1976 Cadillac Eldorado

"Other than Jeep in 1976, which apparently didn't count, Cadillac was, at that time, the last American ragtop manufacturer. The division's 1975 convertible sales were only 8,950 units. The low volume was attributed to an increase in safety awareness along with a rise in hardtop popularity and air conditioner use. So Cadillac ordered up 14,000 convertible top mechanisms, and billed its massive 224.1-inch long, 2.5-ton '76 Eldo as the ""Last of a magnificent breed."" Proclaimed Cadillac general manager Edward C. Kennard, ""Like the running board and the rumble seat, the convertible is an item which history has passed by."" (Wonder what he thinks today?) Cadillac was prepared to exit in a big way. Everything about the 126.3-inch wheelbase car was enormous. Under a huge expanse of hood lurked an 8.2-liter, 500-cid V-8. Emission de-tuning limited the engine to ""just"" 190 horsepower with a Rochester 4-barrel carb. That figure rose to 215 hp @ 3,600 rpm with optional ($647) Bendix electronic fuel injection. Torque was a more-than-adequate 400 lb.-ft. at just 2,000 rpm. A 3-speed Hydra-matic spread the power on the pavement, and 4-wheel discs (only on Eldos) brought it all to a halt."