1976 Ford Elite from North America - Comments

Dash panel started squeaking in the 80's for some reason. Later (1990) we had to replace the dash gauge assembly because it literally fell apart. The plastic was super brittle and it just crumbled in my hands.

This past summer I had to replace the fuel tank because it rusted out.

The usual things, plugs, tuneups etc. had to replace the oil pressure sensor unit twice now.

It also leaks oil from the main bearing ends.

The car has been in the family since 1976 and we have had a good experience with it. We used to drive from Lincoln, NE to Cheyenne, WY ever summer, and it was great on the highways. Best cruises at 75 or 80 mph.

Compared to todays cars, it's very floaty on its large tires and the long hood is very intimidating to those new to long hooded 70's yachts.

I have owned 5 of these cars... equipped with the proper hi spring rates, it stiffens the ride up OK, but they still drive and ride better than most newer luxo suv's or cars. smooth to drive, easy to maintain, and unlike now a days, inspired styling that was, and still is, unique.

Andrew, Omaha, Ne

eliteman76.

I am 19 years old. I fell in love with my '76 Ford Elite coming up on my 17th birthday. My father bought it for me and surprised me with it on my 17th birthday.

It had just 94,000 miles on the clock, but was kept in perfect condition. The original paint was glossy, the intirior was just as beautiful as the day it rolled off of the assembly line.

I have enjoyed that car for two years. I will admit I have ran into the problem of the dash crumbling, and am currently rebuilding it. I have replaced the am/fm radio with a Pyle CD player, and under the hood my 400 big block sports a chrome air cleaner, and chrome oil vent. My exhaust is fed through dual glass pack mufflers and tipped with chrome tips.

Now I know that many of you readers will be angry because I haven't kept my Elite original, but I will guarantee that the olive green intirior with the shag carpet, and the creamy yellow paint will stay.

At the end of the day, I love my car. Every time I get in it, roll down the electric windows, set the cruise at 70 mph, turn on my favorite song, and listen to my up to date stereo system, and the rumble of my '76 car... I fall in love all over again.

I plan on starting a family, and letting my son take my '76 Elite to his Prom just like I did.

I was 17 when I first saw a 76 elite in the paper classifieds and it was like magic when I saw it, when I checked it out the guy selling it had kept it in very good condition, a little work needed, but great for the price, I payed 2100 for it and regreted not giving him more because it came with that rare 460 big block, and boy she may be a big girl, but she moves and boy I love that sound of tires peeling out, I plan to have her in show condition next year.

I bought my '76 Elite new, it has 106,000 miles, the original 460 cube monster, as well as the full vinyl top with power moon roof. The white paint did start to fade, as it was outside until '93. Since then I have repainted her, and rebuilt the 460. The only problems I have had with the car was the soft ride springs, witch made it float a little to much for me. Especially over 100mph! Now with the motor having some of todays technology, the stiff rate springs, and the low profile BFG's, 150mph is no problem for this great example of american histery! The saying is correct, they don't make 'em like they used to. Remember, there's no replacment for cubic displacment.

My 1976 Ford Elite was bought for my mother by my grandfather brand new. She drove it in high school. When she was pregnant with my brother she decided she did not need that big gas guzzler anymore. My grandfather decided he would get the car from her as opposed to selling it seeing as how the car was only manufactured for one year and would always stay a rare item. I always told my mom I wanted that car, but she was afraid I would not take proper care of it. When I was 20 I was detailing cars at the time and needed a stylish well kept car to impress my customers. She gave me the keys and said when you are ready go get the car. The car had been sitting in my grandfathers old shop going on 10 yrs. Once he got older and couldn't see as well the car was of no use to him. I opened up the door to my grandfathers garage and their she sat dusty with 65,000 original miles. She is a great reliable car with no dents all original paint and interior and one great sounding dual exhaust. She was a slug of the line with that small 351 Windsor and I knew we couldn't have that so I went with Edelbrock manifold and 4-barrel carb and flow-master exhaust. I hope to inspire, she might not be the most popular selling car of all time, but shes a classic and she's yours.