This 1976 Cadillac Mirage is a period truck conversion that was the brainchild of automotive customizer Gene Winfield. Originally sold in Texas as a Coupe De Ville, this car was converted when new. It was acquired in 2008 by the late owner, a noted Cadillac enthusiast and head of the Mirage registry. A restoration was then conducted by Norm’s Rod Shop of Conyers, Georgia, including hand-stripping the body and media blasting removable panels before a repaint was performed. The interior was reupholstered by Slick Creations in Jonesboro, Georgia, and a 512ci V8 built by Jack Merkel was installed. Power is routed through a rebuilt TH400 3-speed automatic transmission, and a modern A/C compressor is fitted. This Cadillac is now being offered in Charlotte, North Carolina on behalf of the late owner’s widow with manuals, literature, photos of the refresh, receipts, and a clean Georgia title.

Just over 200 Mirages were built by Traditional Coachworks in Chatsworth, California from 1975-1976 and were sold through Cadillac dealer networks. Originally Firethorn Red, the body was stripped and media blasted during the refurbishment, and it was then repainted in Mercedes-Benz Crystal Laurit Silver Metallic. Per the seller, the only corrosion repair necessary during the restoration was on the bed floor and areas covered by the vinyl, including the roof and bed rails. The chrome trim was reportedly refurbished and stainless steel items were polished.

The braking system has been modified using a Hydratech hydro-boost conversion, and all four 15″ Truespoke wire-wheels are equipped with white-wall tires.

The bed can hold a 4×8-foot sheet of plywood and features additional storage under the floor as shown above.

The interior was reupholstered by Slick Creations of Jonesboro, Georgia at a cost of $8,500. A modern A/C compressor was installed, and a Dakota digital instrument cluster has also been fitted. The seller reports that electronics and switchgear are working except for the power antenna. The swapped odometer shows 649 miles, reflecting the distance covered since all of the work was completed.

The large-displacement V8 is mated to a Turbo Hydramatic transmission with heavy-duty components and was built by Jack Merkel Performance Engines in Hauppauge, New York. The block is said to be date-coded from 1976 and was was bored .050 over, resulting in 512 cubic inches. Cylinder heads were modified for improved flow, and compression was raised to 9.05:1 using Diamond Racing products forged pistons. A custom ground camshaft from Comp Cams was also installed. The engine reportedly produces over 400 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque based on engine simulation software. An oil change was conducted in anticipation of the sale.

A few photos of the underbody are viewable in the gallery and detail the condition of the chassis, exhaust, fuel tank, and suspension.

The car was originally sold in Houston, Texas optioned with cruise control, leather upholstery, 6-way power seats, twilight sentinel headlights, and more as shown on the included window sticker. The seller states that the conversion more than doubled the original MSRP.

Original purchase documents, literature, receipts, and the owner’s manual are included along with photos of the refurbishment process as shown in the gallery. A walk-around video can be seen below.