Cadillac Calais

Cadillac Calais
1966 Cadillac Calais
Overview
Manufacturer	Cadillac (General Motors)
Production	1965–1976
Designer	Bill Mitchell
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury car
Layout	FR layout
Platform	C-body
Chronology
Predecessor	Cadillac Series 62
Successor	Cadillac Seville

First generation
Overview
Model years	1965–1970
Assembly	Detroit, Michigan, United States
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door hardtop 4-door sedan 2-door hardtop
Related	Cadillac Eldorado Cadillac De Ville Buick Electra Oldsmobile 98
Powertrain
Engine	429 cu in (7.0 L) OHV V8 472 cu in (7.7 L) OHV V8
Transmission	3-speed TH-400, automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	129.5 in (3,289 mm)
Length	1965–67: 224.0 in (5,690 mm) 1968: 224.7 in (5,710 mm) 1969–70: 225.0 in (5,715 mm)
Width	1965–68: 79.9 in (2,029 mm) 1969–70: 79.8 in (2,027 mm)
Height	1965–68: 55.6 in (1,412 mm) 1969–70: 56.2 in (1,427 mm)
Curb weight	4,600–4,900 lb (2,100–2,200 kg)

The Calais was the entry-level Cadillac model that was sold from 1965 to 1976. Cadillac renamed its low-priced Series 62 "Calais" in 1965, after the French town and resort which overlooks the narrowest point in the English Channel. In Greek mythology, Calais was also one of two winged sons of Boreas, god of the North Wind, and Oreithyea. The Calais shared its styling with the better-equipped, more expensive De Ville.

In 1965 Calais tailfins were canted slightly downward, and sharp, distinct body lines were featured. The rear bumper was straight and the rear lamp clusters were vertical. The headlight pairs were vertical, permitting a wide grille. Side windows were curved and frameless. Perimeter frame construction allowed positioning of the engine forward in the frame, thus lowering the transmission hump and increasing interior room. The Calais was available as a 2- or 4-door hardtop as well as a "formal-roof" 4-door sedan, which was a hybrid with frameless, hardtop-like windows, but with a pillar between them. With the exception of having no convertible, the Calais mirrored the slightly better-equipped, more expensive De Ville.

The primary differences between the Calais and the De Ville were trim levels and standard equipment. While the De Ville was delivered with such amenities as power windows and 2-way power seats as standard equipment, hand-cranked windows were standard on the Calais, with power a US$119 option. At the same time, however, AM radio was a US$165 extra, as was air conditioning, at US$495, on either. Standard equipment included power brakes; power steering; automatic transmission; dual back-up 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 and front and rear seat belts.