1965 Cadillac: A dramatic new approach to styling
The 1965 Cadillac brought dramatic changes with beautiful styling, elegance, and a new, steady, level frame and suspension. Cadillac models were also very spacious on the inside and offered a comfortable, luxurious ride. Cadillac offered several series this year: Fleetwood, DeVille, and Calais. Each series included unique models to fit every need and style.
Fleetwood series
The Fleetwood was called a "Masterpiece even among the Cadillacs." The Fleetwood Brougham and Sixty Special models were built on an exclusive 133-inch wheelbase and were 3.5 inches longer than other similar models. The overall length of the cars was 227.5 inches. The interiors were trimmed in the finest fabrics or leather with wood trim that was made of hand-finished imported Tamo. There were seat-back inserts made of brocade trim and embroidery, which were exclusive luxuries for the Fleetwood models.
All the 1965 models had chair-height seats with deep cushioning and were contour-shaped for comfort. In the Sedan and Brougham models, the rear compartment had more space than before. The floor tunnel was reduced as well. Passengers could easily enter and exit the models. All Fleetwood models (except the Seventy-Five) had power window controls on the arm rest and a power seat adjuster on the left of the front seat as standard equipment.
The Eldorado Convertible featured a bench-type, full width front seat. Or as an option at no additional cost, buyers could get contour bucket seats that were divided by a padded console with a compartment that was lighted and could be locked. At the back of the console was a vent for directing heat to the rear seat area. For the Brougham models, the roof was designed in textured vinyl fabric with padding and molding made of twin beaded material in a color that matched the top. Some convenience features enjoyed by Fleetwood owners included three-speed windshield wipers that could be operated by push button, a three-position tinted glass rear view mirror, a remote control for the outside mirror, a larger glove box, two ash receivers, and a choice of five exterior finishes and a variety of interior fabrics.
The DeVille series
With the DeVille series, buyers could get a Coupe DeVille or a DeVille Convertible. They could choose a hardtop sedan or a new center pillar sedan with additional space. The Coupe DeVille offered bench seats with eight fabric choices. At extra cost, buyers could choose from seven perforated leather combinations, which included sandalwood. Bucket seats were available at extra cost. With the DeVille Convertible, buyers could choose among eleven interior color combinations. The Convertible tops were available in black, white, green, blue, and sandalwood. Front bucket seats with a padded console were available at extra cost.
The four DeVille models were built on a 129.5-inch wheelbase and had an overall length of 224 inches. Some personal conveniences found in the DeVille interiors were an ash receiver and lighter combination, eight fabric and leather combinations (on the Convertible), optional Guide-Matic headlamp control photo cell, power brake pedals and accelerator pedals that were framed in bright chrome, and more. The instrument panel was redesigned with the controls located in a better position and conveniently illuminated. The instrument panel was also designed in such a way to provide more knee room for added comfort.
The Calais series
The Calais Series included a Calais Coupe, Calais Hardtop Sedan, and a Calais Sedan. It was called an "Elegant Newcomer to the Fine Car World." The Calais models brought a new measure in comfort, luxury, and performance, which surpassed even the Sixty-Two models. It was also priced affordably. The seats were deeply cushioned with high chair-like backs. Its luxury appointments included ash receivers in the front and rear, lighters (in the front only on the Coupe), rear corner reading lights, folding center arm rests, a built-in visor vanity mirror, an electric clock, and courtesy lights. The center arm rest was located in the rear seat on the Sedan models and in the front seat on the Coupe models. On the inside were beautiful fabric patterns and trim with soft, loop pile carpet.
On the exterior, the Calais had a new sloping windshield and roof line with sculptured door handles. Buyers could choose among 16 colors for the exterior. Calais models also came with standard power brakes, a heater and defroster, power steering, the triple braking system by Cadillac, cornering lamps, and backup lights.
More Cadillac features for 1965
Every model featured a smart rear fender and tail lamp assembly. This gave the rear a smooth, clean styling with stoplights, a taillight, backup lights, and directional signals for full functionality. The lights were framed in a single chrome component, which blended with the rear grille. The cornering lights blended with the front bumper and were larger with a new design for better illumination. A directional signal indicator was housed in the crown ornament atop the front fender, giving better signal awareness without distracting the driver. Another design feature of the 1965 Cadillac was the frameless glass used for curved side windows, which were tightly sealed to keep a regulated temperature on the inside. The frameless glass was really noticeable when a door was opened.
Some popular accessories for the 1965 Cadillac included four-way adjustment for the bucket seats, Guide-Matic, Soft Ray glass, white sidewall tires, door edge guards, controlled differential, Tilt and Telescope steering wheel, power door locks, an AM or AM-FM radio, Twilight Sentinel, and a six-way power seat.
Engine details
The 1965 Cadillac engine was a 340-horsepower, V-type, 90-degree engine with a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission. The engine performance was enhanced by an improved body-mounting system, a new perimeter type frame, True Center drive line, a new one-piece propeller shaft, and a sonically-balanced exhaust system. The engine's bore and stroke was 4.13 inches by 4.0 inches. Its displacement was 429 cubic inches, and it had a compression ratio of 10.5:1.
Other standard equipment included a full-flow oil filter, dual sun visors, wheel discs, an outside mirror with an inside remote control mirror, a glare-proof rear view mirror, whitewall tires measuring 9.00 by 15 standard on the Eldorado, and many courtesy lights throughout.
The Cadillac models for 1965 offered plenty of features and options for buyers who wanted all the luxury they could get. Many classic Cadillac fans today enjoy seeing and driving these cars and searching for all the great features the cars might harbor inside.
