1978 Biarritz T Tops 1 OF 50 ?

[marty55cdv]

  A 78 Eldorado is for sale in my area claiming to be 1 of only 50 t tops produced one given to each State , is this accurate ?   It has low mileage and looks nice in Pictures is it worth a look in person ?   A quick google search didn't really have any info regarding the T Tops

[J. Skelly]

Marty,

Others will chime in, but I recall seeing on this forum a few years ago that three were produced by American Sunroof Corporation (ASC).  I think another was the Toronado XSR which appeared on the cover of the brochure that year, but never went into production.  I believe some T-tops were done as  aftermarket installations.  I was put in touch with a former employee of ACS ten years ago or so and was told that no production records still existed.     

[Jeff Wilk]

Manual/removable TYops were an aftermarket option and there are Eldorados with them but still rare. AUTOMATICALLY RETRACTABLE TTops is another whole story and would be very rare. My parents had an order in for the Toronado XSR which the factory final canceled as these NEVER went into production. My understanding is that a handful of retractable ttop Eldorados do exist as done by ASC. Even so they dont comand a very high price.

[marty55cdv]

  Well if I can get a response back from the seller, I will go check it out !

[V63]

Coach design group, ie: San remo..

I had a 1977 model called the Majoica (spelling?) that was a power T top model. I used to own a yellow one. I also have a 1977 letter from Coach design group explaining that no more orders for the model were being considered. Numbers produced are probably single digit.

[D.Smith]

  A 78 Eldorado is for sale in my area claiming to be 1 of only 50 t tops produced one given to each State , is this accurate ?   

Absolutely not.   

First of all are we talking about manual, lift off T-Tops or Power retracting ones?

as said already, the Power T-tops were done by ASC for Cadillac and Oldsmobile (Toronados) but only a few were made before the project was cancelled.   So far only 5 or 6 of the Eldorados have turned up with them.

Now the manual lift off type of T-tops were never done through the factory.  These were done by numerous aftermarket installers for dealers who requested them, or buyers who took their cars in for the installation afterwards.    Those are more common to come across although still rare. 

I've gathered up some photos of various ones whenever I see them at shows or for sale online. 
Click the link to see my archives:  https://www.flickr.com/groups/1708260@N24/pool/

[Jeff Wilk]

Dave just a short not to say THANKS for you gathering and archiving AND sharing all of this rare information and ephemera on these customized Cadillacs. All of the personal photos are a real help too for thise of us working on one or just plain liking them. Thanks again!

Jeff

[marty55cdv]

  I was able to finally speak to the owner, it is a removable T top car , he is stating that there were 50 made for the "Masons / Shriners to use for parades. I have attached a link to the local ad ,  he seems to be firm in the price.    https://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/3971112?ad_cid=6      I hope to see it in person this weekend.   

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Marty,
You might note the seller is advertising "500 cubic inch engine".  Not in 78 from Detroit.  If in fact he is mis advertising this feature, the rest of the ad might be taken with a grain of salt as the expression goes.
Greg Surfas

[marty55cdv]

  Thanks Greg, yes I was aware that was incorrect, but he is a elderly gentleman and I don't think he is trying to mislead,  and I think he believes the Shriner story he was given and until I see it and what documents he says he has , I will give him the benefit 

[D.Smith]

First off, I removed the privacy settings on my T-Top archives.  So all the pics should be viewable.  Sorry about that.

Secondly, regardless of the story that is one sweet looking car!     How can you beat a red Biarritz with a white top?   The T-tops are the icing on the cake!   

[James Landi]

I am wondering about the structural integrity of that car--- would it be compromised?  Yet, I entirely agree... the red and white -- brilliant!