Under a new model rearrangement, the Eldorado became a one-car Fleetwood sub-series, but was really less distinguished than before. Fleetwood hood and deck lid crests were the main difference in outer trim. Additional standard equipment, over that found in Sixty-Specials, included white sidewall tires and a six-way power seat for cars with regular bench seating.
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 |
| Type | V-8 Overhead valves |
| Block | 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 |
| Bearings | Five main bearings |
| Valve Lifters | 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 |
Books about Cadillac |
History of LaSalle |
Books on other automobiles |
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1962 |
1963 |
1964 |
1966 |
1967 |
1968 |
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