1965-66 Cadillacs Were Nearly Perfect Luxury Cars: The "Last" Standard of the World

Learn more about the 1965-66 Cadillac Calais, Deville, Fleetwood, and Eldorado!

[@barrettwbenton]

My father, who was notoriously hard on every car he ever owned, somehow got hold of a seriously-cherry 1965 Coupe deVille (same shade of blue as your examples, with white vinyl roof) around 1976. I, being in my mid-to-late teens, was more a sports/muscle-car kid who'd rather talk about Coronet Super Bees and Z-28s, than a genuine "dad car like this. BUT…that was likely the most-solid thing on wheels I'd ever ridden shotgun in, to the point that I beseeched my father *not* to trash it like he did too many of his other rides. In spite of its decade-old status, everything worked, and this example was loaded: power-everything, factory-air, thick-and-plush leather seats, and more than enough power to get out of its own way. Me and my peers would rag on the "land yachts" of the day (mostly deserved, especially the craptastic offerings throughout the 70s), but that '65 Caddy *was* somehow different, a special script Detroit hadn't lost just yet.

[@Nudnik1]

My Grandma had a new Cadillac every year for decades. I remember as a little kid riding in them . These remind me of her. Thank you

[@mickeydogtubemickeydogtube6856]

If I recall correctly, Cadillac had a deal where a person could trade their Cadillac in every year plus $500 and get a new one. I'm not sure on the $500 amount but I know there was an incentive like that. Cadillac has since lost the brand appeal and opulence it had in the past Century particularly the decade of these years.

[@w2tty]

@@mickeydogtubemickeydogtube6856 interesting!

[@Nudnik1]

@@mickeydogtubemickeydogtube6856 I think she did that Convertibles also . Wish I kept one .

[@TomSnyder-gx5ru]

Totally agree, I haven't been in a Cadillac showroom in decades - the way "Cadillacs" look now, you'd think you're in a BMW showroom - totally bland, "blend in" cars!@@mickeydogtubemickeydogtube6856

[@mattc2094]

That’s really cool.. a brand new caddy every year, your grandma must have been a pretty cool lady

[@tristanstrasse]

Those were the absolute pinnacle years for Cadillac for those made during my lifetime.

[@danielberning1240]

The 1965/66 Caddy's were some of the best looking ever IMO. I love the long straight lines.

[@controllerone]

Totally agree. When I was 12 a guy I passed by on my way to work had one of these. Loved that car. Still so.

[@cardo1111]

Agreed. They then abandoned it and Chrysler's fuselage era vehicles were similar to these mid 60's Caddys. Agree with Adam they can keep the vinyl roof, ore trouble over the long-haul and didn't age as well as the steel only painted roof.

[@therealniksongs]

I love them, too but think that the '67-'68 were just a little bit more perfect. Hard to imagine an car of such immense proportions looking more elegant and graceful than the '67-'68 Caddy. Even the '71 redesign still had an elegance, but by '74-'75 they were just bloated whales...the Fed-bumpers certainly did not help.

[@stevenj9970]

MY Dad had the '65 Deville, silver gray inside and out. Loved that car, esp. the POWER vent windows in the front doors.....also-you didn't need to have the car key turned on to operate the windows, there was a switch on drivers window controls that allowed the windows to be opened and closed without the key in ignition. Just a CLASSY car!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TimothySeay-e1d]

My mom's had an extra switch on the driver door window control switch that when pressed allowed the windows to be raised/lowered without the keys like yours.

[@georl1]

I have a 1965 Cadillac DeVille conv that I bought 29 years ago and it still turns heads today. Love that car.

[@michaelsartor7827]

Mine I bought in 2003 and is still running perfect also for wedding partys

[@maxwebster7572]

@@michaelsartor7827 Always great for SOMEONE ELSE'S WEDDING LOL!!!

[@creativeloafer9792]

As a (regrettably) former owner of a 66 SdV, I can attest to the quality of the fit and finish. Well styled, interior and exterior. Very reliable drivetrain. Boy, even after 30 years, I still miss my Caddy!!!!

[@jcguy6608]

My parents had a 65 Sedan DeVille it was dark metallic green with a light green leather interior and loaded with options. I loved that car.

[@petercrowl9467]

In the latter 70's I bought a '65 Fleetwood Brougham. It remains to this day the most luxurious car I've owned. It was wonderful.

[@kroge007]

My Uncle bought a new 1965 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Convertible in Black with a red leather interior. It was a beautiful car. I remember it as a kid driving around town with the top down. First convertible I rode in.

[@anvilsvs]

I was a mechanic at the local Cad/Olds/Datsun dealership in 1970. 65 has always been my favorite model year of Cadillac.

[@tedlym.3390]

I love Cadillacs and Lincolns. I own both and enjoyed watching this presentation. Thank you,

[@aceopinions]

My dad had a loaded dark blue 1965 Sedan Deville. He let me drive it once in a while. It was like driving around in my living room.

[@jwe6654]

I had a '66 Eldorado in Firethorn Mist w/a white top and interior - it was absolutely beautiful!

[@dondesnoo1771]

Had a blue baritz eldoado convert i had a lot of mechanical probs with it specially trans driveshaft valve seals. Always burned oil we used felpro was worse ordered original gm seals oil consumption stopped . terrible gas mileage but gas was 50c then 😵‍💫🥺🥶. Rebuilt trans lost holdback sprag clutch after warranty

[@rileysteve]

Yes, we took a trade of a '66 Eldo cream-puff around 1970 or so. Pastel Baby-Blue /White Leather and White Canvas Roof. I drove it around for about a week before getting yelled at! It was the nicest convertible, AND head-turner I ever drove until an early nineties RR Corniche.

[@RhYmEnRyAn]

I have one as well. Identical to what you described. Car came out of california bay area insurance auction, a friend restored before selling it to me

[@noscwoh1]

The Fleetwoods had rear seat tray tables in that year. THAT was peak Cadillac!

[@timothykeith1367]

'65 was a good year for almost everything. I like stacked headlights.

[@Primus54]

It was definitely a thing at GM in the mid-60s. Pontiacs were gorgeous.

[@TomSnyder-gx5ru]

Especially the stacked headlights on the '65 Pontiacs - a work of art!@@Primus54

[@sergioleone3583]

1965 was the pinnacle of humanity overall for sure. Plateaued for a while and been dropping ever since.

[@bradfordspencer4312]

I like stacked things in general...

[@williamflack5767]

65 Pontiac entire line won Motor Trend car of the year. They were beautiful. Pontiac almost was cut in 55. However they gave Bunkie, 5 years to turn the division around. They were 8th. In 60 they moved to number 3 in sales. Bunkie, dad was president of GM in the 20s. So GM blood was in there family. He wanted a car, so Bunkies dad had a 28 Chevrolet in parts. Said put it together by end of summer. He did. My first car was a 76 Grand Le Man's. Beautiful car. Factory 8 track. Aircraft dashboard. GM sent Pontiac down the drain. Sad. Oldsmobile as well.

[@JohnWhite-xc3md]

My Dad always raved about the look of the '65-'66 Caddy's when I was a kid. He rightfully loved the clean lines of this era. I have to agree. A very clean, and elegant design.

[@loumontcalm3500]

Thank Elwood Engel- this was Cads styling answer to the '61 Continental. '41 & '65 are, imho, two outstanding design years for Cadillac.

[@fehlrock]

I know its petty but I like the grill on 66, but rear tail lights on 65. My grandmother had a 65 coupe deville white red leather. AMAZING

[@davehue9517]

I have great memories as a kid sitting in my grandma's '66 Sedan de Ville Fleetwood and imagining I could drive it...then years later Mom inherited a '66 sedan de ville ... I still wish I had at least one of them

[@mickeydogtubemickeydogtube6856]

That 1st clay version looks similar to the 71 Eldorado design. Really appreciate seeing all those concept clay versions. Thanks.

[@andyj631]

I was thinking the same thing regarding the Eldo', especially in the rear.

[@mickeydogtubemickeydogtube6856]

@@andyj631 I really enjoy seeing the mock up clay and proposed design drawings especially for the era cars became my teenage obsession. The 60s to mid 70s. I even enjoy the 50s too. Like that 58 Buick. My parents had a 58 Caballero station wagon.

[@UberLummox]

I see Eldo & also 1st gen Monte Carlo. Also the rear door shape is like a '71-'76 Caddy.

[@jamescalvin902]

3:26 "...Bedizened with so much chrome..." I don't ever remember hearing that word in my 57 year old life, and I have some confidence in my vocabulary. But it is indeed a word, so I learned a new one today.

[@RareClassicCars]

See cars. Learn vocab. All on this channel.

[@friendofdorothy9376]

I thought he meant to say bedazzled.

[@danielj1063]

Always a good day to learn at least, a new word among automobile data. Thanks

[@Primus54]

@@RareClassicCarsLol!

[@jaysverrisson1536]

Same here--never heard that word before today. Apparently, it's similar to bedight (adorned) but implies more garishness and excess, which the '58 Buicks & Oldsmobiles certainly had in spades!

[@abramsmm1]

Gramp's first Caddy was a '68 SDV. Dark green, black leather and top. 472 power, AC like an ice box, handled well for a big car too. I was 7, saw Grandma coming down the street, new from the dealer. It was so stunning, I couldn't contain myself. Story for another time. It replaced a white New Yorker that got stolen shortly after new....also stunning.

[@M13x13M]

Did they have real wool cut pile carpeting like the imperial ?

[@dave1956]

I absolutely loved the 1966. For some reason the 1965 never did it for me. My parents had good friends who drove used Cadillac’s. They bought a super clean 1966 Coupe de Ville in 1969 for $3,000 from a Cadillac dealer. What a beautiful car. It was maroon with a black vinyl top and saddle brown leather interior. I can’t imagine buying a 3 year old Cadillac today for $30,000!

[@zeroceiling]

It’s funny, my dad bought an emerald green 1966 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 in 1969 for $2,200….just couldn’t stretch for the Olds 98…on the same lot…that would have set him back $2,600…..

[@whitsundaydreaming]

1966 cleaned up the oddities of the 65. I feel it was the overall best Cadillac design of all time.

[@rileysteve]

I had the luck of finding a slightly used '66 Coupe de Ville for about 3K back in the day. Silver exterior, Black vinyl roof, black dash and dark red damansk cloth interior trimmed in leather. What really got me interested in buying this one as it had every option available, which was nearly unheard of in 1966. Those were the days when many cars were ordered without air conditioning! Many a Calais went out of the show room without it. This '66 had Cruise, AND Auto-Level Control as well as the Guide-Matic/ Twilight-Sentinal system. T&T Wheel, AM-FM Signal Seeking Stereo, 6-way Seat (people used to order two-ways all the time back then!) Pwr. Locks , rear de-fog, etc. I could not let it get past me! I put around 50k miles on it before selling it on. Another one of those cars I had that I wish I coulda, wish I shoulda, had the foresight to keep!

[@arnesahlen2704]

I too prefer the super-clean '66 over the glitz-laden '65 look. Luxury understated grabs me!

[@dosgos]

That green interior is stunning.

[@TomSnyder-gx5ru]

My Uncle Joe and Aunt Wilma traded their '55 Buick Special in for a new '65 Cadillac Calais that was the same color blue as the convertible at the beginning of this video. Even though it was a "lowly" Calais it was loaded with all the options except a vinyl top and they were very pleased with it. When they were ready to trade in '72 they checked out a new Cadillac Calais and were shocked at how cheap the interior looked with all the hard black plastic on the dash compared to quality of their '65 and ended up getting a '72 Buick Electra Limited instead. On another note, my first thought when I saw that front end on the model at 11:46 was the '65 Lincoln Continental.

[@califdad4]

A older guy I know still drives a Cadillac but he said he turned in his 65 Cadillac for a 71 Cadillac about 73, and once he got it he almost cried it wasn't as nice as his 65

[@califdad4]

Only thing about the 66 Cadillac is that in order to change the taillights you have to drop the rear bumper, or teach a little kid to do it, but I still love them

[@douglasb.1203]

I like the minimalist profile view then the glitz front & rear. Cool design.

[@garypippenger202]

My Dad acquired a '68 Coupe de Ville, triple black with all-leather interior. Getting in the car, one was enveloped in the amazing aroma of the leather and the hushed quiet-- a quiet so profound that the ticking clock in the dash seemed loud. I was just 17 or 18 and amazingly was permitted to drive the Caddy occasionally. I certainly would not let that happen if it was my '68 de Ville, which, by the way was still much like the '65 and '66 models presented here, but with the 429 engine enlarged to a kick ass 472k! Awfully big car--you didn't drive it so much as "guide" it. Great memories.

[@johneckert1365]

The 472 was an all-new engine design, it wasn't an enlarged 429. It actually didn't have much of anything I common with the 429. Even the bellhousing pattern is different.

[@mattc2094]

Such a cool memory. Love how you recalled the clock ticking being so quiet. Seems very ‘cadillac’ to not have an annoyingly loud clock ticking in that impressive interior

[@richardmorris7063]

No one in my family ever had a Cadillac until I got one in 2014. My family was middle class so it was usually Pontiac or Buick for us. My Grandfather would be proud.

[@TheWriterWalker]

I'm not even a car person, but I found this delightfully informative.

[@gregz6418]

Wonderful cars, the 67 and 68 were also great

[@MarinCipollina]

I preferred the exterior styling of the '67 - '68 over '65 - '66.. They looked more "Cadillac".

[@alanblanes2876]

​@@MarinCipollina1966 was more grand and stately.

[@MarinCipollina]

@@alanblanes2876 Opinions vary

[@Lowrider2905]

The 17:20 66 is mine, that I still own 👍🏻. You can access the bulbs easy, you need to remove the filler panel when the trunklid is open, and even with big hands you can change the bulbs 👍🏻. Found out after I removed the bumper twice! Own the car since 14 years now.

[@RareClassicCars]

Interesting. Which filler panel? Inside the trunk?

[@Lowrider2905]

​@@RareClassicCars no, it is between the bumper and the edge of the trunk opening where the seal is installed. From there it is very easy to access the upper bulb. The 2 lower ones are changeable from below.

[@P.Galore]

1966 and 70 were my favorite years. On the 1966, I love the body color that surrounds the headlights

[@myronfrobisher]

I am in total agreement with your assessment - I did not know about the tail light bulb problem on the '66 . Your point about the interiors is spot on especially the Fleetwood - real wood trim.

[@KO-pk7df]

That 65 66 Blue Cadillac engine was the engine I had selected to rebuild in my 1972 high-school auto-shop class. We also had to rebuild the carburetor, generator and starter to have a running engine.

[@samiam5557]

Them some mighty fine looking Cadillac cars.

[@jamesrecknor6752]

I have owned many cars over many years, a 1966 Cadillac stands out above them all.

[@thegoldendog7991]

I was a car guy from a boy in the ‘60s. My dad had the lessor Cadillac, the ‘64 Olds Ninety Eight then a ‘ 71 Marquis Brougham. I particularly remember the Marquis because when I came home and saw it I thought that my dad’s boss had come over. Many decades on it’s sometimes hard to imagine that vehicles this beautiful were on the road. A time when a new car in the neighbourhood was a big deal. Great memories brought to us by a great channel!

[@ryanelectra225]

Definitely among my favorite Cadillacs

[@Greg-ly2rz]

You are right Adam, the ‘65 and ‘66 were Cadillac’s high point in design, interiors, and build quality. They were fantastic cars. I wish I still had one! Great video.

[@Jerry-ok8gj]

I took my driver's license test in my Dads 1965 gold Sedan DeVille. Great car. Thanks for the video Adam.

[@j.sayler6330]

Adam, I really look forward to your videos. Others I might look at occasionally, but yours I seek out, due to your excellent knowledge.

[@NLJosh83]

My late dad had three Cadillacs, a 66 Coupe de Ville, a 64 Deville Convertible and a 71 Fleetwood. He absolutely adored the exterior styling of the 64s but the interior of the 66s.

[@douglasjohnson1262]

Couldn’t agree more with your assessment of the dash appointments on the 65-66 Cadillacs. Works of art! Our “older neighbor” bought a ‘66 Sedan de Ville and loved seeing it come and go along our brick street! Gorgeous car!

[@robertdryburgh1457]

A friends father in law had a 66 Coupe de Ville. I had the pleasure of driving it a few times. I loved it and if space permitted would have one now. Smooth as silk.

[@TimothySeay-e1d]

When I was a kid, my mom had a beige 1965 Sedan deville with matching beige leather interior. She had it almost 10 years and we never had a problem with it. Every summer my dad would hitch it to our 27 foot Coachman bunkhouse RV and pull it thru the mountains of western North Carolina on vacation. Cadillacs were powerful beasts back then. It's hard to explain but you got a Special feeling tooling around in a Cadillac. They were special in a way no other car was. Of this generation of Caddy, I feel the '65 and '69 were the most beautiful having an understated refinement, sophistication and elegance the 66-68 and 70 didn't have.

[@georgewilson1184]

When I was a wee laddie growing up I the western suburbs of Chicagoland our neighbor who was a supervisor at GM s Electromotive division in McCook Illinois and a former Navy Officer bought home a New 65 coupe de ville convertible him & his wife were so proud of he use to talk about the great deal he got because he was a GM employee

[@anthonys_expired_film]

In 1968 my parents purchased a 1965 Sedan DeVille in Midnight Blue with a blue cloth and leather interior, and black vinyl top. Gorgeous! The satin silver trim inside the car was beautiful. One major styling change from 1964 to 1965 was curved side glass. As with all other GM full size cars, the curved side glass really made the cars more modern looking. Thanks for showing the clay models!

[@anthonyciolli5891]

Had a 66 DeVille, 4 door, loaded, Purple ish in color, Black leather top/interior, what a ride !!!

[@MostlyBuicks]

My dad had a 1965 2 door hardtop Calais Gold with a gold and beige cloth interior. When he bought it, it had "Finger Hut" clear plastic seat covers revealing a PERFECT interior. My dad immediately took the protector cover off. This thing was one of the most excellent unrestored cars he ever owned. It was loaded for a Calais, and I preferred its interior over the concurrent El Dorado leather interior! It had the upgraded automatic HVAC system, power windows (but not power vents) and Cruise control.

[@edwardpate6128]

My grandfather had a 1965 Sedan DeVille he purchased used in the late 60's. Other than the fact the AFB carb was so gummed up my dad had to rebuild it and cook it out it was an amazingly nice car. He also had a 1960 series 60 4 door and later he had a 1973 Fleetwood Brougham so I kind of was able to get the whole Cadillac experience! Didn't appreciate it enough at the time.

[@anvilsvs]

AFB? Quadrajet.

[@johnwinter9722]

Great video and from my memory very accurate. My dad's first Cadillac was a '66 Sedan De Ville. Wonderful car. I learned to drive in it and logged many miles behind the wheel. It was beautiful just as you described. Got 11 mph regardless of load, road type, altitude, etc. 11. Also used a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. My dad drove it for about 140,000 miles before he traded for a '71. By that time the motor was getting tired, but I really don't remember any mechanical issues with the car in the six years we had it in our family.

[@DavidMurphy-w9q]

Adam, I love the fact that you are now including photos of convertibles! The full-size premium US convertibles of the '50s and '60s are my absolute favorites cars of all time! I hope you'll review/show more of these in the future. I also would appreciate a review of the last (true) Imperials - the last unique one's with the full frames - '64, '65 and '66. When I was in high school in the early '70s, my best friend's dad had a black '65 SdV and his brother had a dark blue '65 60Sp and I drove both, a lot. They were probably the nicest driving, highest quality cars I've ever driven in my 54 years of driving - smooth, fast, solid, stable ( - not real floaty) and earily quiet. Of course, there wasn't much road feel from the finger light power steering and cornering speeds had to be kept sensibly low - but they were impressive to drive, none the less. The dashboard with the central location of the glovebox is one of my favorite features ( I love that the dash face is solid-feeling metal along with beautiful chrome switches, trim and controls) and the impressive row of eight (8!) power window switches on the driver's door of the 60Sp was an awesome sight! Both had Wonderbar radios with beautiful tone and the 60Sp had auto-dim headlights which were really rare back then. These were great cars in the snow too - super stable on the highway or in going through drifts and good traction with the new snow tires they both wore. I too believe these two years were Cadillac's (and maybe even GM's) finest ever before cost-cutting, 5 mph bumpers, occupant crash survival, low compression ratios, pollution controls and fuel economy forced a steady stream of necessary compromises and complexity that eventually led to today's vehicles.

[@michaelmullard4292]

Outside of the ‘67 Eldorado, the 1966 De Ville Series has always been my favorite, followed by the 1967 De Villes. Several family members owned them and I always begged for a ride in them when they came by. The leather or vinyl seats were super comfortable and the ride was like butter. I agree that they are the pinnacle of modern Cadillac design. Awesome information about these stunning cars, Adam. Your channel is one of my faves on YT.

[@sleeplessstu]

Absolutely enjoy your content and all the research that goes into it. I love seeing how these designs evolved over time. My Dad’s ‘60 convertible, ‘66 sedan DeVille, and ‘72 Fleetwood Brougham were always my favorites. They were our family cars, but looking back now, I can see how iconic they were. The ‘66 was definitely the best car our family ever had.

[@Sedan57Chevy]

Back in the fall, I was very lucky and stumbled upon A car show where there was both 66 and 67 DeVille convertibles parked beside one another. The stacked headlight Cadillacs of this period are my favorite cars. While the 65-66 are certainly cleaner and higher quality overall, I love the dramatic styling of the 67-68 with their huge sweeping fenders. No other car I've seen in person has ever had such presence as these mid 60s Cadillacs. I've been enamored with these cars for quite a while now, and every time I get to see one, I am reminded of why they are my favorite.

[@e.a.p3174]

I bought a 20 year old 68 Cadillac in 1988. It was like driving the Queen Mary ocean liner. It was rock solid and very smooth. The only drawback was the 472 cubic inch engine. In the winter time you were lucky to get 6 mpg in the summer about 8mpg in city.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

The feeling was "if you can afford this car, you can afford the gas".

[@scottysgarage4393]

Then there was something wrong with it because, having had dozens of these things they all averaged in the 12 to 14mpg range.

[@Doc1855]

My Grandpa bought a 65 Cadillac Coupe De Ville. He did a frame off restoration. He kept the original color combo, which was White with Red interior. It was gorgeous when it was done. The man who bought it from him had it about 2 months and totaled it. “Poppa” always bought vehicles, fixed them up and sold them. He always made a profit and it gave him something to do.

[@dant.6364]

@23:47 One thing that has "baffled" me is when boomers restore these cars, they often install louder performance exhaust systems with chrome tips. I think the original designers would be appalled. This car is all about quietness and luxury, not loud exhaust and tacky chrome exhaust tips that detract from the original design. (I'm a boomer, so don't flame me too much.)

[@kjquinn7856]

The 65-66 Cadillacs were stately without being excessive. The lines were clean and tasteful. They were meant to exude class and sophistication and they achieved that goal. I recall a radio ad that said, "luxury, elegance - Cadillac magnificence."

[@markharkey2480]

Nice video Adam. I would walk home from school and see many of these Cadillacs. I really loved the power antenna and how well it was integrated (totally flush). The eight electric windows on the Fleetwood was amazing as well.

[@steelman86]

I totally agree! We had a 65 Fleetwood when I was growing up and those seats just sort of wrapped around you when you sat in them! One neat feature in the 65 with the twilight sentinel was that when it was dark and you got home and turned off the ignition, if you pushed down on the directional signal handle, the cornering light would come on, lighting your path to the front door. It would stay on for the time you had previously set for the sentinel. I have a 65 Eldorado rotting away in my field and a 66 coupe doing the same but they are being hauled off this next week for scrap! Unfortunately, after buying so many other classic caddys, i never had the money or garages to restore the 65 Eldorado! My 57 Biarritz just had it's engine/tranny rebuilt and they are being installed in two weeks then it's time to have some minor work done on my 58 Eldorado Brougham! My 85 Biarritz is in very good shape and parade worthy and my 54 sedan has less than 54K miles on it and the interior smells factory fresh! ,

[@ericwhitehead6451]

My favorite years for Cadillac. My grandfather (my dads dad) had a gold/white top and interior 66 Coupe DeVille. Beaulitiful car that replaced his light blue 62 Sedan DeVille.

[@Streamer22]

I rode in a 1966 Cadillac a couple of times when I was young. Truly the epitome of American luxury. Absolutely the quietest car I’ve ever experienced. One could barely hear the 429 V8. I’ve experienced many cars since then, but nothing else compares to that Fleetwood. And this is coming from someone who loves tautly suspended sport sedans.

[@BillofRights1951]

Adam thankyou for profiling this beautiful era of Cadillacs...they were stunners at the time, and I envied my parents' friends who drove them. And you're right, they were very well made and reliable. I remember the dashboard on the '65, particularly the passenger side, being a knockout. It was a great time in American design.

[@terrybeavan4264]

Thanks for the memories! These really were certainly great cars, comfortable to ride in with understated elegance compared to what came before and after. In the mid-70's my grandparents inherited my grandfather's brother's '66 Sedan de Ville, hardtop in white with black cloth interior, power windows and seats, automatic temperature control and the nifty great sounding signal seeking AM radio. On some family trips I was stuck in the center with dad driving and my grandfather in the passenger seat but that gave me control of the AC and radio! Miss that car almost as much as my grandparents which is to say a LOT! A few minor things were a bit irritating, e.g. those round AC vents were almost worthless, all you could do was rotate them you couldn't just point them in any direction like so many other AC vents, and seemed like any direction they pointed wasn't where you wanted the air to go! Bit of trivia, the '66 Cadillac was the first production car that offered an AM/FM stereo radio as an option, shame my grandparents' de Ville didn't have it!

[@maxr4448]

I personally believe that America was atop of it game from 1960 to 1969. The products the Auto companies were making had very few issues, as compared to now. Plus the wild choices of style. It's a shame the Fed's destroyed that with their arbitrary bumper laws starting in 1973. They actually increased to cost of repair a vehicle traveling faster than 5 mph. What happens with Insurance and Feds working together.

[@thomaspawlik6769]

I learned how to drive in my parent's 66 Coupe De Ville. It was huge.

[@wagonmaster1974]

I owned a 1968 Fleetwood Brougham for many years. Dad had owned a '65, and it impressed me. What I liked about the '68 was a lot. The heftier drivetrain, 8 power windows, real stereo and a host of other small goodies. One of the neatest was the rubber cover for the floor dimmer switch. Great idea!

[@Goat69-mi1ku]

if possible, can you do a similar video for either the 67/68 and/or the 69/70 Cadillacs? The 66 Convertible is one of my absolute favorite cars. Thanks again for another great video, Adam. They're so chock full of info. I really look forward to them.

[@christianbugatticg]

Great video once again! We have been doing really well with many of these Cadillacs from the 50's all the way to the very early 80's! Having fun bringing them up to par and then passing on to a more permanent caretaker! Thanks for all the great videos!

[@omarvi280]

12:26 this prototype turning lights looks too similar to the 1972-1973 Imperial Lebaron.

[@Alan-lv9rw]

The 1966 model reminds me of when it was used in “The Thomas Crown Affair”.

[@amcupojoe]

1965 and 1966 Chevrolets were beautiful cars with great styling!

[@rexfaucher9773]

The air brush drawing has a look of Buick Electra 225,Olds 98. Production cars are of a time we won't ever see again,for better or worse. Thanks again for another great video..........RF

[@williamfelker6963]

For Your Info Buick Electra 225 (225) Stands For The Length Of The Car Two Hundred Twenty Five Inches

[@rexfaucher9773]

Yes , I'm aware what the 225 stands for, I'm pointing out the profile sweep of the drawing, who knows what the 3/4 view says. Thanks for the commet.....RF​@@williamfelker6963

[@williammaceri8244]

Hey Adam, once again, our tastes align. I have long been a fan of the 65, and 66 Cadillacs. Interestingly enough, and in my opinion, these two model years do the best job of representing the simple yet elegant lines of what a traditional Cadillac should look like. and yet no other previous Cadillac ever looked like these two years did in their past. Between the 65 and 66, I like the subtle differences of the 65s a lot more. As I said earlier, these Cadillacs represent the elegant style that Cadillacs should have always been known for. Cadillac never had stacked headlights. But the sculptured chrome bezels and the thin appearance of the headlight stack is gorgeous. The turn indicators and cornering lamps are so fantastically sofistcated, giving a very classy presence, that Cadillac never really had before. In fact, previously, Cadillacs had a tendency to come across gaudy and excessive. The same holds true for the shape of the taillights. Again the taillights are very sofistcated and classy. The slab sides do give a simple look that does resemble the 61 Lincoln Continental's simple and clean beauty, a perfect fit for the country club. Not a look that Cadillacs of the past typically went for. Cadillac subscribed to the gaudy,a more is always better approach. As for the interior, I think you called it. The dashboard was beautifully designed with an elegant style that only faded away from then on. Just as the 65 fit the elegantly styled exterior. By the time the mid-70s Cadillacs hit the streets, Cadillac appeared to have given up any type of meaningful styling, both inside and out. Compared to the mid-70s Lincoln Town Cars, the Cadillacs were actually embarrassing themselves. The last real beautifully styled Cadillacs were the 72s. They definitely had the traditional Cadillac style and grace about them. From 1974 forward, Cadillac had pretty much lost their way. In fact, so had all the rest of the GM brands. So sad. Thanks again, Adam for another perfect review.

[@Pauley_in_GP]

Thanks for another great video. These cars were indeed very clean and beautiful. A suggestion for a future episode would be to document how Cadillac _earned_ its slogan (and reputation) as "Standard of the World" by winning the 1908 Dewar Trophy. A very interesting story and technical perspective.

[@kennethsouthard6042]

That rendering for the ElDorado looks like it finally made it as a 71 GrandPrix.

[@larskars5835]

This is SO informative. Seeing the sketches, clay models and prototypes makes me wonder who these designers were - so many of these concepts look like school projects and not the work of seasoned professionals. Obvious mistakes right off the bat that a pro would have consciously or unconsciously edited out right away. And that they made it to a clay model step!!! At least the production models were exquisite, my favorite years for Caddies.

[@keithberry8219]

My parents had a 1966 Coupe DeVille, triple black. Such a great car to grow up with. Thanks for the video and memories.

[@Lee-qp6gf]

I had a 67 cad and I think that was the last year of the great ones. My interior was still elegant, and the upholstery was superb. Good vid

[@dave1956]

I know what you mean. Those prices seem laughable today. My parents bought their first new car in 1966. It was a Ford Fairlane 500. I found the original window sticker in paperwork when my parents passed. The MSRP was $2,843.44. I remember that my father wanted a Mercury Comet Capri that the dealer had. The window sticker was $3,006.05. My mom was having a fit because the payment was going to be too high! Incidentally the payment on the Fairlane was $78.00 per month for 36 months. My father made $10,000 per year for the first time in 1966. Mom didn’t work and there were 3 of us kids. It sounds impossible to me now. We were far from wealthy, but I had a fantastic childhood!

[@fubarmodelyard1392]

In 66 my dad bought a comet caliente, red with a white painted top and red interior. Beautiful 2 door hardtop with a 289 and 3 speed. Sticker was a little over 2400. We weren't rich either but we had everything we needed.

[@tenthdimension9836]

Excellent episode. Loved seeing the models and drawings.

[@misters2837]

7:37 Look at the center section of the hood....Then look at 1967/1968 Chevy C10/20/30 Pickup Hood....See anything similar? - *I SURE DO!*

[@josephcannaverde6171]

My Pop's first Cadillac was a 1966 Calais 4dr. What a great car. He then purchased a 1970 Coupe Deville. Another nice vehicle. I think the 66 is the best Cadillac of the 60's and 70's . Enjoyed the video!

[@alecfromminnenowhere2089]

I look forward to the 1958 Buick and Oldsmobile video. The chrome alone could fill a episode.

[@kmath50]

In my opinion, the 1965 and 1966 were two of the best years for Cadillac. My friend's mom was a realtor and had a 1967. Loved cruising around in it.

[@jmad627]

I like these models, but loved the '64.

[@robertpace901]

Really like when you show the clay mock-up designs to compare to the final designs.

[@Henry_Jones]

Peak Cadillac. Born in 79 when I see these and then reflect on the 80s caddys I saw as a kid that were all old man cars..😢

[@glennredwine289]

the 1967 Cadillacs with the down & backward slanting grill were prettier, though. I think that year was one of the prettiest Cadillacs ever made.

[@lamplighter5545]

The very first car I purchased was a 1966 Coupe de Ville. I paid $500 for it in 1973. It was an amazing car. It had all the options. Auto HVAC, cruise control, automatic headlight dimmer, tilt. telescoping wheel, power windows including power vent windows, power door locks, 6-way power seats. Unfortunately, I was 18 and in college, and keeping all that stuff working was expensive. I only owned that car for about 1-1/2 years before selling it.

[@TCBElvisAPresley]

It's a nice looking car. When I was in my 20s, I got my hands on a pristine gold 69 Coupe de Ville, with the 472 engine. I put (quiet & invisible) duel exhaust, which bumped the horsepower a little. I loved that car, and it was surprisingly fast! Especially with the duel exhaust, that giant battleship could fire down the freeway like a rocket!

[@petertornabeni602]

My dad had a 1968 sedan deville. Black/Black car - to this day I still see it as the most beautiful car ever built.

[@blu_e1910]

Can’t blame you, those stacked headlights are pretty

[@robertpatterson1643]

My dad had the Black with Burgundy leather interior, the black paint was so deep and amazing you could shave using it. The ride was beyond amazing. I latter was able to purchase a 1968 Sedan Deville Conv. I wish I still had both cars

[@barryarmstrong1130]

Thanks to Adam for the masterful telling of the story of my favorite subjects.

[@MrTPF1]

GREAT video! My Dad picked up a used '66 Sedan DeVille around 1970. What a car! ALL the tricks and options, and it just floated down the road. The 429 4-barrel threw you back in the seats if you got aggressive on the gas. Trunk was enormous. Vacuum-operated cruise control never worked though.

[@jnucci1]

In the early 70's there was a 65 or 66 that used to park on my street. I didn't realize it at the time, but it was a low-optioned Calais that didn't have power windows or locks. My 7- or 8-year-old self was shocked at such a "lowly" and pedestrian Cadillac that I immediately disliked these model years, preferring instead the 67-68. Over time I've come to have a greater appreciation for the 65-66, especially the 65. My opinion is that forced model-year changes did the 66 any favors, and that the 65 had the best tail lights, followed by the 69, then the 77. The forced styling changes take a fantastic taillight design and muff them up. 65-66 IMHO is peak Cadillac for the interiors, with very evident cost-cutting cheapening them from 67 onward. Whoever thought wood from plastic trees in a Cadillac was a good idea needs to go work for Chevy.

[@savetommyrobinsonfreespeec7660]

Had a 65 4 door coupe deville In that colour blue over here in the England, UK. What a car! 7.0L!

[@agostinodibella9939]

I always enjoy seeing the different styling proposals that show would could have been.

[@NYCBluesTRio]

I didn't appreciate them in their day but those were great looking cars.