know fulfilling it up lots of cars also had it hidden underneath the license plate trying to remember if my Thunderbird I had one or two cars that had that that the same pricing for the gas in pay. License plate a little license plate for filling it up boy I've owned so many cars and I'm blind now I haven't driven in decades so it's all just by memory and sometimes it's not that great LOL anyway thanks again for the video brought back a blast from the past. Please just the same my uncle had a lot of money and we were doing too bad either at that time grew up kind of lower middle class LOL although my grandfather owns a 64 Thunderbird I'm sorry it's 64 Cadillac eldorado convertible it was red with a black leather interior a bucket seats that car was amazing I'll never forget that he also want the 68 eldorado with 73 sedan DeVille no 73 Fleetwood he was a Cadillac guy to say the least and the only other convertible that a member of my family on my sister had a 64thunderbird convertible and that was pretty cool because when you went to put the top down the trunk would open by itself the opposite way not lifting up from the friend of a lifting up from the where the real window would be the trunk lid would come back yeah putting interest in mechanism the way that the trunk that we've had two like balls that's turned and screwed into the body to keep it so this way the whole you didn't have to put like that plastic piece or whatever piece you're putting on of the eldorado I guess hide the gap between where the trunk lid and the top goes down this the trunk just closed and it was gone editing
Haha I haven't seen too many Clint Eastwood movies, I'll have to look that up just to watch the Eldorado lol. Thank you for commenting and for watching the video, Paul!
I have one as well. Mine is Brown. Great Video! FYI...do a 10min followup on the lights at night. Thats when it really shows up. So many cool things going on with the lights, interior and exterior.
Thank you!! Very nice, I've seen a few brown ones around. These are just great cars to drive! And that's true, I should focus more on what the cars look like at night because the lights are always enjoyable to see. Thanks for watching, Robert!
Crypto138 That’s awesome! It is a fantastic car, I can see why it’s your favorite 😃 and there are lots of them out there, I’m sure you’ll have one someday! Thank you for commenting and for watching the video!
Wow that's a fantastic price!! The convertibles are worth much more than that if they run well and are in decent shape. I'm sure if you sold it you could make a good profit, but they are also great cars to own and to enjoy 😁 Thank you for watching the video, Jason!
My dad had a regular 76 Caddy Eldorado with 500cid, 215sae net horsepower & 400lbft torque. But the carburetor 500, had a 4bbl 190sae net, & 360torq. The salesperson promised my dad more MPGs. But, the Xtra power made it fun to drive especially when rain or snow was on the road.. all he added was the Astroroof. Beautiful car. Imagine it w/today's tech. It came fully equipped, very few options were available $$$$$
Ps, fiberoptic lamp monitors front & rear. A lil hint, to improve on the loose steering, lower the psi on the front tires. No lower than 26psi. It'll absorb a bit of the slack. Those high pressure, low rolling resistance will NOT work on these pups.
A 1 piece bench seat? Really, my dad had 40/60 split. Lincolns had 50/50 split. Passenger seat,was also power & reclined on my dad's. The lit vanity mirror on passenger while Lincoln had both sun visors that lit.
Oh yeah, these cars had a bad habit of getting their hub caps stolen or falling upon hitting a pot hole. Dad got the aluminum turbine wheels and VOGUE tyres. I drove it more than my slow ass 350FI(OLDS)CID on my 79 Seville.
Very nice! It sounds like the extra power would have made it extremely fun to drive and a great touring car! What color combo was his car? The one I just did a video on was yellow on yellow (Not the most beautiful) but still a great looking car!
I really do wish that we had the dual power seats. I believe there was either a 40/60 or 50/50 split front seat option like is in the Biarritz that I did a video on. If we get the chance we would really like to convert this to the 50/50. Then this car will have, I think, all the available options for the convertible. And that's nice that Lincoln had both visors lit! I was never sure why Cadillac didn't do that
They did bring back El Dorado convertibles back in the 80s but at the time they did announce that the 1976 was the last Eldorado convertible to be made. Also , I always thought the spring mounted hood ornament was to deter theft ,as it was not easily broken or snapped off.... as always great review James glad that you're doing more of them👏👏👍🤓
That's right! I heard that some of them even sued GM and won haha. That's a very good point, I'm sure that made it more difficult to steal the ornament. Thank you so much for coming back Andy, I really appreciate the support 😀
The convertible returned in 1984 which infuriated owners who did sue GM. The reason that GM resumed manufacturing was because aftermarket specialty companies were converting the Eldorado after 1976. Glad he is a Cadillac lover. Hope to eventually see him review my favorites: 1960, 1963, or 1964...1967 to 1970 Eldorado ... 1976 to 1979 Seville ... and ATS.
hi James! Thank u very much for making wonderful review of 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible so im wondering have u ever tried old Lincoln Continental 70s? if yes so do u see Lincoln Continental is in same level of Cadillac in terms of comfortable ride, seating and light steering?
Thank you so much, Hamad! I'm very glad you enjoyed the video. I unfortunately haven't had the chance to drive any Lincoln from that era; however, I have seen several videos and maybe talked to one or two owners and it seems like the driving experience and comfort is very similar if not identical to the Cadillacs. I hope this answers your question!
The hood ornament might also be helpful when flexible like that to allow for running through a car wash so it wouldn't be as likely to snap off. Good videos, keep it up.
Very good point, Chuck! I bet car washes would take it right off without the spring, I didn't think of that. Thank you for commenting and watching the video 😁
The flexible hood ornament was so it would be nearly impossible to steal/rip off. That was a common problem with other cars with solid hood ornaments of the era.
@@JB-zm1ex they're easy to steal. Lift up pop a screwdriver in between the wire and twist... Pops right off. But Cadillac did hook up the horn to them on some years so they would honk if someone pulled on them and hopefully scare off the thief.
You have a good eye! These are meant to have the black wheel covers, however, they were replaced at some point. Hopefully we'll either paint these or find the proper covers in the future. Thanks for watching the video!
I agree wholeheartedly, car companies around the world should focus more on comfort especially ride comfort. Let’s face it more cars are driven on roads than rushed down a racetrack. I feel pity for the Ferrari owner who have to cam down to a crawl just to pass a minor speed bump. I don’t get it, it must require a very low self esteem to buy hyper expensive cars with kidney breaking rock hard suspension, just to prove something. Happily a few companies have decided to paddle against the tide, here in Europe Citroën have changed their focus towards more comfort. I think they have found a nice niche, two weeks ago I got a chance to try their new C4 electric. Lovely car at a fair price. If Citroën succeed in this turnaround, other companies will surely follow. Engineers knows that stiff suspension and ultra hyper low profile are not ideal on road cars, they only put them there because of a presumed demand.
Yes, comfort is a priority that most companies have lost sight of. It’s also possible that most people don’t realize what they’re missing in having a comfortable car. And I have a lot of respect for Citroën. They made some incredibly advanced and clever vehicles in the past, but they are extremely rare. (Although, I did see one at a local car show last week which was a surprise). I’m glad to hear that they’re doing well in Europe though!
That is very cool! I think it's neat that it is an actual Cadillac badge from the 40's. Cadillac was paying attention to their heritage! Thank you for watching the video, Robert 😁
This is what I refer to as a “real” Cadillac. The new ones have too much plastic. These, whether it be a deVille, Fleetwood, or Eldorado, were built when luxury was a smooth and quiet ride, and how big and solid they were. Cadillac has lost its way chasing European brands. I’ve felt for a long time now that their design team could learn a lot by studying these from the 1970s!
That's true! They definitely had good aspirations/goals in mind when building these cars, maybe someday there will be a shift in the brand. Thank you for watching the video, Byron!
Good point; Cadillac traded what it did best, luxury & ride, for driver-centric sportiness the specialty of other makes. *You have a friendly, down-home presence!* Deeper study of this car's era can repay your effort hansdomely.
Thank you!! Unfortunately I can't always cover everything or find everything for each video. But I've done my best to improve my research for my more recent videos. Thank you for watching!
The hood ornament spins to allow you to turn it sideways for the car wash. If you left if facing forward the brush drums of the car wash would beat it into the paint. Turning it sideways would allow the ornament to slice through the brush drums not knicking the paint.
Ah that makes a lot of sense! I can definitely see it moving and hitting the car from the brushes. Thank you for watching the video and for commenting!
Hey guys! Welcome back to the channel. I just wanted to mention that in the intro I made the mistake of saying this was the last of the Eldorado convertibles. This is actually not true, this was the last of the "big" Eldorado convertibles. After it was downsized, the Eldorado convertibles were also made in 1984 and 1985. Thank you all for your continued support. Enjoy the video!
In the spring of '76 I saw the first of a car like this and said then someday I'd own one. Had the opportunity to buy a beautiful baby blue '76 Eldorado in 2019, then the owner said, "the transmission slips a little". all the rubber on it needed replaced. My best advise to anyone wanting to buy an "antique" car, buy one fully restored, it'll save you big bucks. I've spent over $30,000 on a unrestored car worth at the most $25,000, and it's not done yet.
@@JW_Reviews the assembly line was not able to accommodate the work necessary to assemble convertibles by then...its a huge effort to change the assembly line process, esp for the very few convertibles to be made. Cars of the 70's, 80's, and (I think)90's were sent to American Sunroof (ASC) to be altered for sunroofs, t-tops, or full convertible tops.
AWESOME, even if Ur pocket happened to be empty, that beautiful MASTERPIECE makes U look like U got it ALL. In 76 Caddy dealers were selling the convertibles to the highest bidder. My dad wasn't with it, so, he got the Landau coupe opposite Ur colors on the video. Have fun, I know I DID. Partner,where's the under hood padding?
That's a very good point! And I'd say that this car still makes it look as if you had it all haha 😁 That's really interesting that they were selling these for such high prices! I assume it's because this was supposed to be the last year of the convertible? But that's neat that your dad was able to get another one. Was your dads car similar to the Eldorado Biarritz that I filmed in a video recently? And we aren't sure why it didn't have the padding, but recently after I shot the video we put new padding underneath the hood so it's been replaced. We also got the antennae to work again as well! Thank you so much for the comment and for watching the video, Ener 😁
@@JW_Reviews J.W. my dad had a regular ELDORADO. NON DESIGNER SERIES. I loved it too, even though I had a 76 Buick 225 coupe. Astroroof, chrome wheels, fully equipped. Yet, my dad's Caddy was hands down the vehicle to drive in foul weather. It was White, but, you would never know when it snow & drove on those nasty,dirty roads. I spent more time washing it than my deuce. ORDERS, dad hated driving a dirty car. They sure don't make like they used to. Now, turbo,Supercharged luxury cars, 4/6 cylinders. Imagine a 500cid with today's technology. i.e. Viper. Well we can still dream,thanks for your reply & time big guy. Njoy & be SAFE PLEASE.
Those are wings on the parking light logos. That is an old design. They first used the winged logo in the 1930s. Then, the wings had feather detailing.
I love these late 70s cadillacs because they're just so absurd by modern standards A 2 door coupe with an 8.2 litre v8 that's longer than a chevrolet suburban This car is just so cool to me
James, since you like doing videos on unusual and interesting cars, how about a video on a 1976 Chevrolet Monte Carlo “Custom Cloud” ??? Good luck finding one!
@@JW_Reviews ...the Custom Cloud was a add on fiberglass kit made by the "Custom Cloud Motors, Inc. company in Florida to emulate a Rolls-Royce. Their "Donor car" for this project was a 1976 Monte Carlo because it was a good fit for a moderate price. They had a RR style grille manufactured by a local company topped with a poorly cast "flying lady" styled hood ornament. The company decided to eventually do a rear treatment as well to make it a more balanced look. They actually bought a huge supply of original Lucas stop/tail lights, license plate lights leaving the company without stock for Rolls to order stock from them!! They flew their first completed model to England for the Earls Court motor show where representatives from Rolls-Royce were also showing their latest models. When they came across the "Custom Cloud" they immediately had a cease and desist order served to the owners of the Custom Cloud and it was down hill from there due to trademark infringements etc.Changing the look/design of the iconic RR grille to placate Rolls-Royce attorneys did no good and sales plummeted driving the company into bankruptcy. There were a handful of Chevrolet dealers who were licensed to install these kits onto a Monte Carlo or the kit could be bought outright for a self install. Therefore, nobody knows exactly how many kits were eventually made much less how many were installed on the cars! Unfortunately, company records were stored in the trunk of one of the owners cars which caught on fire and lost forever! The best guess from the company was that approximately 75-100 kits were made by them....nobody has an accurate figure!! Google: "Monte Carlo Custom Cloud"
I was thinking that all '76 models did as well. And I love the 500ci engine. It makes a brilliant sound and is nearly perfect for this car. I've heard stories of people tuning these engines and making their Eldorado's do burnouts like crazy. Not my cup of tea but it shows just how powerful the engine could be! And it sounds like you've had some very nice Cadillacs. Have you owned others besides the Biarritz and coupe?
Wow, that's a very nice set of cars! Did you enjoy the '85 Brougham? I've had little experience with that era of Fleetwood and heard that some had bad performing engines
Would love for you to review an early 80’s eldorado. My mom had several early 80’s eldorados with fond memories. I especially loved her 82 in light grey and a dark grey landau top and burgundy interior. Don
Have a 75 I've had since 93. 4 cross country trips. Daily driver till a few year's ago when she finally broke. Garaged awaiting repairs & $. 8950 built in 75.
Fun fact: this car does not have recliners because they were not available with the bench seat. If you wanted recliners, you needed to get 50/50 seat option and even then recliners were still an option on top of that.
These EPA detuned cars of the era may have horsepower not in line with the engine size, however the V8 still moves the car down the road with authority and the torque is still there to motivate the car. I'm more of a torque girl anyway, h/p is overrated.
Gotta look on foot. How I got mine. But since? Mechum auctions has been in contact. Somehow the big auction houses are tracking these. Driving up the price for folks who want to own.
The 76 elderado stood alone.
One of the best looking cars made.
I agree! It certainly does stand out as a Cadillac 😁 Thank you for the comment and for watching the video, Doug!
A lot of people think that 60s and 70s cars are too big, but I love them more the bigger they are.
I agree! The bigger the better. Just recently I got so used to driving this car that when I got into the Fleetwood Limited it actually felt small! And it's no small car haha. Everything is relative. But these cars are fantastic, it would be neat to see big cars make a comeback someday. Thanks again, Jake 😁
They are big in a long, lean, smooth, and elegant way, not bulky, clumsy and eye hurting like the SUVs.
@@KoldingDenmark Amen, KoldingD you nailed it precisely.
@@auntbarbara5576 I was at the 1976 car show at New York Coliseum in NYC. For me it was the last time anyone would
see full sized American cars.
My grandpa always drove huge cars when I was a little kid in the 1970s (Cadillacs and Lincolns). His last bigger car was a '79 Ford LTD which he never liked because it was "too small". I drove it a few times when I was a teenager and the thing took up an entire parking spot. I would love to see how I would do with one of these big caddys.
Not being forced to watch an add to begin this video experience, you get a thumbs up😊😊😊😊
James, you are amazing!! I love your enthusiasm towards Cadillac! It reminds me of myself! I love the fact that you are so young and still have the appreciation for Cadillac! I wish we could meet! We would have a lot to talk about! I have only driven Cadillac my entire life! My 1st Cadillac was a 75 Sedan Deville d'Elegance. I think it was still my favorite Cadillac ever! I learned everything I know about cars from that car. A couple of things that you probably already know but the reason Cadillac put the yellow trunk button in the glove box was for valet purposes. The round key that unlocks the doors and the trunk also locks the glove compartment. So theoretically, you could lock the glove compartment with the round key and then give the valet your square ignition key so the valet would have no access to the trunk. He would only be able to start the car with the square ignition key. The valet would have no way to lock the car, but I guess Cadillac cannot think of everything! Also, both the round & square key originally came with a Cadillac crest embedded into them. The keys were silver. Cadillac did not come out with the Gold Key delivery system until 1984 although you after 1984, you could get gold key blanks that would work for earlier models. Did someone say the Litter Recepticle was for a Kleenex box? The owner's manual states that it is a litter recepticle which speaks for itself. Speaking of the owners manual, did you know there is a little "pocket" for it in the glove box door? When you open the glove compartment, right below the yellow trunk button, there is a little "pocket" in the face of the glove compartment door where the owner's manual slides right it for safekeeping so it does not take up room in the glove compartment itself. You also mentioned how the seats "knew" to unlock when you opened the door. If you look in the door jamb, there is a 2nd door jamb switch (the 1st door jamb switch activates the courtesy lights when you open the door) so when the door is opened, it electrically signals the seat lock to "unlock." Those designers were pretty ingenious! A couple of other features I was wondering about, did the Eldorado have the Illuminated Entry System which when you depressed either outside door handle, a small lamp illuminated the key hole so at night, you could easily see where to put your key into the lock cylinder. I think I noticed it also had the red "low fuel" indicator which I think was standard on the Eldorado & Fleetwoods but optional on the other models. That feature also came with the Fuel Economy Monitor which when the car is started, there is a green dot light in the dash that comes representing good fuel economy but if you step on the accerator too hard, the green dot lot goes off and the amber dot light comes on representing poor fuel economy. On that car, the amber dot light should ALWAYS be on! lol Lastly, I was just curious if the level control compressor was still operational. It was standard on the Eldorado. The compressor was not electrical. It was a vacuum operated compressor that ran off engine manifold vacuum. I used to rebuild those things so I was just curiuos if it was still operational. Thanks again for your great videos!
What cadilac was your favorite
I can't believe just how perfectly you video these cars. It's mind-boggling the amount of time you take for each one of them. It's as if the camera is making love to every car you show. Your videos are truly first-class. What an incredible job. Thank you so much. 🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅
Those are some fine automobiles! I can’t wait till I get one!!!
My buddy back in our late teens/ early 20's had one of these in baby blue. His dad was a mechanic and picked him up one and fixed it up. I can still remember all the adventures and trouble we got into while cruising in that battleship lol
Very nice! It's the perfect car for cruising and adventuring, I could almost get into trouble with it too lol. Thank you for commenting and for watching the video!
My Grandpa got this car in a stock trade a long time ago. It's a creme color convertible. Me and my Grandma took this car out virtually everyday when I would come over there. I still take it out. Sometimes the most simple things in like can be the most precious. Also, great video. Very informative and informed. It's good to see videos like this of somewhat obscure cars. You are very educated!
I wish I had both of the cars my grandfathers drove. I have almost nothing that they owned.
@@SpockvsMcCoy Thats too bad. Im sure you have good memories though, that's sometimes all we have left.
Very nice, that sounds like a beautiful car. They really are so much fun to drive! I'm so glad that you liked the video, I really do appreciate the support and I love to make videos about cars like these 😁 Thank you so much for watching!
@@JB-zm1ex My grandfather on my mother's side had a 1964 Malibu SS Coupe that he bought used in 1965 and sold around 1990. That car was always garaged and had low miles. He sold it because he inherited his older brother's car. Unfortunately he did not tell me about his plans so that was disappointing. My grandfather on my father's side drove a 1972 Chrysler Newport for many years. That car was not valuable like the Malibu but I had a closer relationship to him. Now I only have a few photos of each of those men.
@@JW_Reviews Thank you for making it! These cars are really a treat to drive. Something about the weight and drive of them.
Your enthusiasm is infectious, and you say "mirror" better than most auto hosts! Knife-blade fenders were an Eldo feature from its '67 début. Thanks for this lively post.
You know you're getting old when cars that were brand new when you were in kindergarten/1st grade (and that you can still sing the commercial jingles to) are now "historical vehicles"
Haha that's awesome. These cars certainly do bring back memories for a lot of people. It definitely shows just how fast time flies by! Thank you for commenting and for watching the video, Michael!
This is a great overview dude. I got one of these as a gift from my crazy uncle and recently finished a complete motor service, runs like a dream now! Mine needs tons of cosmetic work, hope it will look as good as this one in a year or two
Thank you so much! That's very nice, these cars are really just fun to have on nice days :) We've worked on this one for a while now and its fun to see it get slowly better. I'm sure that you'll love it, these cars are unlike anything else. Thank you for watching the video! 😁
stock is only 8.5 to 1 compression.......... drop in a 64 eldo engine with 10.5 compression and more tricks and with a Nitro system a Ferri will NOT beat you off the line ! a 225 trans and REALLY enjoy.. In fact the used to scrap these beauties to buld motor homes around that AWESUM front drive..
I have a few older Cadillacs, from the 80’s primarily. I have been a Cadillac fan since I was in high school. I love the opportunity to see probably my favorite Cadillac of the entire 70s--the convertible mid 70s series Eldorado. You do a fantastic job describing the car and also respecting the cars. These are to me linear works of art and connection to a wonderful time in so many of our lives. James, I love your videos so much I watch them more than once so thank you for the effort to share these masterpieces with us.
That is really nice to hear. I know there are lots of people out there who have strong, personal connections with cars like these. I enjoy bringing these videos to people just like you, it makes me very happy to hear how much you truly enjoy them. Thank you so much for the support, it really means a lot to me 😁
No need to thank us for tuning in to the best and classiest car review channel on YT. Seriously, I'd be here if you talked about a washingmachine for hours. We really do enjoy, value and appreciate these awesome reviews you do and all the effort you put into them shines brightly. Listen to Aunt Barbara, she knows.
Is Aunt Barbara DTF?
That's fantastic, I really do appreciate the support. It means the world to me!
I love the 70s & 80s classic cadillac convertibles! 🚗
The car is gorgeous and your review is not only thorough but very entertaining. Well done!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it so much 😁 I really appreciate the support!
@@JW_Reviews You're more thank welcome! Keep up the good work!
I am owner of a 2017 CTS Luxury.Fine car and it is fun to drive.The Cadillac quality over the years..
Very nice! I really like the looks of the third generation CTS, beautiful and fun car. Thank you for watching the video, Robert!
If there's one car I would love to drive at least once in my life, this is it. Top down, cruising at a steady 45mph, wind in hair. :3
I hope that you'll have the chance to drive one of these someday. It truly is a wonderful experience driving with the top down, I can see why it is your dream 😁 Thank you for watching the video!
Simpler times but much better times I wish I could go back to those days.
There is a photo of Arnold Palmer in front of the Augusta National wearing his green jacket and Gucci loafers while leaning on the front door of a red 73 Eldorado convertible white interior. It is the coolest photo from golf and automotive history. Whoever owns the one you are showing definitely needs to find that photo.
I just purchased one on Bat with only 9000 miles, it's red with red interior convertible, can't wait!
Sounds like a wonderful car!
My Dad wanted one but would not fit garage as his Sedan De,Villes only had 'bout 2" clearance! Bought a '76 in 1985, Canary Yellow/Camel Top & Interior, 47K for $3300, put $200 in it and 3 weeks later a Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher bought it for his Dad for $4900.00...YES!
Wow! That's quite the story and what an interesting person to sell your car to. Thank you for watching the video!
I had a 1972 Eldorado, I bought it when I was 23 years old !!! It was a Fire Mist Turquoise with a White Padded Vinyl Roof !!! With the Opera Rear side windows!!! And a 500 cubic inch motor !!!! And 27 gallon gas tank !!!!
When the owner of the company saw it he bought one Too !!!! And we talked about our Eldorado’s all the time ! That was so cool, me talking to the owner about our Eldorado’s I was the hero of our Crew !!! lol ! I loved that Car !!!!! A hood that looked 20 feet long !
With that Caddy Emblem!!!! That was so much Fun !!!!
😊
38:04 RR doesn't stand a chance. These babies are one of a kind super smooth.
Great video!
My dad a 45 year GM employee got to buying my mom a new Cadillac for several years in the mid 70's. One was a '76 Eldorado Convertible with a white exterior and convertible top, the interior was red. I got to drive it most every evening as my mom didn't go out at night. It was very nice to drive and it had plenty of power even though the rating didn't suggest that. Several times driving on the expressway heading north to Lake Ontario riding with top down, ac blowing cold and cruise control set to 100 mph, that car sailed along effortlessly. I became very enamored with the Cadillacs and that same year I sold my '68 Z/28 and made enough to by myself a 3 yr old '73 Fleetwood 60 Special Brougham in triple white. I've had other Cadillacs over the years and today I drive a Cadillac CT6-V with the twin turbo 550 hp V8 engine. This model is AWD and also has 4-Wheel Steering. I think it's the best Cadillac ever made. Here it is if you'd like to see it. ruclips.net/video/iKEHNbjRrU4/видео.html
I love these cars. A friend of mine's dad was a huge collector and recently passed and my friend sold me a bunch of his Caddy's and Lincoln's, one was a 9988 low mileage Eldorado Convertible. Can't wait to get it going. Mine has the factory EFI that most mechanics didn't even know exhisted.
Wow, that is incredible! Sounds like you have quite the collection, I'm VERY impressed with the mileage on that Eldo. So cool! Thank you for watching the video, Dennis!
@@JW_Reviews yah me too, just waiting for some nicer weather to ull it out of the garage and drop the tank and put a new fuel pump in.
Sitting three across in the front seat with room to spare...many good memories
Certainly plenty of room! Did you ride/drive in one of these back in the day?
I watch a lot of car reviews and yours are the best. Each video you make is better than the last. I’m very proud of you.
Thank you so much Dad! I'm glad you like them so much, they wouldn't be nearly as good without your help! 😊
A big Amen to that Mary!!!
The Cadillac emblem on the headlight glass is similar to the bonnet/hood emblem Cadillac used in the early 1940s. They are a pair of wings, not horns. Another version has the wings set out to the sides.
One weird thing is the plastic bits at the end of the front fenders. They lengthened the car but didn't have to change the moulds for the side panels.
They do look like wings! I don't think I've seen the ornament with the wings that go off to the side, very cool. Thank you for commenting and watching the video!
I find myself wanting a 76 Eldo after watching this. Great review , keep up the good work.
They are definitely great cars, I very much recommend them 😁 I'm glad you're watching them and enjoying them. I really appreciate the support!
Hurry up.
They’ve gotten more expensive since I got mine
Just 10 years ago!
I was 14 in 1976. One of my friend’s parents drove one of these and even then, I thought it was over the top. I think it was billed as Cadillac’s last convertable.
I bet this was quite the sight to behold back then as it is now. And that's correct! Cadillac said that it was going to be the last convertible they would ever build (which, of course, wasn't true haha). Thanks for watching the video!
“Last American Roadster”
the unique thing about the '71-'75 full size GM, and '76 Eldo, ragtops is the 'scissor' top mechanism, which was shared across all the lines...I have a '75 Grand Ville convertible and its the same top as your Eldo...in fact mine has a few Eldo pieces in it that I got off a junker when restoring my Pontiac. the top was designed so that you could have a full width back seat, so instead of the usual top side rails that fold back from the sides of the rear seat, the top rails fold inwards on themselves and then scissors the side rails, side by side, behind the seat...the pivot is behind the seat...now you have a full width 3-person rear seat, perfect for parades. The Eldo parade boot allowed for people to sit on top of the seat for that reason. They really are amazing cars...full size comfort with true 6 passenger seating and that awesome convertible top. thx for the fun vid on your beautiful car!
Wow I never knew that the top was exactly the same as other GM products of the time but it makes sense. Very interesting to hear why they designed it as they did. You're very welcome! I love doing these videos, especially on these older cars. Thank you for the fantastic comment and for watching the video! I hope to hear from you again soon
I love your occasional references to “back then” (the intermittent wiper mention) I graduated high school in 1976 so I remember when these cars were new (including the new car smell) in the showroom at Wagner Cadillac in Tyler, Texas - my grandfather traded cars every couple of years and bought primarily big Buick Chrysler Plymouth and Dodge hardtops and station wagons - my mother drove big Plymouth Sport Suburban wagons with the fake “Brazilian Rosewood” on the sides and rear facing third seats - I took my driving test in her 72 Sunfire Yellow Sport Suburban wagon (actually the sales brochure car in 72) including parallel parking it! .. right side passenger outside mirrors were optional back then and thankfully that wagon had one! just watched your review of the 76 Fleetwood 75 - never knew there were two different versions (sedan and limousine) as you described - thanks for the interesting videos
Every time you pointed out the Cadillac logo or emblem you said it was to let people know it was a Cadillac, I guarantee you everyone back in the 70s knew it was a Cadillac even without looking at the logos..😎✌
Thank u man! Someday im gonna take one of these beautiful cars to my country
You're very welcome, Michael! I'd love to see that happen someday, they're unlike anything else and I'm sure it'll fit in wherever you take it 😁 what country are you from?
Great video! I believe that was the last year Cadillac offered a factory convertible. Some aftermarket convertibles were converted, but I always thought they looked chopped up and would not be collectable.
Also the reason no door release was put on the driver's side because theoretically the driver would always be in the car if there was a passenger in the back seat. Whereas , if people were being dropped off, the person being dropped off first would sit in the front seat. The person being dropped off next would sit in the backseat and would be able to exit the vehicle without the driver getting out of the vehicle. After all they are driving a Cadillac eldorado!
I always thought thermometers on the driver's exterior mirror was so cool. I think they were even lit when headlights were on. Thanks!
Thank you, Jason! That's true, it is supposedly the last "factory" Eldorado convertible. I agree, this is a nicer looking car than the 80's convertibles. Ah and that's a good point about there being no rear handle on the drivers door, thank you! And that's right, the thermometer does light up at night 😁 The thermometer is also still perfectly accurate too!
Another great video , you look great driving this car.
Thank you, Mark! I'm glad you liked the video 😁 I was definitely having a great time behind the wheel of this car haha
One of the greatest cars ever made.
We had one. Boy do I wish we had it now.
They are certainly fun cars to have... Maybe someday you'll have another one 😁 Just curious, what year and color was your Eldorado convertible?
I've owned three of these over the last 35 years. Installing the parade boot is a one person operation. Simply lock in the driver's side first then the passenger side "hinges" down into the drivers side then slides back and locks in place.
Wow very nice! Good to know, thank you! We definitely don't have much experience with it since we only do it a few times a year. Thank you for watching the video!
I love this car that's my favorite car from the 70s!
What an amazing collection of cars...anther amazing video!
Thanks again!
Great video, 2 woofs up!
Thank you so much! 😁
I agree, I don't feel the new Cadillacs but I must say Cadillac Ciel is definitely Cadillac's masterpiece of the 2000's
Job well done. Nice to see the 76.
Thank you so much!
You are probably too young to remember the show "The Dukes of Hazzard", but I loved Boss Hogg's big white Eldorado. I even had the match box version of it.
I'm afraid I never watched that show, but I'll be sure to look up images of that car! Thanks again for watching the videos 😁
Boss Hogg had a De Ville convertible, a 1970 as I recall.
“Centennial edition”🇺🇸
The “white” 76 El dog ONLY🤔
Others are simply 76’ El Dorados
They try to keep that quite...
Oh I want one! Especially the convertible. I’ll probably end up with a 84 before one of those though.
Oh yeah the convertibles are very fun to have! Do you like the smaller size of the 84 more?
You can get a clean convertible w great interior and engine, everything for under 10,000
0 thanks for your upload you know. The 76 eldorado wow I was 17 when the car came out. My uncle had bought one yet I'm from not mistake and we were living in Rhode Island at the time you had a pre-order them because they were supposed to be and I think we're the last spell Dorado and the people wanted to get them and paid a premium for them. If I remember correctly my uncle's was a brown color with a beige interior. I can see him you know when when I first saw the title of the video I saw my uncle sitting in the car with the top down. That the driver's wheel the steering wheel I remember the back seat wasn't all that big. I own the 1980 eldorado and it also had all there wasn't a convertible it was a barrettes so it had a stainless steel roof and the stainless steel rocker panels on the side of the car under the doors and it's also had a base interior with brown. My dad owned the 72 or 73 Cadillac coupe deville is to drive that around a lot too but that El Dorado was really something it's like that the phone looking out over the hood of the car on the front end from the driver's side or passenger side big you know and by the way even for another's in the 60s had the square key for the ignition and the door lock size if I remember correctly and around key was over for the trunk that was pretty common for most of the American car manufacturers back in the day. The gasoline door you know fulfilling it up lots of cars also had it hidden underneath the license plate trying to remember if my Thunderbird I had one or two cars that had that that the same pricing for the gas in pay. License plate a little license plate for filling it up boy I've owned so many cars and I'm blind now I haven't driven in decades so it's all just by memory and sometimes it's not that great LOL anyway thanks again for the video brought back a blast from the past. Please just the same my uncle had a lot of money and we were doing too bad either at that time grew up kind of lower middle class LOL although my grandfather owns a 64 Thunderbird I'm sorry it's 64 Cadillac eldorado convertible it was red with a black leather interior a bucket seats that car was amazing I'll never forget that he also want the 68 eldorado with 73 sedan DeVille no 73 Fleetwood he was a Cadillac guy to say the least and the only other convertible that a member of my family on my sister had a 64thunderbird convertible and that was pretty cool because when you went to put the top down the trunk would open by itself the opposite way not lifting up from the friend of a lifting up from the where the real window would be the trunk lid would come back yeah putting interest in mechanism the way that the trunk that we've had two like balls that's turned and screwed into the body to keep it so this way the whole you didn't have to put like that plastic piece or whatever piece you're putting on of the eldorado I guess hide the gap between where the trunk lid and the top goes down this the trunk just closed and it was gone editing
Great review James! Thanks for sharing 😊
Thank you very much Aunt Sue 😁 I'm so glad you love the videos!
This car is in a great condition!Great job.
Thank you, Robert! I'm glad you liked the video 😁
Simply magnificent beast. Reminds me of some Clint Eastwood movie where he was driving a white one at the end.
Haha I haven't seen too many Clint Eastwood movies, I'll have to look that up just to watch the Eldorado lol. Thank you for commenting and for watching the video, Paul!
Yes! The movie is "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot".
It's one of my favorite Eldorado I've seen. MY absolute favorite Eldorado is the 1959.
I have one as well. Mine is Brown. Great Video! FYI...do a 10min followup on the lights at night. Thats when it really shows up. So many cool things going on with the lights, interior and exterior.
Thank you!! Very nice, I've seen a few brown ones around. These are just great cars to drive! And that's true, I should focus more on what the cars look like at night because the lights are always enjoyable to see. Thanks for watching, Robert!
I had a ‘69 DeVille Convertible. Had 57K on the clock and the boot was still wrapped up in the trunk never used. Missing it. 😊
'69 is a great year! That was the year of my dads first car which was a Fleetwood. Thanks for watching all the videos, Lon 😎
@@JW_Reviews the convertible top had a glass rear window 👍
This is my dream car.
Crypto138 That’s awesome! It is a fantastic car, I can see why it’s your favorite 😃 and there are lots of them out there, I’m sure you’ll have one someday! Thank you for commenting and for watching the video!
Got one for sale. 2500. Runs great.
Wow that's a fantastic price!! The convertibles are worth much more than that if they run well and are in decent shape. I'm sure if you sold it you could make a good profit, but they are also great cars to own and to enjoy 😁 Thank you for watching the video, Jason!
@@jasonbatson8945 I am interested.
@@jasonbatson8945 I’m interested
I got the orange one.
Roadster classic🇺🇸
LOVE IT❤️
Beautiful car! Thank you so much for watching 😁
I have a 1975 sitting in my garage. Same color, looks just like it. (PS if a little old lady owned that car in 76 she wasn't lifting that hood.)
Very nice!! That's awesome you have one of these Eldorado's 😎 And that's a great point lol! Thanks for watching the video, Mark 😊
My dad had a regular 76 Caddy Eldorado with 500cid, 215sae net horsepower & 400lbft torque. But the carburetor 500, had a 4bbl 190sae net, & 360torq. The salesperson promised my dad more MPGs. But, the Xtra power made it fun to drive especially when rain or snow was on the road.. all he added was the Astroroof. Beautiful car. Imagine it w/today's tech. It came fully equipped, very few options were available $$$$$
Ps, fiberoptic lamp monitors front & rear. A lil hint, to improve on the loose steering, lower the psi on the front tires. No lower than 26psi. It'll absorb a bit of the slack. Those high pressure, low rolling resistance will NOT work on these pups.
A 1 piece bench seat? Really, my dad had 40/60 split. Lincolns had 50/50 split. Passenger seat,was also power & reclined on my dad's. The lit vanity mirror on passenger while Lincoln had both sun visors that lit.
Oh yeah, these cars had a bad habit of getting their hub caps stolen or falling upon hitting a pot hole. Dad got the aluminum turbine wheels and VOGUE tyres. I drove it more than my slow ass 350FI(OLDS)CID on my 79 Seville.
Very nice! It sounds like the extra power would have made it extremely fun to drive and a great touring car! What color combo was his car? The one I just did a video on was yellow on yellow (Not the most beautiful) but still a great looking car!
I really do wish that we had the dual power seats. I believe there was either a 40/60 or 50/50 split front seat option like is in the Biarritz that I did a video on. If we get the chance we would really like to convert this to the 50/50. Then this car will have, I think, all the available options for the convertible. And that's nice that Lincoln had both visors lit! I was never sure why Cadillac didn't do that
Great review! I enjoyed watching it.
That's great to hear! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the video, Kenneth. Thank you for commenting and for watching the video!
They did bring back El Dorado convertibles back in the 80s but at the time they did announce that the 1976 was the last Eldorado convertible to be made. Also , I always thought the spring mounted hood ornament was to deter theft ,as it was not easily broken or snapped off.... as always great review James glad that you're doing more of them👏👏👍🤓
That's right! I heard that some of them even sued GM and won haha. That's a very good point, I'm sure that made it more difficult to steal the ornament. Thank you so much for coming back Andy, I really appreciate the support 😀
@@JW_Reviews no no no, I never left I just had watched all your videos, waiting for new one🤗🤗
The convertible returned in 1984 which infuriated owners who did sue GM. The reason that GM resumed manufacturing was because aftermarket specialty companies were converting the Eldorado after 1976. Glad he is a Cadillac lover. Hope to eventually see him review my favorites: 1960, 1963, or 1964...1967 to 1970 Eldorado ... 1976 to 1979 Seville ... and ATS.
hi James! Thank u very much for making wonderful review of 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible so im wondering have u ever tried old Lincoln Continental 70s? if yes so do u see Lincoln Continental is in same level of Cadillac in terms of comfortable ride, seating and light steering?
Thank you so much, Hamad! I'm very glad you enjoyed the video. I unfortunately haven't had the chance to drive any Lincoln from that era; however, I have seen several videos and maybe talked to one or two owners and it seems like the driving experience and comfort is very similar if not identical to the Cadillacs. I hope this answers your question!
Awesome Video! I really want one!
Thank you, Alex! I'm sure you'll be able to have one someday, there are lots of them out there! Thank you so much for watching the video 😁
A neighbor had a '76 Eldorado Coup, the ride was like laying on a feather bed
The ride certainly is incredible 😎 Thanks for watching the video!
The hood ornament might also be helpful when flexible like that to allow for running through a car wash so it wouldn't be as likely to snap off. Good videos, keep it up.
Very good point, Chuck! I bet car washes would take it right off without the spring, I didn't think of that. Thank you for commenting and watching the video 😁
The flexible hood ornament was so it would be nearly impossible to steal/rip off. That was a common problem with other cars with solid hood ornaments of the era.
j bauer Good point, I’d imagine people would want to steal them!
@@JB-zm1ex they're easy to steal. Lift up pop a screwdriver in between the wire and twist... Pops right off.
But Cadillac did hook up the horn to them on some years so they would honk if someone pulled on them and hopefully scare off the thief.
@@BabyJesus66 The original intent of the emblem was to prevent theft. No matter the flaws, that was the intention.
Finally! You learned how to floor it! Performance wasn't THAT BAD.
You seem to like all the same cars that I do! ❤️
That's awesome!! Thanks for watching 😎
Why aren't the wheel covers with black centers? I have always noticed them being black, in honor of "the death of the convertible'?
You have a good eye! These are meant to have the black wheel covers, however, they were replaced at some point. Hopefully we'll either paint these or find the proper covers in the future. Thanks for watching the video!
I agree wholeheartedly, car companies around the world should focus more on comfort especially ride comfort. Let’s face it more cars are driven on roads than rushed down a racetrack. I feel pity for the Ferrari owner who have to cam down to a crawl just to pass a minor speed bump. I don’t get it, it must require a very low self esteem to buy hyper expensive cars with kidney breaking rock hard suspension, just to prove something. Happily a few companies have decided to paddle against the tide, here in Europe Citroën have changed their focus towards more comfort. I think they have found a nice niche, two weeks ago I got a chance to try their new C4 electric. Lovely car at a fair price. If Citroën succeed in this turnaround, other companies will surely follow. Engineers knows that stiff suspension and ultra hyper low profile are not ideal on road cars, they only put them there because of a presumed demand.
Yes, comfort is a priority that most companies have lost sight of. It’s also possible that most people don’t realize what they’re missing in having a comfortable car. And I have a lot of respect for Citroën. They made some incredibly advanced and clever vehicles in the past, but they are extremely rare. (Although, I did see one at a local car show last week which was a surprise). I’m glad to hear that they’re doing well in Europe though!
That Cadillac crest on the two metal pieces up front was used on other Cadillacs in the 70’s. Check them out.
That is very cool! I think it's neat that it is an actual Cadillac badge from the 40's. Cadillac was paying attention to their heritage! Thank you for watching the video, Robert 😁
Wow! I didn't know, it was a front wheel drive! 🤔
I'm glad you learned something new 😁
@@JW_Reviews 🙂 yes! Thanks, for your beautiful videos!
It was common to keep stuff under the seat. No console for bench seat.
We grew up without assigned seating.
Good point! Thank you for watching the video, Phillip 😁
Great review!! I have one in Firethorn Red. It is a lovely car to drive and turns heads wherever I go.
Hope to get one
I hope you'll get one someday too, they're great cars! Thank you for commenting and for watching the video
Just subscribed , love this cant wait to check out the other cars
This is what I refer to as a “real” Cadillac. The new ones have too much plastic. These, whether it be a deVille, Fleetwood, or Eldorado, were built when luxury was a smooth and quiet ride, and how big and solid they were. Cadillac has lost its way chasing European brands. I’ve felt for a long time now that their design team could learn a lot by studying these from the 1970s!
That's true! They definitely had good aspirations/goals in mind when building these cars, maybe someday there will be a shift in the brand. Thank you for watching the video, Byron!
Good point; Cadillac traded what it did best, luxury & ride, for driver-centric sportiness the specialty of other makes. *You have a friendly, down-home presence!* Deeper study of this car's era can repay your effort hansdomely.
Thank you!! Unfortunately I can't always cover everything or find everything for each video. But I've done my best to improve my research for my more recent videos. Thank you for watching!
The hood ornament spins to allow you to turn it sideways for the car wash. If you left if facing forward the brush drums of the car wash would beat it into the paint. Turning it sideways would allow the ornament to slice through the brush drums not knicking the paint.
Ah that makes a lot of sense! I can definitely see it moving and hitting the car from the brushes. Thank you for watching the video and for commenting!
My favourite car
Awesome! I'm glad you like the Eldorado so much. Thanks for watching!
Nice review James....and nice car lol. I subscribed and look forward to more reviews.
Thank you very much Bruce! I'm glad that you enjoy these videos, I really appreciate the support 😁
Hey guys! Welcome back to the channel. I just wanted to mention that in the intro I made the mistake of saying this was the last of the Eldorado convertibles. This is actually not true, this was the last of the "big" Eldorado convertibles. After it was downsized, the Eldorado convertibles were also made in 1984 and 1985. Thank you all for your continued support. Enjoy the video!
In the spring of '76 I saw the first of a car like this and said then someday I'd own one. Had the opportunity to buy a beautiful baby blue '76 Eldorado in 2019, then the owner said, "the transmission slips a little". all the rubber on it needed replaced. My best advise to anyone wanting to buy an "antique" car, buy one fully restored, it'll save you big bucks. I've spent over $30,000 on a unrestored car worth at the most $25,000, and it's not done yet.
that's true, but they were produced by custom shops under contract. 1976 was the last year Cadillac produced a convertible on the assembly line.
Ah okay, I did not know that. Did Cadillac do that to try to not upset the people who thought they were buying the last of the Eldorado convertibles?
@@JW_Reviews the assembly line was not able to accommodate the work necessary to assemble convertibles by then...its a huge effort to change the assembly line process, esp for the very few convertibles to be made. Cars of the 70's, 80's, and (I think)90's were sent to American Sunroof (ASC) to be altered for sunroofs, t-tops, or full convertible tops.
Ah okay, very good point. It would be very expensive to retool the plant for the convertible models!
AWESOME, even if Ur pocket happened to be empty, that beautiful MASTERPIECE makes U look like U got it ALL. In 76 Caddy dealers were selling the convertibles to the highest bidder. My dad wasn't with it, so, he got the Landau coupe opposite Ur colors on the video. Have fun, I know I DID.
Partner,where's the under hood padding?
That's a very good point! And I'd say that this car still makes it look as if you had it all haha 😁 That's really interesting that they were selling these for such high prices! I assume it's because this was supposed to be the last year of the convertible? But that's neat that your dad was able to get another one. Was your dads car similar to the Eldorado Biarritz that I filmed in a video recently? And we aren't sure why it didn't have the padding, but recently after I shot the video we put new padding underneath the hood so it's been replaced. We also got the antennae to work again as well! Thank you so much for the comment and for watching the video, Ener 😁
@@JW_Reviews J.W. my dad had a regular ELDORADO. NON DESIGNER SERIES. I loved it too, even though I had a 76 Buick 225 coupe. Astroroof, chrome wheels, fully equipped. Yet, my dad's Caddy was hands down the vehicle to drive in foul weather. It was White, but, you would never know when it snow & drove on those nasty,dirty roads. I spent more time washing it than my deuce. ORDERS, dad hated driving a dirty car. They sure don't make like they used to. Now, turbo,Supercharged luxury cars, 4/6 cylinders. Imagine a 500cid with today's technology. i.e. Viper. Well we can still dream,thanks for your reply & time big guy. Njoy & be SAFE
PLEASE.
Great review, overall with Cadillacs from 70,80,90 and early 2000's any problem getting parts to fix them? Thank you
No issues getting parts. Pleasantly surprised
HI GOD BLESS...
"BEAUTIFUL SO VERY BEAUTIFUL!"
MAN, COULD I JUST LOVE TO DRIVE THIS EVEN AROUND THE BLOCK WOULD BE KOOL ENOUGH FOR ME.
Those are wings on the parking light logos. That is an old design. They first used the winged logo in the 1930s. Then, the wings had feather detailing.
She's a beauty!
I love these late 70s cadillacs because they're just so absurd by modern standards
A 2 door coupe with an 8.2 litre v8 that's longer than a chevrolet suburban
This car is just so cool to me
They are certainly very different from today's cars. I'm glad you like the car so much. Thank you for watching the video!
Beautiful!
When she starts up kindof reminds me of watching Christine in the beginning
Hi James I love your videos I been watching you for years now great job you do reviews on these cars
James, since you like doing videos on unusual and interesting cars, how about a video on a 1976 Chevrolet Monte Carlo “Custom Cloud” ??? Good luck finding one!
Wow, I have never heard of a Custom Cloud before! What sort of option/trim level was that?
@@JW_Reviews ...the Custom Cloud was a add on fiberglass kit made by the "Custom Cloud Motors, Inc. company in Florida to emulate a Rolls-Royce. Their "Donor car" for this project was a 1976 Monte Carlo because it was a good fit for a moderate price. They had a RR style grille manufactured by a local company topped with a poorly cast "flying lady" styled hood ornament. The company decided to eventually do a rear treatment as well to make it a more balanced look. They actually bought a huge supply of original Lucas stop/tail lights, license plate lights leaving the company without stock for Rolls to order stock from them!! They flew their first completed model to England for the Earls Court motor show where representatives from Rolls-Royce were also showing their latest models. When they came across the "Custom Cloud" they immediately had a cease and desist order served to the owners of the Custom Cloud and it was down hill from there due to trademark infringements etc.Changing the look/design of the iconic RR grille to placate Rolls-Royce attorneys did no good and sales plummeted driving the company into bankruptcy. There were a handful of Chevrolet dealers who were licensed to install these kits onto a Monte Carlo or the kit could be bought outright for a self install. Therefore, nobody knows exactly how many kits were eventually made much less how many were installed on the cars! Unfortunately, company records were stored in the trunk of one of the owners cars which caught on fire and lost forever! The best guess from the company was that approximately 75-100 kits were made by them....nobody has an accurate figure!! Google: "Monte Carlo Custom Cloud"
You dad the Sheriff in Ohio is really cool!
I had a '76 coupe and it had the black lacquer wheel discs. I thought all '76 models did. The 500 CI was a torque monster, but so quiet and smooth.
I was thinking that all '76 models did as well. And I love the 500ci engine. It makes a brilliant sound and is nearly perfect for this car. I've heard stories of people tuning these engines and making their Eldorado's do burnouts like crazy. Not my cup of tea but it shows just how powerful the engine could be! And it sounds like you've had some very nice Cadillacs. Have you owned others besides the Biarritz and coupe?
@@JW_Reviews yes, two 58 sedans, a 60 coupe, 71 Coupe de Ville, 73 Coupe de Ville, 1985 Fleetwood Brougham, and a 1999 Eldorado ETC.
Wow, that's a very nice set of cars! Did you enjoy the '85 Brougham? I've had little experience with that era of Fleetwood and heard that some had bad performing engines
@@AJ67901 Nice😎
Would love for you to review an early 80’s eldorado. My mom had several early 80’s eldorados with fond memories. I especially loved her 82 in light grey and a dark grey landau top and burgundy interior. Don
I'd love to review an Eldorado from the 80's! If I ever find one I'll be sure to bring it to the channel 😁 Thanks for watching the video!
Have a 75 I've had since 93. 4 cross country trips. Daily driver till a few year's ago when she finally broke. Garaged awaiting repairs & $. 8950 built in 75.
I was 16 years old when this car was born
Very nice! Thank you for watching the video 😁
Fun fact: this car does not have recliners because they were not available with the bench seat. If you wanted recliners, you needed to get 50/50 seat option and even then recliners were still an option on top of that.
Amazing! It's crazy to think that reclining seats weren't even available for the bench seat, very different from today. Thanks for watching the video!
@@JW_Reviews you’re most welcome! I actually subscribed once I saw that you’ve reviewed a lot of the Cadillacs I love, and some I’ve even owned.
These EPA detuned cars of the era may have horsepower not in line with the engine size, however the V8 still moves the car down the road with authority and the torque is still there to motivate the car. I'm more of a torque girl anyway, h/p is overrated.
That's very true! While the power certainly could be better, it definitely has enough for what you'd need for normal, daily driving
The seat tilts back & up & down with the 3 buttons on the side, great car is it for sell
Thank you for letting me know! I'm afraid the car isn't for sale, we're having too much fun with it 😁 Thanks for watching the video!
Gotta look on foot.
How I got mine.
But since?
Mechum auctions has been in contact.
Somehow the big auction houses are tracking these.
Driving up the price for folks who want to own.
Very nice video. 👍
Thank you so much, Mary! I'm glad you enjoyed it 😀
My 65 Cadillac hade huge cornering lights
Very nice! Thank you for watching the video! 😁
This was the smaller personal car
Yep! For the time, this was a small, fun car compared to the other Cadillacs. Thanks again for watching the video!