1938-1945

1986-up

 

Nota:

The majority of links (below) are to some fine catalog images placed on the World Wide Web by "Cruise Brothers", a group of Cadillac enthusiasts in the Hague, Netherlands.I would like to thank them profusely.  Their excellent work and presentation has saved me countless hours of work.

 

1956

Facts: 8-cylinder, 90° V8, 4 x 3.63" b&s, 365 ci, overhead valves, push rod actuated, 9.75:1 compression ratio, Carter two-stage four-barrel carburetor (or Rochester 4 bbl on Eldorado), 285 BHP @ 4600 rpm, Hydra-Matic transmission, 3.07:1 rear axle ratio or 3.36:1 ("75" = 3.36:1), live rear axle suspension, semi-elliptic springs and tube shock absorbers, independent coil-spring front suspension with tube shock absorbers ("75" = ladder type frame), 129" wheel base chassis ("62" = 129", "60S" = 133", "75" = 149.8"), 214.9" over-all length for "62" sedan, others 221.9" ("60S" - 225.9", "75" = 235.7"), 60" front track, 63.16" rear track, 8.20x15 tires. Series "62", "60-S" and "75"; Introduction of Eldorado Seville HT; power up to 285HP [305HP on Eldorado], 9.75-1 compression ratio, new Hydra-Matic transmission, new power brake system standard on all models;

Options/accessories: Air-conditioner, heating system, new electrically-operated antenna, new signal-seeking pre-selector radio, Autronic-Eye, spotlights, new fog lamps, license-plate frames, "E-Z-Eye" tinted glass, "sabre-spoke" wheels, new, electric operated 6-way power seat, new, remote-control trunk lid lock, rear compartment radio control, radio foot control switch, "cushion toppers", rubber mats, windshield washer solvent, body finish, fabric cleaner, "Kar-Kleen", Blue Coral; compound, chrome cleaner, chrome protector, cooling system inhibitor, whitewall tires, whitewall tire cleaner, "Dor-Guards", seat belts. New pillarless HT, the Sedan de Ville, 10 models in 3 series, 12th in U.S. car sales ranking; article MK, 8/87, pp.3-11, 1956 ad, and others (HW collection) {***}; specifications: 101.6x92.07 b&s, 5.98 liters displacement , 76 liter fuel tank, tires 8.20x15, 4-ply (except "75" series 6-ply); over-all length "62" sedan 5.46m, Coupe de Ville, Sedan de Ville, "62" convertible + Eldorados. 5.64m, "60-S" 5.74m, "75" sedan and Limousine 5.99m; width (all) 2.03m; wheel base (all except "60-S" and "75") 3.28m, "60-S" 3.38m, "75" 3.80m; story of the '56 Cadillac in MI 5/56, pp.94-97+.

Easy ID: Unique, deep-dish wheel covers with embossed "spokes" for 1956; new front ensemble and gull-wing front bumper with smooth, shell-tip protrusions like 1955 but featuring central bar across fine-mesh egg-crate grille; "Cadillac" in gold script diagonally across LH side of grille; rectangular parking lights set below gull-wing bumper portion, below headlights. "Nineteen Fifty-Six" in script on RH side of instrument panel.

 

(body styles): Presidential parade car, CLCA 1981, p.12-13; "62" convertible, NIT 12, p.5, pp.26-31 [French pop group]; H&E Station wagon, SIA 92, pp.40-43; also "Classic American" magazine, said to have belonged to 50's movie star Debbie Reynolds, has "sabre" wheels {*** - but have photocopy}, [info from JMR, Aug. '93]; article on Coupe de Ville, CC&CC 6/1989, {***}; also CA 8/86, p.6; "62" coupe, V8M/5, pp.18-21; Eldorado Biarritz 2-door convertible (C&D card set); story of surviving Series 62 coupe in France, V8, #5, pp.18-21.;

Models:

Series "62" [129" wheel base]

6219 6-passenger sedan ( 26222)

id. CKD ( 444)

6237 Coupe ( 26649)

6237DX 6-passenger Coupe de Ville ( 24086)

6237SDX Eldorado Seville ( 3900)

6269DX 6-pass. Sedan De Ville ( 41732)

6267X Convertible coupe ( 8300)

6267SX Eldorado Biarritz Convertible. ( 2150)

62 chassis ( 19)¹

Series "60-S" Fleetwood [133" wheel base, 3m38]

5-pass. Fleetwood Sedan ( 17000)

Series "75" Fleetwood [149¾" wheel base]

sedan ( 1095)

imperial ( 955)

8680S 158" wheel base commercial chassis ( 2025)

1956 model total (154577)

Trivia: In 1956 a movie was made called "The Solid Gold Cadillac", starring Paul Douglas and Judy Holliday; it featured a gold-colored Eldorado Biarritz.
____________________

¹   Possibly used for the Motorama models (i.e. the "Celebrity" - prototype Eldorado Seville coupe - and the "Westchester") and/or the Hess & Eisenhardt custom station wagon models built this year (not the Broadmoor "Skyview" limousines - these were built on the "75" chassis)

 

1957

Facts: 8-cylinder, 90° V8, 4.00 x 3.63" b&s, 365 ci, overhead valves, push rod actuated, 10.0:1 compression ratio, Rochester #7015701 4 bbl carburetor ("Eldorado" = two Carter #2584S/2583S 4 barrels), 300 BHP @ 4800 rpm ("Eldorado" = 325 BHP), Hydra-Matic transmission, 3.07:1 rear axle ratio (optional ratios available) ("75" = 3.77:1), live rear axle suspension, helical coil springs and tube shock absorbers, front helical coil-springs with tube shock absorbers ("Eldorado Brougham" = air suspension with central compressor and air bags; four-link, self-leveling in the rear, independent self-leveling in front), tubular X-frame without side rails ("75" = backbone type), 129.5" wheel base, ("60S" = 133", "75" = 149.8", "Eldorado Brougham = 129"), 220.9" over-all length ("60S" - 224.4", "75" = 237.3-244.5", "Eldorado Brougham" = 216.3"), 61" track front and rear ("75" = 62.5-63" front and rear), 8.20x15 tires ("Eldorado Brougham" = 8.40x15) , weight: 4677-4856 lbs ("Eldorado" = 4810-4930 lbs, "60S" = 4735 lbs, "75" = 5055-5436 lbs, "Eldorado Brougham" = 5315 lbs), 0-60 mph in 12 seconds. ("Eldorado" = 22 seconds., "75" = 0-60 in 15-18 seconds.), 115 mph top speed ("75" = 110-115 mph"), 12-18 mpg ("Eldorado" = 12 mpg, "75" = 10-16 mpg). Enthusiast Corey Wadley informed me in November, 2007, that the ’57 Cadillac could also come with a single Carter AFB carburetor instead of a Rochester. He had just dismantled one, along with the manifold, off of a ’57, to enhance the performance of his ’56 Cadillac.

The Cadillac plant on Clark Street, Detroit, in 1957

 

Easy ID: Unique, forward slanting tail-fins for 1957; equally unique, shallow-dish wheel covers with embossed "spokes"; gull-wing front bumper with black rubber bumper tips, fine-mesh egg-crate grille without 1956 central bar; two circular recesses set below gull-wing bumper portion, housing parking lights and turn signal indicator lamps. Eldorado models have fins inset on the rear fenders. Brougham has a brushed stainless-steel roof.

 

(body styles)

Series "62", "60-S", "70" and "75"; New tubular center X-frame for lower silhouette, lowered hood and rear deck, power up to 300HP with 10-1 compression ratio [twin 4-barrel carburetors upped Eldorado power to 325HP], new foot-applied parking brake, new Eldorado Brougham [see appropriate entry], front air-conditioning optional on all models except Series "75" [in rear ]; "wide oval" low-profile tires first offered on thee new Eldorado Brougham model.

   
Series 62 sedan

 

Options/accessories: New air-conditioner, heating system, signal-seeking pre-selector radio, electrically-operated antenna, Autronic-Eye, new fog lamps, license-plate frames, "E-Z-Eye" tinted glass, "sabre-spoke" wheels, 6-way power seat, new, remote-control trunk lid lock, rear compartment radio control, radio foot control switch, "cushion toppers", rubber mats, windshield washer solvent, body polish, fabric cleaner, "Kar-Kleen", Blue Coral compound, chrome cleaner, cooling system inhibitor, whitewall tires, whitewall tire cleaner, "Dor-Guards", seat belts; front "gull-wing" bumpers have new black rubber tips; early prototypes were seen with white rubber protrusions; 11 models, 12th in U.S. car sales ranking, Series: "62", "60S", "75, "Eldorado, "Eldorado Brougham" added];

(body styles): (see also Eldorado and Eldorado Brougham sections, below); "62" Coupe de Ville, SIA 25, p.17; "60-S" ad, NIT 97, p.75; SIA 1-2/75 pp.12-23; NIT 122, p.91 [man in engine well]; "62" convertible, NIT special M1602-2, p.13; Eldorado Biarritz 2-door convertible (C&D card set), C&P pp.55-56 (date ???), unknown French-language magazine [perhaps from Belgium]; painting of front bumper "bullet" by contemporary artist Nicola Wood, CC&CC 7/1991, p.63; comparison with Lincoln and Imperial, SIA118, pp.30-37,66; Eldorado Brougham 4-door Sedan: (C&D card set). CA pp.2,38-49,88,91,94, rear cover; CE 7/82, pp.56-61

The Cadillac plant in 1957
From an original factory album that was discarded, later found
in a dumpster in MI and subsequently sold on e-Bay - nothing is ever really "lost"!

 

Models:

Series "62" [129½" wheel base]

6237 Coupe ( 25120)

6237DX 6-passenger Coupe de Ville ( 23813)

Right: 1957 Coupe de Ville belonging to CML member Christina Reynen, CA
Left: 1954 Series 62 convertible belonging to another CML member in CA
[ Photos: © 2000, Christina Reynen ]

 

6237SDX Eldorado Seville ( 2100)

6239 6-passenger Sedan ( 32342)

[id.] CKD ( 384)

9239DX Sedan De Ville ( 23808)

6239SX 4-door Eldorado Seville ( 4)

6267X Convertible coupe ( 9000)

6267SX Eldorado Biarritz Convertible. ( 1800)

62 chassis ( 1)

Series "60-S" Fleetwood [133" wheel base, 3m38]

6-pass. Fleetwood Sedan ( 24000)

Series "70" Eldorado Brougham [126" wheel base]

4-door sedan ( 400)

Series "75" Fleetwood [149¾" wheel base]

sedan ( 1010)

imperial ( 890)

8680S 158" wheel base commercial chassis ( 2169)

1957 model total (146841)

 

1958

Facts: (see Press Portfolio for much info >>>>>>>) 8-cylinder, 90° V8, 4.00 x 3.63" b&s, 365 ci, overhead valves, push rod actuated, 10.0:1 compression ratio, Rochester #7015701 4 bbl carburetor ("Eldorado" = two Carter #2584S/2583S 4 barrels), 300 BHP @ 4800 rpm ("Eldorado" = 3 dual carbs, 325 BHP), Hydra-Matic transmission, 3.07:1 rear axle ratio (optional ratios available) ("75" = 3.77:1), live rear axle suspension, helical coil springs and tube shock absorbers, front helical coil-springs with tube shock absorbers ("Eldorado Brougham" = air suspension with central compressor and air bags; four-link, self-leveling in the rear, independent self-leveling in front), tubular X-frame without side rails ("75" = backbone type), 129.5" wheel base, ("60S" = 133", "75" = 149.8", "Eldorado Brougham = 129"), 220.9" over-all length ("60S" - 224.4", "75" = 237.3-244.5", "Eldorado Brougham" = 216.3"), 61" track front and rear ("75" = 62.5-63" front and rear), 8.20x15 tires ("Eldorado Brougham" = 8.40x15) , weight: 4677-4856 lbs ("Eldorado" = 4810-4930 lbs, "60S" = 4735 lbs, "75" = 5055-5436 lbs, "Eldorado Brougham" = 5315 lbs), 0-60 mph in 10-12 seconds. ("Eldorado" =  the fastest, "75" = 0-60 in 15-18 seconds.), 115 mph top speed ("75" = 110-115 mph"), 12-18 mpg ("Eldorado" = 12 mpg, "75" = 10-16 mpg). V8 Series "62", "60-S", "70" and "75"; restyled tail-fins, optional air suspension [5" additional lift], electric door locks optional on all models with electric windows, optional triple two-barrel carburetors [standard on Eldorado] boosting power from 310HP to 335HP.

Options/accessories: air suspension, new air-conditioner, heating system, signal-seeking pre-selector radio with recessed electrically-operated antenna, new electric door locks, new fog lamps, "E-Z-Eye" tinted glass, Autronic-Eye, license-plate frames, 6-way power seat, "sabre-spoke" wheels, remote-control trunk lid lock, rear compartment radio control, radio foot control switch, "cushion toppers", rubber mats, windshield washer solvent, body polish, fabric cleaner, "Kar-Kleen", Blue Coral compound, chrome cleaner, cooling system inhibitor, whitewall tires, whitewall tire cleaner, "Dor-Guards", seat belts, RH outside rear view mirror, tar and road oil remover, inside sliding sun shield. 12 models, 14th in U.S. car sales ranking, Series : 62, 63, 60S, 75, Eldorado, Eldorado Biarritz [extended deck Sedan added];

Easy ID: Quad-headlights, wide grille featuring myriad tiny "bullets" forming intersections of newly-designed egg-crate grille; front bumper bullets, again with black rubber bumper tips, set in broad horizontal bar extending partly into grille area; one rectangular recess set below bullet bumper portion, housing combined parking lights and turn signal indicator lamps. Again Eldorado fins are inset. '58 Brougham has minor differences with '57 model, e.g. inner door trim. New, convex wheel covers with circular, colored emblem marked "Cadillac Motor Car Division".

(body styles): (see also Eldorado and Eldorado Brougham sections, below); Notes, CLCA 30th anniversary issue, p.38; caravan on '58 body, AF, p.80; Eldorado Biarritz 2-door convertible (C&D card set); "60-S" (C&D card set); "62" 2-door convertible (C&D card set); Eldorado brougham 4-door Sedan: (C&D card set). CA pp.2,38-49,88,91,94, plus rear cover; article "Why they stretched the Caddy hood", PS 12/57, pp.86-87. Pair of 58s in France, V8, #28.  Story of Sedan de Ville in V8, #25, pp.24-27. Eldo Seville in France, V8, #20, pp.22-25.

Models: [7/2000:  photo links have changed please go to this page]

Series "62" [129½" wheel base]

6237 Coupe ( 18736)

6237DX 6-passenger Coupe de Ville ( 18414)

6237SDX Eldorado Seville ( 855)

6239 6-passenger Sedan standard deck ( 13335)

[id.] CKD ( 204)

6239E 6-passenger Sedan extended deck ( 20952)

6239EDX Sedan De Ville ( 23989)

6267X Convertible coupe ( 7825)

6267SX Eldorado Biarritz Convertible ( 815)

6267SSX Eldorado coupe ( 1)

62 chassis ( 1)

Series "60-S" Fleetwood [133" wheel base, 3m38]

6-pass. Fleetwood Sedan ( 12900)

Series "70" Eldorado Brougham [126" wheel base]

4-door sedan ( 304)

Series "75" Fleetwood [149¾" wheel base]

sedan ( 802) and

imperial ( 730)

8680S 158" wheel base commercial chassis ( 1915)

1958 model total (121778)

Trivia:  The Body tag for the 1958 Cadillac models carries a mysterious code, to the right of the Trim code number.  It consists of one or two letters, or a letter and number.  Some examples are:  "S", "AX", "P2".  These are NOT accessory codes or codes for paint and trim. If any Database users can explain the meaning of these codes, the members of the 1958 Cadillac Club and I would be most grateful.

1959

Facts: The '59 models were introduced on October 12, 1958. Specifications: 8-cylinder, 90° V8, 4.00 x 3.88" b&s, 390 ci, overhead valves, push rod actuated, 10.5:1 compression ratio, Carter #2814S 2 bbl carburetor ("Eldorado" = three Rochester #7015901 2 barrels), 325 BHP @ 4800 rpm ("Eldorado" = 345 BHP), Hydra-Matic transmission, 2.94:1 rear axle ratio (3.21:1 optional, standard on "Eldorado Brougham") ("75" = 3.77:1), live rear axle suspension, helical coil springs and tube shock absorbers, front independent coil-springs with tube shock absorbers, optional air suspension ("Eldorado Brougham" = air suspension with central compressor and air bags; four-link, self-leveling in the rear, independent self-leveling in front), tubular X-frame without side rails ("75" = backbone type), 130" wheel base, ("60S" = 133", "75" = 149.8"), 225" over-all length ("60S" - 224.4", "75" = 237.3-244.5"), 61" track front and rear ("75" = 62.5-63" front and rear), 8.00x15 tires ("Eldorado" = 8.20x15, "Eldorado Brougham" = 8.40x15), weight: 4690-5455 lbs ("Eldorado" = 4855-5060 lbs, "Brougham = est. 5200 lbs, "60S" = 4880-4890 lbs, "75" = 5055-5436 lbs), 10-16 mpg ("Eldorado" = 8-14 mpg, "75" = 10-16 mpg). V8 Series "62", "63", "60-S", "64", "67" and "69"; Largest ever glass area, dramatic tail-fin treatment, height down by 2.3" to 5.5" on some models, power up to 325HP [345HP on Eldorado - Eldorado engine optionally available on all other models, uses three dual-barrel carburetors], new, greater 390 cu" displacement [piston stroke lengthened ¼" to 3.875", no change in bore at 4"], increased acceleration, high 10.5-1 compression ratio [up from 10.25 in 1958], more effective engine breathing through streamlined exhaust valves and enlarging the air passages in the intake manifold, torque [force that turns rear wheels] is increased at low speeds, new carburetor heating and engine warm-up controls, new lower ratio, 2.94:1 axle, optional 3.21:1 ratio [standard on Eldorado and all a/c cars], new, low-pressure shock absorbers using Freon 12 gas instead of air to give constant oil reaction.

Options/accessories: (prices from CLC 4/92, p.6) air suspension, air-conditioning, new heating system ($128.70), signal-seeking pre-selector radio with recessed electrically-operated antenna ($164.60), new "Cruise Control" [speed control device], 6-way power seat ($89.35), power ventipane regulators, electric door locks, new shaded and tinted "E-Z-Eye" glass, new "Autronic-Eye" ($55.25), new fog lamps, license-plate frames ($15.00), power deck lid lock, rear compartment radio control, radio foot control switch, "cushion toppers", transparent plastic seat covers, rubber mats (contour front and rear), RH outside rear view mirror, "Dor-Guards" ($7.20), spare tire cover, windshield washer solvent, body polish, fabric cleaner, "Kar-Kleen" upholstery cleaner, Blue Coral compound, Blue Coral sealer, chrome cleaner, anti-freeze ($7.72), undercoating ($30.00), waxing ($20.00), cooling system inhibitor and sealer, whitewall tires ($57.45), whitewall tire cleaner, tar and road oil remover. 13 models, 14th in U.S. car sales ranking, Series : 62, 63, 64, 60S, 70, 75 [flat top 62 and 63 added]; PR 30.9.1958 N° Mk 3 81958, prices and production, SIA 88, p.16.

Easy ID: [Superfluous!] Look at those huge rear fins with twin, red bullet protrusions, grille texture as for 1958 but split in two halves by broad, horizontal bar; two oval recesses set below twin headlights, housing parking lights and turn signal indicator lamps. Wheel covers (standard) are similar to 1958 except circular, emblem is black and white; these interchange with 1960, except 60-Special, Eldorado and Brougham models. The latter models have a special, finned turbine wheel disc imitating the turbine-vane alloy wheel of the 1957-58 Brougham models; these intricately-made wheel discs come apart [I remember what a job I made for myself when I decided to take apart, clean and polish every little piece of the four wheel covers off my '60 Eldorado Biarritz when I restored it in 1988 - a much easier job, mark you, than cleaning that front grille!!!]

   
Bird's eye view of Series 60 Special (left); artist's view of 6-window Sedan de Ville (right)

 

(body styles): 1959: "Monster Squad" ambulance photo in '59 literature drawer; 1959: Eureka, Superior, M&M cars in '59 drawer [copies]; (see also Eldorado and Eldorado Brougham sections, below); general article, CC&CC 1/1986, pp.56-57; "60-S", SIA 2/1985, p.51, drawing of "ugliest car", CC&CC, 9/1983, p.48-49; color photo CC&CC 2/1985, p.12; B&W photo, SIA87, p.52; "75" Sedan/Limousine : in Japanese catalog for 1987, p.16; also in Cadillac news sheet, Vol.2, issue 1, p.4 (in 1988 literature drawer); flat-top 4-window Sedan de Ville in CLC 4/92, pp.6-7; Series 62 flat--top 4-window sedan in CLC 6/92, pp.4-5; interesting remark, McC "Foreword", p.2; convertible, NIT special M1602, pp.58-61 [poor French ex.]; convertible, NIT 25, pp.78-79 [later bought by friend Philippe Dauliach]; NIT 122, p.92, red 62 Coupe; Motor Home, SIA 62, p.72; Ghostbuster ambulance, NIT 43, p.16; 1959 versus 1984 match, NIT 33, pp.42-45 [F. Laurent flat top Sedan de Ville];1959-1964: Retroviseur 48, cover, pp.52-70 ["Mr. C" participated]; Brougham (CCI, 28:4); "62" 2-door convertible (C&D card set); Eldorado Biarritz 2-door convertible (C&D card set); article in CE, 9/82, pp.50-53; also AE 11/84, cover and pp.32-33; Eldorado Seville 2-door Coupe (special issue CCIX, p.23), [one involved in murder case], article in OCW, 27.8.92, p.19;; "Monster Squad " ambulance photo in '59 literature drawer; Eureka, Superior, M&M cars in '59 drawer [copies]; SIA 91, pp. 14-21 and 56-57; Skyview observation coach, CLCA 1976, p.15; 6W-Sedan de Ville photo, CLCA 1979, p.2; "airplane" motor home using 1959 Cadillac components, SIA 4/1981, p.72; low-mileage Coupe de Ville, CC&CC 9/1991, pp.24-26; convertible rear, CA 7/1984, p.2, pp.22-25 including rear, top up & down, engine, steering wheel, front seat, side; custom ambulance by W. Köng, Basel.  Story of surviving Coupe de Ville in France, V8, #8, pp.20-25.

'59 gadgets: Desk calculator, NIT 126, p.7; MK, 1/1992 (sold by "Jukebox Mersch", Fürenstr., 42, D4430 Steinfurt); "Caddy Finatic", T-shirts with '59 fins $13 ea. from TRU-FIT, P.O. Box 96, Wappinger Falls, NY 12590, Fax (914) 462-8450; article "GMs Far Out 59s"; prices (letter re) in CA 12/88, p.6; '59 convertible miniature (decanter), Jim Beam ad, SIA125, rear cover.; special 4-door convertible, in CA 8/86, p.5 (same as seen in Clint Eastwood movie, "Every Which Way, But Loose"??); poster "Cadillac Grand Siècle" (June '93 Cadillac meet, Paris), V8M/5 p.6 {***}; Coupe de Ville, V8, pp. 20-25; Brougham (CCI, 28:2);special 1954 Le Mans roadster [as restyled in 1959] (special issue CCIX, p.27); Eldorado brougham 4-door Sedan: (C&D card set). CA pp.2,38-49,88,91,94,rear cover; story of Series 62 survivor in France, V8, #14, pages/4245

Models:

Series "62" [130" wheel base]

6229 6-window Sedan ( 23461)

6237 Coupe ( 21947)

6239 4-window Sedan ( 14138)

[id.] CKD ( 60)

6267X Convertible coupe ( 11130)

6329 6-window Sedan De Ville ( 19158)

6337 Coupe De Ville ( 21924)

6339 4-window Sedan De Ville ( 12308)

6437 Eldorado Seville coupe ( 975)

6467 Eldorado Biarritz convertible ( 1320)

 

Series "60-S" Fleetwood [130" wheel base]

6-pass. Fleetwood Sedan ( 12250)

Series "67" Fleetwood [149.8" wheel base]

"75" sedan ( 710) and

"75" limousine ( 690)

Series "69" Eldorado Brougham [130" wheel base]

4-door sedan ( 99)

6890 156" wheel base commercial chassis ( 2102)

1959 model total (142272)

Trivia: Read all about an unsolved murder in a 1959 Cadillac! Check out this site]

 

1959-1960

(mixed facts): 4-door HT production figures, SIA 2/1982, p.49; article in CA, 8/1988, p.7-23, including details like '59 fin, '59 "62" Coupe, '59 "62" convertible front and rear, '59 "62" 6W Sedan rear and side, '59 "62" 4-window front , '59 all-model line-up, '59 Eldorado Seville Coupe and Biarritz convertible, + convertible interior, '60 Eldorado Seville + interior, '60 all-model line-up, '60 "62" Coupe de Ville, '60 Eldorado Biarritz + engine , R. Loewy '59 custom Coupe sans fins, '60 "75" Limousine with blank quarter panels, prices & production; '59 Eldorado in miniature (1/43), advertisement in SIA108, pp.12-13;

 

1960

Facts: 8-cylinder, 90° V8, 4.00 x 3.88" b&s, 390 ci, overhead valves, push rod actuated, 10.5:1 compression ratio, Carter #2814S 2 bbl carburetor ("Eldorado" = three Rochester #7015901 2 barrels), 325 BHP @ 4800 rpm ("Eldorado" = 345 BHP), Hydra-Matic transmission, 2.94:1 rear axle ratio (3.21:1 optional, standard on "Eldorado Brougham") ("75" = 3.77:1), live rear axle suspension, helical coil springs and tube shock absorbers, front independent coil-springs with tube shock absorbers, optional air suspension ("Eldorado Brougham" = air suspension with central compressor and air bags; four-link, self-leveling in the rear, independent self-leveling in front), tubular X-frame without side rails ("75" = backbone type), 130" wheel base, ("60S" = 133", "75" = 149.8"), 225" over-all length ("60S" - 224.4", "75" = 237.3-244.5"), 61" track front and rear ("75" = 62.5-63" front and rear), 8.00x15 tires ("Eldorado" = 8.20x15, "Eldorado Brougham" = 8.40x15), weight: 4690-5455 lbs ("Eldorado" = 4855-5060 lbs, "Brougham = est. 5200 lbs, "60S" = 4880-4890 lbs, "75" = 5055-5436 lbs), 10-16 mpg ("Eldorado" = 8-14 mpg, "75" = 10-16 mpg). V8 Series "62", "63", "60-S", "64", "67" and "69"; new self adjusting brakes on all models, new larger finned drums, better brake cooling, automatic releasing parking brake [when car placed in gear].

Options/accessories: air suspension, air-conditioning, heating system, 6-way power seat adjustment, power window regulators, power ventipane regulators, power (pneumatic) door locks, power deck lid lock, signal-seeking pre-selector radio, "Cruise Control", shaded and tinted glass ("E-Z-Eye"), fog lamps, "Guide-Matic" power headlight control, rear compartment radio control, radio foot control switch, "cushion toppers", rubber mats (contour front and rear or rectangular), RH outside rear view mirror, "Dor-Guards", front vent window extensions, spare tire cover, windshield washer solvent, body polish, fabric cleaner, "Kar-Kleen" upholstery cleaner, Blue Coral compound, Blue Coral sealer, Magic Mirror cleaner and polish, Magic Mirror cream wax, chrome cleaner, cooling system inhibitor and sealer, whitewall tires, whitewall tire cleaner, tar and road oil remover. 13 models, 14th in U.S. car sales ranking.

Easy ID: New rear ensemble: vertical, oval rear bumper housings for reflectors and reversing lights; toned-down fins; new front grille texture using again the rectangular egg-crate with small bullets in center of each opening; toned-down rear fins; turn signal indicator lamps in chrome "fin" on forward edge of front fenders. Same standard and special wheel covers as for 1960, except that the finned turbine wheel disc of the 60-S, Eldorado and Brougham models has a black ring around the central part that holds the emblem.

Series 60 Special sedan

 

(body styles): (see also Eldorado and Eldorado Brougham sections, below); NIT 49, p.14, NIT 137. pp.16-19; SIA 59, pp.46-53; Coupe de Ville photo, CLCA 1977, p.43; flat-top Sedan de Ville, SIA 2/1982, p.48; good photo of "60-S", SIA 2/1982, p.50; "62" 6W Sedan, SIA 2/1982, p.51; "62" convertible, CC 2/1977, p.31; "62" convertible article in C&F No. L1912, pp.47-51 "Pretty in Pink"; "62" convertible with rumble-seat, SIA 3-4/1976, p.23; custom ambulance by W. Köng [???], Basel; "75" Sedan/Limousine : in Cadillac news sheet, Vol.2, issue 1, p.4 (in 1988 literature drawer); 1960: fashion photo using our former car ('60 literature drawer); Eldorado Brougham (CCI, 29:1); color (CCI, 28:4); Presley special limousine (special issue CCIX, p.24-25); Eldorado Brougham 4-door Sedan: (C&D card set). CA pp.2,38-49,88,91,94,rear cover. The press release photo for the "60S" [photo X-33373-180] released on 1.10.1959 said "Emphasizing the handsome body shape and careful attention to detail, the Fleetwood Sixty Special Sedan typifies the simplicity of design so evident in the 1960 line. The side view is highlighted by nine small vertical louvers in body color and edged in chrome below the tail fin. The Sixty Special features a fabric top that matches the body color." Series 62 coupe story:  V8, #31, Series 62 sedan in France, V8, #17, pp.36-39.  Story of custom "75" limo in France, V8, #4, pp.40-43.

   
Series 62 sedan

 

Trivia:  The alumni association of Notre Dame University bought a 1960 Cadillac for H.H. Pope John XXIII [model unknown,  but Fleetwood "60 Special" or "75" suspected].  On this topic, a report in the Washington press, in the mid-80's, mentioned that a steering defect had been found in 1960 Cadillacs in 1973 but a recall was ordered only in the 80s.

Models:  [7/2000:  photo links have changed please go to this page]

Series "62" [130" wheel base]

6229 6-window Sedan ( 26824)

6237 Coupe ( 19978)

6239 4-window Sedan ( 9984)

[id.] CKD ( 36)

62 chassis ( 2)

6267X Convertible coupe ( 14000)

6329 6-window Sedan De Ville ( 22579)

6337 Coupe De Ville ( 21585)

6339 4-window Sedan De Ville ( 9225)

6437 Eldorado Seville coupe ( 1075)

6467 Eldorado Biarritz convertible ( 1285)

Series "60-S" Fleetwood [130" wheel base]

6-pass. Fleetwood Sedan ( 11800)

Series "67" Fleetwood [149.8" wheel base]

"75" sedan ( 718) and

‘75" limousine ( 832)

Series "69" Eldorado Brougham [130" wheel base]

4-door sedan ( 101)

6890 156" wheel base commercial chassis ( 2160)

1960 model total (142184)

Trivia: The King of Rock, Elvis Presley, owned a 1960 limousine; that car is (was?) enshrined at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville. Alleged to be painted with 24k gold dust (???), the car is outfitted with a refreshment bar and TV.

 

1960-1961

Painting of rear of two cars by contemporary artist Nicola Wood, CC&CC 7/1991, p.63;

 

1961

Facts: 8-cylinder, 90° V8, 4.00 x 3.88" b&s, 390 ci, overhead valves, push rod actuated, 10.5:1 compression ratio, Rochester #701930 4 bbl carburetor, 325 BHP @ 4800 rpm ("Eldorado" = 345 BHP), Hydra-Matic transmission, 2.94:1 rear axle ratio ("75" = 3.77:1), live rear axle suspension, helical coil rubberized springs and tube shock absorbers, front independent rubberized coil-springs with tube shock absorbers (air suspension dropped), X backbone type ("75" = backbone type), 129.5" wheel base, ("75" = 149.8"), 223-223.5" over-all length standard (215" for short deck, "Eldorado" = 224-225.5", "75" = 237.3-244.5"), 61" track front and rear ("75" = 62.5-63" front and rear), 8.00x15 tires, weight: 4475-4720 lbs ("Eldorado" = 4500-4660 lbs, "60S" = 44615-4770 lbs, "75" = 5055-5436 lbs), 0-60 in 9.8 seconds., 0-100 in 17.5 seconds., top speed 120-122 mph, 10-14 mpg ("Eldorado" = 8-14 mpg, "75" = 10-16 mpg). V8 Series "62", "63", "60-S" and "67"; new lifetime chassis lubrication, new power steering pump, new smaller 16" steering wheel, new bodies [more headroom and legroom], 7½" greater rear door opening, standard anti-smog kit for Calif. cars.

Options/accessories: air-conditioner, heating system, rear window de-foggers, "Cruise Control", "E-Z-Eye" glass, signal-seeking pre-selector radio, fog lamps, power window regulators, power ventipane regulators, 6-way power seat adjustment, power door locks, power deck lid lock, "Guide-Matic" power headlight control, rear compartment radio control (Fleetwood "75" only), radio foot control switch, "cushion toppers", rubber mats (contour front and rear or rectangular), seat belts, RH outside rear view mirror, "Dor-Guards", front vent window extensions, spare tire cover, windshield washer solvent, body polish, fabric cleaner, "Kar-Kleen" upholstery cleaner, Blue Coral compound, Blue Coral sealer, Magic Mirror cleaner and polish, Magic Mirror cream wax, chrome cleaner, cooling system inhibitor and sealer, whitewall tires, whitewall tire cleaner, tar and road oil remover, litter box, controlled differential. 12 models, 14th in U.S. car sales ranking, Series : 62, 63, 64, 60S, 75 [Eldorado Biarritz deleted]; article: 1961 Cadillac vs. Imperial & Lincoln: SIA105, pp.38-45

Easy ID: Unique wheel cover design for 1961, color-coded to car, has embossed chrome "spokes", a smooth chrome concave center sporting a squarish Cadillac emblem. New rear ensemble: horizontal, oval rear bumper housings for reflectors and reversing lights; new rear skeg fin, angles out and down; new horizontally V-eed front grille; further drop in rear fin height

Series 62 coupe

 

(body styles): (see also Eldorado section, below); Auto show photo, CLCA 1985, inside rear cover; 6-window-Sedan de Ville, SIA, 8/1978, p.39; artist's drawing , SIA118, p.68; "62" 2-door convertible (C&D card set) 2-door Eldorado Biarritz (C&D card set); Eldorado Biarritz 2-door convertible (C&D card set); Eldorado Biarritz 2-door Convertible (special issue CCIX, p.23); nice 60-S photo CLC 1/92 cover and article pp.4-5;

Models: [7/2000:  photo links have changed please go to this page]

Series "62" [129½" wheel base]

6229 6-window Sedan ( 26216)

6237 Coupe ( 16005)

6239 4-window Sedan ( 4700)

62 chassis ( 5)

6267X Convertible coupe ( 15500)

6329 6-window Sedan De Ville ( 26415)

6337 Coupe De Ville ( 20156)

6339 4-window Sedan De Ville ( 4847)

6399 6-window Town Sedan ( 3756)

6467 Eldorado Biarritz convertible ( 1450)

Series "60-S" Fleetwood [129½" wheel base]

6-pass. Fleetwood Sedan ( 15500)

Series "67" Fleetwood [149.8" wheel base]

"75" sedan ( 699) and

"75" limousine ( 926)

6890 156" wheel base commercial chassis ( 2204)

1961 model total (138379)

Fleetwood Series 75 sedan and limousine styles

 

1961-1964

Article in CA 6/96. pp.8-21; many XP models and prototypes shown

 

1962

Facts: 8-cylinder, 90° V8, 4.00 x 3.88" b&s, 390 ci, overhead valves, push rod actuated, 10.5:1 compression ratio, Rochester #701930 4 bbl carburetor, 325 BHP @ 4800 rpm ("Eldorado" = 345 BHP), Hydra-Matic transmission, 2.94:1 rear axle ratio ("75" = 3.77:1), live rear axle suspension, helical coil rubberized springs and tube shock absorbers, front independent rubberized coil-springs with tube shock absorbers (air suspension dropped), X backbone type ("75" = backbone type), 129.5" wheel base, ("75" = 149.8"), 223-223.5" over-all length standard (215" for short deck, "Eldorado" = 224-225.5", "75" = 237.3-244.5"), 61" track front and rear ("75" = 62.5-63" front and rear), 8.00x15 tires, weight: 4475-4720 lbs ("Eldorado" = 4500-4660 lbs, "60S" = 44615-4770 lbs, "75" = 5055-5436 lbs), 0-60 in 9.8 seconds., 0-100 in 17.5 seconds., top speed 120-122 mph, 10-14 mpg ("Eldorado" = 8-14 mpg, "75" = 10-16 mpg). V8 Series "62", "63", "60-S" and "67"; 13 models.

Options/accessories: air-conditioner, new "Cruise Control", new controlled differential, "Guide-Matic" power headlight control, signal-seeking pre-selector radio, soft ray glass, seat belts, rear window de-fogger, fog lamps, power window regulators, power ventipane regulators, 6-way power seat adjustment, power door locks, power deck lid lock, rear compartment radio control (Fleetwood "75" only), radio foot control switch, "cushion toppers", rubber mats (center front, contour front and rear or rectangular), RH outside rear view mirror, "Dor-Guards", spare tire cover, windshield washer solvent, body polish, fabric cleaner, "Kar-Kleen" upholstery cleaner, Blue Coral compound, Blue Coral sealer, Magic Mirror cleaner and polish, Magic Mirror cream wax, chrome cleaner, cooling system inhibitor and sealer, whitewall tires, whitewall tire cleaner, tar and road oil remover, litter box, tissue dispenser. 14th in U.S. car sales ranking, Park Av. Sedan de Ville added [to replace "small" Brougham ?]; Series "75" models retained wrap-around windshield and chrome-topped tail-fins.

Easy ID: Again a unique wheel cover design for 1962, also color-coded to the car, featuring embossed chrome "spokes", smooth centers (like 1961) but with a wide, horizontal emblems. Vertical, rectangular rear bumper housings for reflectors and reversing lights.

   
Series 62 sedan

 

(body styles): (see also Eldorado section, below); Series "62" Sedan, CLCA 1981, front, cover and pp.22-25; V8M/6, pp.16-19; 62 custom wagon (CCI, 28:4, 29:3,), Eldo Biarritz, France in V8 #30. Story of surviving Coupe de Ville in France in V8, #6, pp.12-19. Six-window sedan survivor, V8 magazine (in French), #344, pp.38-43.

Models: [7/2000:  photo links have changed please go to this page]

Series "62" [129½" wheel base]

6229 6-window Sedan ( 16730)

6239 4-window Sedan ( 17314)

6247 2-door hardtop ( 16833)

6267 Convertible coupe ( 16800)

6289 Town Sedan ( 2600)

6329 4-window Sedan De Ville ( 16230)

6339 6-window Sedan De Ville ( 27378)

6347 Coupe De Ville ( 25675)

6367 Eldorado Biarritz convertible ( 1450)

6329 "Park Avenue" Sedan De Ville ( 2600)

Series "60-S" Fleetwood [129½" wheel base]

6-pass. Fleetwood Sedan ( 13350)

Series "67" Fleetwood [149.8" wheel base]

"75" sedan ( 696) and

"75" limousine ( 904)

Fleetwood Series 75 sedan and limousine styles
[ what's that sticking up from the trunk ? Old-style portable telephone antenna ]
[ Photo: courtesy David Gahr ]

 

6890 156" wheel base commercial chassis ( 2280)

1962 model total (160840)

 

1963

Facts: 8-cylinder, 90° V8, 4.00 x 3.88" b&s, 390 ci, overhead valves, push rod actuated, 10.5:1 compression ratio, Rochester #701930 4 bbl carburetor, 325 BHP @ 4800 rpm ("Eldorado" = 345 BHP), Hydra-Matic transmission, 2.94:1 rear axle ratio ("75" = 3.77:1), live rear axle suspension, helical coil rubberized springs and tube shock absorbers, front independent rubberized coil-springs with tube shock absorbers (air suspension dropped), X backbone type ("75" = backbone type), 129.5" wheel base, ("75" = 149.8"), 223-223.5" over-all length standard (215" for short deck, "Eldorado" = 224-225.5", "75" = 237.3-244.5"), 61" track front and rear ("75" = 62.5-63" front and rear), 8.00x15 tires, weight: 4475-4720 lbs ("Eldorado" = 4500-4660 lbs, "60S" = 44615-4770 lbs, "75" = 5055-5436 lbs), 0-60 in 9.8 seconds., 0-100 in 17.5 seconds., top speed 120-122 mph, 10-14 mpg ("Eldorado" = 8-14 mpg, "75" = 10-16 mpg). V8 Series "62", "63", "60-S" and "67".

Options/accessories: new air-conditioner/heater system, signal-seeking pre-selector AM radio, new FM/AM radio, rear window de-fogger, seat belts, soft ray glass, new adjustable steering wheel (up or down, 6 positions), "Cruise Control", controlled differential, "Guide-Matic" power headlight control, power window regulators, power ventipane regulators, 6-way power seat adjustment, power bucket seat (4-way), power door locks, power deck lid lock, rear compartment radio control (Fleetwood "75" only), radio foot control switch, cushion covers, rubber mats (center front, contour front and rear or rectangular), RH outside rear view mirror, "Dor-Guards", spare tire cover, windshield washer solvent, body polish, Eldorado horn, fabric cleaner, "Kar-Kleen" upholstery cleaner, Blue Coral compound, Blue Coral sealer, Magic Mirror cleaner and polish, Magic Mirror cream wax, chrome cleaner, cooling system inhibitor and sealer, whitewall tires, whitewall tire cleaner, tar and road oil remover, litter box, tissue dispenser, vinyl, leather and convertible top cleaner. 12 models, 14th in U.S. car sales ranking; Series "75" models retained wrap-around windshield and taller, chrome-capped tail-fins,

Easy ID: New front grille design split in center by chrome horizontal bar, small round turn-signal indicators below center bar, under quad headlights; vertical, rounded rectangular rear bumper housings for reflectors and reversing lights. Wheel covers interchange with 1964.

   
Fleetwood Series 75 sedan and limousine styles (catalog illlustration and factory photo)

 

(body styles): (see also Eldorado section, below); custom ambulance by W. Köng, Basel (in book Histoire de l'Automobile, Atlas); photos of 1963 styling prototypes (mock-ups) from December 1960 and January 1961 in CA 6/96, p.14, lower

Models: [7/2000:  photo links have changed please go to this page]

Series "62" [129½" wheel base]

6229 6-window Sedan ( 12929)

6239 4-window Sedan ( 16980)

6257 2-door hardtop ( 16786)

6267 Convertible coupe ( 17600)

62 Chassis ( 3)

6329 6-window Sedan De Ville ( 15146)

6339 4-window Sedan De Ville ( 30579)

6357 Coupe De Ville ( 31749)

You wouldn't want this to happen to YOUR "Coupe de Ville" !
[ Photo: Factory album recovered from dumpster outside Clark Ave plant ]

 

6367 Eldorado Biarritz convertible ( 1825)

6329 "Park Avenue" Sedan ( 1575)

Series "60-S" Fleetwood [129½" wheel base]

6-pass. Fleetwood Sedan ( 14000)

Series "67" Fleetwood [149.8" wheel base]

"75" sedan ( 680) and

"75" limousine ( 705)

6890 156" wheel base commercial chassis ( 2527)

1963 model total (163174)

   

   
I am guessing these factory photos were taken on the occasion of the 1963 Salon in
San Francisco; in the lower image (right) you can see in the background a large GM/Cadillac
truck used to haul the various models from one show venue to another

 

1964

Facts: 8-cylinder, 90° V8, 4.13 x 4.00" b&s, 429 ci, overhead valves, push rod actuated, 10.5:1 compression ratio, Rochester #701930 4 bbl carburetor, 340 BHP @ 4600 rpm, 4-bbl down-draft carburetor, Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed transmission 2 drive ranges, low and reverse), 2.94:1 rear axle ratio (optional ratios available: 3.21:1 on models with a/c, Series 75 has standard 3.36:1 with 3.77:1 optional), controlled differential optional at extra cost, live rear axle suspension, helical coil rubberized springs and tube shock absorbers, front independent rubberized coil-springs with tube shock absorbers (air suspension dropped), tubular X-type backbone ("75" = backbone type), 129.5" wheel base, ("75" = 149.8"), 223.5"-243.8" over-all length, 61" track front and rear ("75" = 62.5-63" front and rear), 8.00x15 tires ("Eldorado" = 8.20x15, weight: 4475-4720 lbs ("Eldorado" = 4500-4660 lbs, "60S" = 4615-4770 lbs, "75" = 5055-5436 lbs), 0-60 in 9.8 seconds, 0-100 in 17.5 seconds., top speed 120-122 mph, 10-14 mpg (26-gall. tank) ("Eldorado" = 8-14 mpg, "75" = 10-16 mpg). V8 Series "62", "63", "60-S" and "67"; 11 models. The news in 1964 was "Comfort Control", the auto-industry's first thermostatically regulated heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system.

Options/accessories: "Twilight Sentinel" that turned headlights on automatically at dusk and off at dawn, soft-ray glass, adjustable steering wheel, cruise control, signal-seeking pre-selector AM radio, FM/AM radio, controlled differential, Guide-Matic power headlamp control, front seat belts became standard equipment, rear window de-fogger, power window regulators, power ventipane regulators, power door locks, 6-way power seat adjustment, 4-way power bucket seat adjustment, power deck lid lock, rear compartment radio control (Fleetwood "75" only), radio foot control switch, cushion covers, rubber mats (contoured front, full width, contoured rear, full width, contoured front, 2-piece, contoured ear, 2-piece, or rectangular), RH outside rear view mirror, "Dor-Guards", spare tire cover, windshield washer solvent, body polish, Eldorado horn, fabric cleaner, "Kar-Kleen" upholstery cleaner, Blue Coral compound, Blue Coral sealer, Magic Mirror cleaner and polish, Magic Mirror cream wax, chrome cleaner, cooling system inhibitor and sealer, whitewall tires, whitewall tire cleaner, tar and road oil remover, litter box, tissue dispenser, vinyl, leather and convertible top cleaner. 14th in U.S. car sales ranking, Series : 62, 63, 60S, 75 , Park Av. deleted, 62 convertible became De Ville; Series "75" models retained wrap-around windshield;

Easy ID: New V-eed front grille design split in center by horizontal bar matching body color; vertical, rounded rectangular rear bumper housings for reflectors and reversing lights, V-eed towards the rear Wheel covers interchange with 1963, so this is not a reliable way to identify these models.

   
Fleetwood Series 75 sedan and limousine styles (catalog illustration and factory photo)

 

(body styles): story and photos, SIA, 10/1980, pp.46-53; Sedan de Ville, NIT 126, pp.22-27 [Jérôme Desvaux]; new motor, ad, NIT 123, p.23; misc. models, including "75" Limousine and Coupe de Ville CLCA 1981, p.20-21; ambulance (CCI, 28:2); Eldorado Biarritz 2-door convertible (C&D card set); custom "75" Liberace limousine (CCI, 26:2), Eldorado Biarritz 2-door convertible (C&D card set); Fleetwood Eldorado 2-door Convertible (special issue CCIX, p.23); Fleetwood 60-S, CLC 2/92, pp.6-7; photos of 1964 styling prototypes (mock-ups) from January, February and March 1962 in CA 6/96, pp.17-18. Introduction to 1964 models in MT 11/63, p.91; article on 1964 models in MT 3/64, pp. 46-51.

Models: [7/2000:  photo links have changed please go to this page]

Series "62" [129½" wheel base]

6229 6-window Sedan ( 9243)

6239 4-window Sedan ( 13670)

6257 2-door hardtop ( 12166)

6267 Convertible coupe (  17900)

6329 6-window Sedan De Ville ( 14627)

6339 4-window Sedan De Ville ( 39674)

6357 Coupe De Ville ( 38195)

6367 Eldorado Biarritz convertible ( 1870)

Series "60-S" Fleetwood [129½" wheel base]

6-pass. Fleetwood Sedan ( 14550)

Series "67" Fleetwood [149.8" wheel base]

"75" sedan ( 617) and

"75" limousine ( 808)

6890 156" wheel base commercial chassis ( 2639)

1964 model total (165959)

Trivia: This was received from 1964 Cadillac buff, Keith Lynch, in October 1998:  I wanted to share it with other admirers, like me, of the 1964 Cadillac models:

          Just a quick note about '64 rear axle ratios. You are absolutely correct in stating that the 2.94 ratio was available on the 1964 Cadillac. I believe that in actual practice, the vast majority of 1964 Cadillacs were equipped with the 3.23 ratio. This is the "standard" ratio that all air conditioned (or should I say "comfort controlled"...haha) Cad's used. This except, of course, for the various commercial chassis. I believe that the shop manual actually refers to the 2.94 ratio as the "optional" choice, but I will review an NOS manual to confirm that information before stating it as fact. In any case, it is as small detail, but interesting in that one rarely sees the 2.94 axle in practice, but rather the 3.23 There is, by the way, also the 3.36 and the 3.77 unit (which you duly noted in your website) Having driven extensively both the 2.94 and the 3.23 equipped cars, I can attest to the vast superiority of the 2.94 in terms of modern freeway performance. The long legged 429 really stretches out better with the more modest RPM demands of the 2.94 axle. I drove my 64 COUPE DE VILLE over 4,000 miles in 9 days between August 23-Sept. 1 of 1988, averaging 16.1 mpg. This included Yellowstone, Black Hills, The Snake River, a diagonal across Colorado, etc. etc.  One might suppose that the 2.94 would suffer at the lower speeds, and in terms of pulling, hill climbing, etc., but this did not prove to be the case for me. The massive torque of the 429 is more than able to move this vehicle efficiently. My particular car was (and still is) quite able to break traction under hard acceleration (my neighbors call it "peeling out" haha) in spite of the 2.94 axle. Well, I don't want to further bore you with such arcane details, but I did want to share my thoughts as one who is familiar with both the theoretical options, and the practical applications in this particular vehicle. In any case, thanks for your website. you have done a wonderful job of capturing the spirit of the Cadillac, as well as the esoteric details that Caddy fans everywhere should have access to.

1965

Facts: 8-cylinder, 90° V8, 4.13 x 4.00" b&s, 429 ci, overhead valves, push rod actuated, 10.5:1 compression ratio, Rochester #701930 4 bbl carburetor, 340 BHP @ 4600 rpm, Turbo Hydra-Matic, 2.94:1 rear axle ratio (optional 3.21:1, "75" = 3.77:1), live rear axle suspension, coil springs and tube shock absorbers, front independent coil-springs with tube shock absorbers, full perimeter frame ("75" = backbone type), 129.5" wheel base, ("75" = 149.8"), 225" over-all length, "75" = 237.3-244.5"), 62.5" track front and rear ("75" = 62.5-63" front and rear), 8.00x15 tires ("Eldorado" = 9.00x15, weight: 4390-4725 lbs ("Eldorado" = 4500-4660 lbs, "60S" = 4615-4770 lbs, "75" = 5055-5436 lbs), 0-80 in 15.5 seconds., top speed 120-125 mph, 12-15 mpg ("Eldorado" = 8-14 mpg, "75" = 10-16 mpg). New Delco Superlift rear shock absorbers provided automatic load leveling; tilting and telescoping steering wheel adjustment became standard; "Calais", "De Ville" and "Fleetwood" series; 11 models, 15th in U.S. car sales ranking, Series : Calais, DeVille, Fleetwood; Series "75" models retained wrap-around windshield; comparative article on luxury cars in C&D 7/65 pp.23-31,75

Easy ID: Vertically superimposed dual headlights; new, flat grille without center bar; no more tail fins [except Series 75]; new, vertical tail-light housing in five-sided rectangular rear bumper housing. New wheel covers [these resemble very closely those used in 1966 and are not a reliable way of identifying these models].

Fleetwood Series 60 Special sedan

 

(body styles): (see also Eldorado section, below); Calais Sedan, photo, CLCA 1979, pp.2, C&D card set; Fleetwood 75 Limousine (C&D card set);

Trivia: In Mâcon, France, on 4 April 1993 I saw at a car show a custom "60 Special" sedan with electric division glass between the front and rear compartments; its owner (Pierre Chevalier, Verneuil, F71850 Charnay-les-Mâcon, Tel. 85.29.18.17, Fax. 85.29.94.19) said he had bought it from the estate of Marcel Dassault, builder of France's famous "Mirage" jet plane. It carried a "GM France" body tag with the following ID numbers: "Chassis M5187779, Body Tag 03A, 65-68069, FWD 11825, 088, Acc. PYSMKO, Fisher"; the weight was shown as 2020 kgs. Was the division glass a standard Cadillac option on the "60 Special" that year or any other year?

Models: [7/2000:  photo links have changed please go to this page]

Calais Series [129½" wheel base]

68239 Hardtop sedan ( 13975)

68257 Hardtop coupe ( 12515)

68269 Sedan ( 7721)

De Ville Series [129½"]

68339 sedan ( 15000)

68357 Hardtop coupe ( 43345)

68367 DeVille Convertible ( 19200)

68369 hardtop sedan ( 45535)

Fleetwood Series

68069 60S sedan ( 18100)

68467 Eldorado Convertible ( 2125)

69723 "75"sedan ( 455) and

69733 "75" limousine ( 795)

Catalog illustration (the bodywork is unchanged since 1964; only the interior and tires are different this year

 

69890 156"wheel base commercial chassis ( 2669)

1965 model total (181435)

 

1938-1945

1986-up