1976 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz 8.2L, 500ci V8 from North America

Summary:

Extremely comfortable, and powerful with slight mods!

Faults:

Replaced alternator, power steering hoses, fuel pump, all fluids, brakes, shocks, and tires when I received the car. I also rebuilt the carburetor. It had not been on the road for many years, and still had the original tires on it.

General Comments:

This car had not seen the road for many years before it became my daily fair weather driver. Some items I replaced preventatively (e.g. fuel pump), though others needed attention when I bought it.

Now brought up to snuff, the car has been nothing but reliable in the 12,000 miles I have driven it.

When I bought it, the car was a dog -- it couldn't get out of its own way. I replaced the vacuum advance diaphragm in the distributor, advanced the base timing to 12 degrees BTDC, removed the clogged catalytic converter, removed the resonator, and plugged off the EGR. The car is now seriously quick for a 5400 lb land yacht. It runs 0-60 in about 8 seconds by my stopwatch -- no joke. The stock 0-60 time is about 10.5 seconds for this car. I have used no non-stock parts to obtain this performance. The car feels faster than my 1972 Deville with a 472 (which has received similar mods), even though the 76 Eldo engine is rated at 190hp stock vs. 220hp stock for the 72 Deville.

I almost sold the car several times (I have 7 other cars--just too many), but kept it because of its sheer comfort. I simply ooze into the seats. Ride quality is excellent. Car just soaks up the miles.

Believe it or not, I consistently get about 16.5 mpg at 70 mph if I stick to all freeway driving. I never thought I would see this kind of mileage with a 500 ci monster under the hood, but I consistently achieve it on a daily basis, as my 100-mile round trip commute is all freeway driving. My 72 Deville struggles to get 13 mpg on the freeway.

The sunroof is a bit leaky in a heavy downpour, but I absolutely love this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th April, 2011

26th Apr 2011, 19:48

If you have removed the catalyst, you may as well run dual exhaust to get the most improvement.

3rd Jul 2023, 20:55

Dual exhausts make a car look cool. However, you won't get any better performance unless your engine is revving to 3,500 rpm or more. Duals might increase your H.P. ever so slightly, but you will lose some torgue. Also, on duals, the mufflers will rust out sooner because the muffler is not getting hot enough to thoroughly get rid of all of your H2O coming from your exhaust system from the warming and cooling. On my car, the single exhaust lasted twice as long before rusting out compared to the duals I had on.

1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible 8.2L gas from North America

Summary:

Well built and is holding value well.

Faults:

CV axles and boots replaced.

Brakes totally rebuilt last year. (2004)

Two alternator replacements.

Power steering pump replaced after original let go on the interstate.

General Comments:

You don't ride in this car, you float. It has optional air suspension and this helps a lot.

Everything still sorks on vehicle, but leather seats need replacing.

Nothing beats it for a top down head turner in the evenings.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st December, 2005

12th Mar 2006, 15:01

You are so lucky to own such a beautiful car. I came so close to owning a 76 Eldorado convertible in the 90s, the dealer just wouldn't budge on the price of $4000 back then and I was a struggling medical student, already in over my head in debt, so it didn't work out. But I will never forget the hour long test drive, top down, a sunny day in March in Iowa. Now I live in Germany and can only dream of floating an Eldo down the Autobahn, hopefully my day will come, there are a few nice ones still to be found over here. And I would gladly fill 'er up for €160 and burn it all off in a frenzy of top-down American 70's excess. Enjoy the feeling!

25th Dec 2006, 12:31

Hey buddy where did you get the new CV? I can't find any anywhere! and I think mine are slowly going.

1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible 500 from North America

Summary:

My Dream Car!

Faults:

Purchased the car about 3 months ago. So far I have replaced the water pump, all hoses, plugs and wires. Nothing major though. Probably spent about $1000 in total.

General Comments:

Great highway cruiser. It get looks from everyone. Love taking it to shows.

Loves to run on the highway. Very long front end gives you comand of the road and respect everywhere you go!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th August, 2004

1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible 8.2L 500 c.i. from North America

Summary:

Great ride. Needs TLC

Faults:

Right transmission arm broke at 120,000 miles.

Self-regulating dynamic suspension was replaced with a more reliable one at 90,000 miles.

Water got into the trunk and accumulated in pockets hidden between trunk and side pannel. This caused high humidity that the previous owner didn't address. The result was rust on the lower part of the trunk lid, as condensation water dripped into the trim. I now have a hole.

General Comments:

Great and smooth ride. This baby rocks.

Plus, it has one of the very last working original 8-track players.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2002

11th Feb 2020, 02:22

I really would love a 70's Caddy... but I need to go to Wash DC from Balto MD often... a few times per week... Northern Vir from Balto... sometimes Philly from Balto. My car has to be ridiculously reliable. I'm 67 years old... I can't be breaking down on Rt 95 etc. Newer cars like my 3 Crown Vics had the limp home mode... and even overheating it got me to a mechanic across my street... Reliability is most important to me... I'd love to have one...