Details

Written by Big Block

Category: 1960-1969

Published: 15 January 2007

Hits: 1765

1966 Cadillac Overview

Cadillac enjoyed its first 200,000-car year for calendar '66, breaking the barrier by precisely 5001 units. A mild facelift brought a new front bumper and grille, plus more integrated taillight housings. The 75 switched to the new perimeter frame and was fully restyled for the first time since 1959. Variable-ratio power steering was a new option, as were carbon-cloth seat heating pads. The Fleetwood Brougham became a separate model, still more luxuriously trimmed than the plain-roof Sixty Special and priced about $320 higher.

• Vehicle numbers were found on the left center pillar post.
• The original engine serial number was the same as the vehicle identification number.
• The numbering system was the same employed a year earlier with the second symbol changed to a "6" for 1966 model year.
• All Eldorado’s now utilized the first two symbols "68" for their Style Number.
• The Sixty-Special Brougham was now a separate model of the Fleetwood Series with a "P" Style Number suffix applied.

• Best ever sales and production year in Cadillac history.
• Second year running for sales increases, despite a downturn in the overall market for U.S. cars.
• First season for delivery of more than 200,000 new units.
• A record of 5,570 one-week builds was marked December 5 and a record one-day output of 1,017 cars was achieved October 27.
• The 1966 models were introduced October 14, 1965.
• Towards the end of the summer 1966, a new assembly line was setup to manufacture front-wheel-drive Eldorado’s conforming to 1967 model specifications.

Details

Written by Big Block

Category: 1960-1969

Published: 14 January 2007

Hits: 1870

1965 Cadillac Fleetwood

Model Number	Style Number	Body Type	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
65-680	680-69-M	4-door Sedan	6	6479	4670	18,100

Model Number	Style Number	Body Type	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
65-697	69723-R	4-door Sedan	9	9746	5190	455
65-697	69733-S	4-door Limousine	9	9960	5260	795
65-698	69890-Z	Commercial chassis	-	-	-	2,669

• Vehicle numbers were now located on the right or lefthand side of the forward frame crossmember.
• The original engine serial number was the same as the vehicle identification number.
• The first symbol was a letter (see Body Style Number suffixes) indicating series and body style.
• The second symbol was a number designating the model year.
• The following six numbers designated the sequential production code and started with 100001 and up.
• Body Style Numbers were revised to reflect a more rational arrangement of models.
• The new five digit codes began with "68" except in the case of Fleetwood Seventy-Five models which were coded "69".
• The third number was a "0" on 60 Specials and a "7" on 75 limousines.
• The final two symbols corresponded to Fisher Body Division Style Number codes.
• The five digit numbers were found on the vehicle data plate, affixed to engine side of the firewall, and may have been followed by a letter suffix corresponding to those on the charts below.

• V-8 Overhead valves
• Cast iron block
• Displacement: 429 cubic inches
• Bore and stroke: 4.13 x 4.00 inches
• Compression ratio: 10.5:1
• Brake horsepower: 340 @ 4600 rpm
• Five main bearings
• Hydraulic valve lifters
• Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel, model 3903S.

• Air conditioner on 60 series models ($495).
• Air conditioner, 75 Series model ($624).
• Controlled differential ($54).
• Cruise Control ($97).
• Door guards ($7).
• Fleetwood Brougham option on M model ($199).
• Soft Ray tinted glass ($52).
• Delete-option heater and defroster on 75 Series models ($135 credit); on 60 Series models ($97 credit).
• Leather upholstery on M models ($141).
• License plate frame ($6).
• Power door locks on M models ($70).
• Power headlight control on R-S models ($46); on M models ($51).
• Six-way power front seat on M models ($85).
• Power vent window regulator option ($73).
• Radio with rear speaker ($165).
• Radio with rear speaker and remote control ($246).
• AM/FM radio ($191).
• Rear seat belts ($18).
• Front seat belt delete-option ($17 credit).
• Adjustable steering wheel on M models ($91).
• Remote control trunk lock on M models ($53).
• Twilight Sentinel on M models ($57).
• Five white sidewall tires 9.00 x 15 size with four-ply construction on M models ($57 exchange).
• Five white sidewall tires 9.00 x 15 size with six-ply construction, on R-S models only ($64 exchange).

• Vinyl roofs for Coupe and Sedan DeVilles came in four different colors.
• A tilt telescope steering wheel option was highlighted this season.
• The Cadillac factory closed July 8, 1964 for the changeover to 1965 model production.
• This was 22 days earlier than usual, as a 471,000 square foot expansion of facilities was planned.
• The plant reopened August 24, when production of cars to 1965 specifications commenced.
• It was the longest plant shutdown in Cadillac history and the new manufacturing potential of 800 cars per day was an all-time high.
• The three millionth Cadillac was built this season and a new engineering center was dedicated.
• The Fleetwood Sixty Special Brougham was frequently referred to as a separate model.

Details

Written by Big Block

Category: 1960-1969

Published: 14 January 2007

Hits: 2177

  1965 Cadillac Eldorado

Except for the Series 75, the entire Cadillac line was again totally redesigned for 1965. Appearance was smoother and more rounded, thanks in part to the division's first use of curved side glass, and the tailfins -- a Cadillac tradition since 1948 -- were gone. The big V-8 was repositioned six inches forward of its previous location in a new box-section perimeter frame, replacing the old X-type. A completely new four-link rear suspension system combined with front suspension refinements for an even smoother ride, and a revised exhaust setup brought an already quiet automobile even closer to silence. It had been a long time since Cadillac had made so many significant advances in a single model year. Naturally, the Fleetwood Eldorado convertible shared in these. Like the Sixty-Special, it was again bereft of bodyside trim apart from the wide rocker moldings, but the fender skirts were back once more as standard. Predictably, Eldorado sales, like those of the entire Cadillac line, increased markedly.

• Vehicle numbers were now located on the right or lefthand side of the forward frame crossmember.
• The original engine serial number was the same as the vehicle identification number.
• The first symbol was a letter (see Body Style Number suffixes) indicating series and body style.
• The second symbol was a number designating the model year.
• The following six numbers designated the sequential production code and started with 100001 and up.
• Body Style Numbers were revised to reflect a more rational arrangement of models.
• The new five digit codes began with "68" except in the case of early production Fleetwood Eldorado convertibles, all of which weie coded "69".
• The third number was a "4" on Eldorados
• The final two symbols corresponded to Fisher Body Division Style Number codes.
• The five digit numbers were found on the vehicle data plate, affixed to engine side of the firewall, and may have been followed by a letter suffix corresponding to those on the charts below.

Model Number	Style Number	Body Type	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
65-684	68467-E	2-door Eldorado Convertible	6	6754	4660	2,125

• V-8 Overhead valves
• Cast iron block
• Displacement: 429 cubic inches
• Bore and stroke: 4.13 x 4.00 inches
• Compression ratio: 10.5:1
• Brake horsepower: 340 @ 4600 rpm
• Five main bearings
• Hydraulic valve lifters
• Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel, model 3903S.

• Wheelbase: 129.5 inches
• Overall length: 224 inches
• Front tread: 62.5 inches.
• Rear tread: 62.5 inches.
• Automatic level control standard where indicated in text
• A new engine mounting system and patented quiet exhaust were used.
• Tires: 9.00 x 15

• Air conditioner ($495).
• Controlled differential ($54).
• Cruise Control ($97).
• Door guards on two-door models ($4)
• Soft Ray tinted glass ($52).
• Delete-option heater and defroster ($97 credit).
• License plate frame ($6).
• Power door locks ($46)
• Power headlight control ($51).
• Power vent window regulator option ($73).
• Radio with rear speaker ($165).
• Radio with rear speaker and remote control ($246).
• AM/FM radio ($191).
• Rear seat belts ($18).
• Front seat belt delete-option ($17 credit).
• Adjustable steering wheel ($91).
• Twilight Sentinel standard
• Five white sidewall tires 9.00 x 15 size with four-ply construction standard

• A tilt telescope steering wheel option was highlighted this season.
• The Cadillac factory closed July 8, 1964 for the changeover to 1965 model production.
• This was 22 days earlier than usual, as a 471,000 square foot expansion of facilities was planned.
• The plant reopened August 24, when production of cars to 1965 specifications commenced.
• It was the longest plant shutdown in Cadillac history and the new manufacturing potential of 800 cars per day was an all-time high.
• The three millionth Cadillac was built this season and a new engineering center was dedicated.

Details

Written by Big Block

Category: 1960-1969

Published: 14 January 2007

Hits: 2658

1965 Cadillac DeVille

• V-8 Overhead valves
• Cast iron block
• Displacement: 429 cubic inches
• Bore and stroke: 4.13 x 4.00 inches
• Compression ratio: 10.5:1
• Brake horsepower: 340 @ 4600 rpm
• Five main bearings
• Hydraulic valve lifters
• Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel, model 3903S.

Model Number	Style Number	Body Type	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
65-683	68367-F	2-door Convertible	6	5639	4690	19,200
65-683	68357-J	2-door Hardtop Coupe	6	5419	4480	43,345
65-683	68339-B	4-door Hardtop Sedan	6	5666	4560	45,535
65-683	68369-L	4-door Sedan	6	5666	4555	15,000

• Style Number 68357-J was called the Coupe DeVille.
• Other models were Convertible or Sedan DeVilles.
• Some sources quote substantially lower factory list prices for 1965 Cadillacs.
• This may be due to a strike that occurred very early in the year, which probably brought $100-400 price increases after it was settled.
• The UAW walkout closed the company's newly expanded Clark Avenue (Detroit) factory from September 25, 1964 through the following December and created a decline in production and sales for the 1964 calendar year.
• The higher retail prices are being used in these pages

• Wheelbase: 129.5 inches.
• Overall length: 224 inches.
• Front tread: 62.5 inches.
• Rear tread: 62.5 inches.
• Automatic level control standard where indicated in text.
• A new engine mounting system and patented quiet exhaust were used.
• Tires: 8.00 x 15.

• Air conditioner ($495).
• Bucket seats with console in F-J-B models with leather upholstery ($188).
• Controlled differential ($54).
• Cruise Control ($97).
• Door guards on two-door models ($4); on four-door models ($7).
• Soft Ray tinted glass ($52).
• Delete-option heater and defroster ($97 credit).
• Leather upholstery on J-B-L models ($141).
• License plate frame ($6).
• Padded roof on J model ($124); on B or L models ($140).
• Left-hand four-way power bucket seat on F-J-B models ($54).
• Power door locks on G-F-J models ($46); on N-K-B-L models ($70).
• Power headlight control ($51).
• Six-way power front seat on G-N-K models ($113); on F-J-B-L models ($85).
• Power window regulators on G-N-K models ($119).
• Power vent window regulator option ($73).
• Radio with rear speaker ($165).
• Radio with rear speaker and remote control ($246).
• AM/FM radio ($191).
• Rear seat belts ($18).
• Front seat belt delete-option ($17 credit).
• Adjustable steering wheel ($91).
• Remote control trunk lock ($53).
• Twilight Sentinel ($57).
• Five white sidewall tires 9.00 x 15 size with four-ply construction ($57 exchange).

Details

Written by Big Block

Category: 1960-1969

Published: 14 January 2007

Hits: 2287

1965 Cadillac Calais

The Calais Series replaced the Sixty-Two line for 1965, as one of numerous Cadillac changes. A broader, more unified grille and vertically mounted headlamps featured the styling improvements. The Cadillac tailfin was said to be gone, but symmetrical rear fender forms tapered to very thin edges, top and bottom, giving a very traditional visual impression. Curved side windows with frameless glass were new and convertibles had tempered glass backlights (i.e., rear windows). Last seen in 1956, the standard wheelbase pillared sedan made a return this year. Perimeter frame construction allowed repositioning of engines six inches forward in the frame, thus lowering transmission humps and increasing interior room. Standard Calais equipment was comprised of the following:

• power brakes
• power steering
• automatic transmission
• dual backup lights
• windshield washers and dual speed wipers
• full wheel discs
• remote controlled outside rear view mirror
• visor vanity mirror
• oil filter
• five tubeless black tires
• heater
• defroster
• lamps for luggage, glove and rear passenger compartments
• cornering lights
• front and rear seat safety belts.

Model Number	Style Number	Body Type	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
65-682	68257-G	2-door Hardtop Coupe	6	5059	4435	12,515
65-682	68239-N	4-door Hardtop Sedan	6	5247	4500	13,975
65-682	68269-K	4-door Sedan	6	5247	4490	7,721

• V-8 Overhead valves
• Cast iron block
• Displacement: 429 cubic inches
• Bore and stroke: 4.13 x 4.00 inches
• Compression ratio: 10.5:1
• Brake horsepower: 340 @ 4600 rpm
• Five main bearings
• Hydraulic valve lifters
• Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel, model 3903S.

• Wheelbase: 129.5 inches.
• Overall length: 224 inches.
• Front tread: 62.5 inches.
• Rear tread: 62.5 inches.
• Automatic level control standard where indicated in text.
• A new engine mounting system and patented quiet exhaust were used.
• Tires: 8.00 x 15.

• Air conditioner ($495).
• Bucket seats with console in F-J-B models with leather upholstery ($188).
• Controlled differential ($54).
• Cruise Control ($97).
• Door guards on two-door models ($4); on four-door models ($7).
• Soft Ray tinted glass ($52).
• Delete-option heater and defroster ($97 credit).
• Leather upholstery on J-B-L models ($141).
• License plate frame ($6).
• Padded roof on J model ($124); on B or L models ($140).
• Left-hand four-way power bucket seat on F-J-B models ($54).
• Power door locks on G-F-J models ($46); on N-K-B-L models ($70).
• Power headlight control ($51).
• Six-way power front seat on G-N-K models ($113); on F-J-B-L models ($85).
• Power window regulators on G-N-K models ($119).
• Power vent window regulator option ($73).
• Radio with rear speaker ($165).
• Radio with rear speaker and remote control ($246).
• AM/FM radio ($191).
• Rear seat belts ($18).
• Front seat belt delete-option ($17 credit).
• Adjustable steering wheel ($91).
• Remote control trunk lock ($53).
• Twilight Sentinel ($57).
• Five white sidewall tires 9.00 x 15 size with four-ply construction ($57 exchange).