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1965 Cadillac 60 Special

Cadillac’s 60 Special was always a more luxurious version of their standard four-door sedans, slotted between Cad’s cheapest series and the high-end Fleetwood. It really was a “special” model that started in 1938, designed by future GM Design head Bill Mitchell to resemble a convertible sedan. With the passenger compartment shifted forward on the chassis, the proportions helped to define what a contemporary car would become. Because the whole car was lower due to the new 127-inch wheelbase X-frame chassis the running boards were eliminated and the top had less crown for a leaner, more modern look. The styling was groundbreaking and would translate to other GM products over the next few years. Other hallmarks of the 60 Special was it usually rode on a longer chassis than other Cadillac models, with the exception of the limousines; and it was always a four-door sedan, except in the late-1950s when all Cadillac four-doors were hardtops. As the line progressed, it displayed unique trim to distinguish it on the outside from lesser Cad models, usually featuring a series of small chrome louvers or special lined stainless cladding in the rear quarters. It also featured a more luxurious interior and appointments, including a lighted tables for rear passengers in the 1950s.

1965 60 Special

1965 brought an all-new Cadillac, with chiseled bodies, slimmer tops, lower overall proportions, and 133-inch wheelbase. The 60 Special was no longer a hardtop, going back to its 1938 roots as a pillared sedan. The “Brougham” version came with a vinyl top and Brougham identification. A full perimeter frame replace the X-frame. Front and rear seatbelts were now standard equipment.

AVAILABLE MODELS:

1965

  • Body Style
    • 60S-Series Four-Door Sedan
  • Engine Options
    • 429ci-4bbl, 340hp

1965 Cadillac VIN Decoder:

First Character: Body Style

  • M ~ 60 Special Fleetwood

Second Character: Year

  • 5 ~ 1965

Third-Eighth Characters: Production Sequence

  • Sequence starts with 000001/Up