best year for convert eldo?

[gerald ross]

ive been thinking of adding a mid seventies model convertible eldo to my stable.  i like the lines of the 73, but suspect that the 76 is the one to get in terms of technical advancemnt and collectiblity.  what do yall think?
j ross

[Brad Hemingson]

The 1976 Eldorado has been a bust as a collectable. They made a lot of them hoping to cash in on the last year phenomena and the bicentenial. People who werent really Cadillac collectors bought them hoping to cash in. Also some had the early fuel injection which is tricky. I would go with an earlier one with the higher performance. Just look on e-Bay for an idea of the market and availability.

[Jay Molinari]

77 or 78 are the most desireable, less than 800 produced over the two years by american sunroof, hess & einstein and possibly coach builders

[Rich Sullivan CLC #11473]

Although ones personal taste should govern which year one chooses to collect, and I can easily admire all of the 71-76 Eldorado Convertibles in good original condition, here are some considerations. My car is a 1971 since it has several desirable attributes, in my opinion: rarity (at 6,800 total production, the scarcest of the 71-76 Eldo converts), attractive styling (beveling of trunk from rear really shows, fender skirts and side scoops as seen on the 53 Eldos, attractive wrap-around instrument panel, real metal grill, neat curves/points to the front chrome bumpers, and block lettering for the Eldorado labeling) and the lack of plastic body-colored fillers, the latter of which tend to crack and are difficult to fit correctly and paint match when replacing, as well as the higher performance due to less pollution controls (no catalytic converter). Another influential factor for me was that as a child, I really liked the 71 Eldorado Convertible when it was introduced. I hope you find and enjoy one of these neat cars!