ORIGINAL LAND YACHT CADDY, AFFORDABLE LUXURY, STACKED HEADLIGHTS, 429 V8, AUTO

1965 Cadillac Calais Description

The 1965 Cadillacs were all-new, and the results were arguably the best-looking luxury cars of the decade. Clean, sleek, and in the case of this 1965 Calais hardtop, subtle and elegant. There's no question as to what this car is and from any angle it says that you've finally arrived.For the money, this car represents a lot of luxury and style that you probably can't get anywhere else. Park this next to, say, a comparable Lincoln of the period and the Lincoln looks downright frumpy while the Cadillac looks modern and low. It was repainted a few years ago in its original Aspen White and while it looks decent, a professional cut and buff would work wonders on this big coupe. With it you also get super straight bodywork that looks like it has never needed major surgery and with the long side trim and fender skirts, straight bodywork is critical. Cadillacs were always famous for their chrome, and yes, there's plenty here to keep shiny, all of it in good original condition including the front bumper and cool rear taillight housings with white lenses that illuminate red when you hit the brakes. With a little TLC, this car could be outstanding.The all-original interior might be showing a few signs of age, particularly otn he driver's seat, but I don't know if I'd be in a rush to replace it. Instead, take a good look at that cool textured upholstery and how cool it would be if you could just stich it up and keep it a high-grade survivor. The slender steering wheel frames a wide Cadillac-style instrument panel with lots of shiny trim to give it a very upscale look. And while the Calais was technically the "entry level" Cadillac, there's nothing low-rent about the quality of the materials or the elegant design. Options include factory A/C plus power windows and seat, so there's really nothing entry level about it. The door panels are in very good condition, as is the back seat, and the carpets are protected by a set of Cadillac-logo floor mats that have probably been there for decades. And yes, there's a massive trunk that's highly original and carries what might very well be the original spare tire.Cadillac's 429 cubic inch V8 made a stout 340 horsepower and moves the big coupe with the kind of effortless ease that you'd expect from a major luxury car like this. It's not detailed for show under the hood but it is quite clean with lots of signs of regular maintenance and as a result it's easy to start, has a smooth idle, and cruises through traffic like a great white shark. Recent service items include a new power brake booster so stops are smooth and confidence-inspiring. There's also a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission, which was used for the first time in Cadillacs in 1965, and it powers a rear end big enough to look at home under a 1-ton truck. The underside is quite original but shows signs of a life outside the snowy, salty northeast and the single exhaust system offers a new muffler that sounds mellow and smooth, just the way a Cadillac should. 235/75/15 whitewall radials are fitted with original hubcaps that give the big Caddy a very understated look.Just watch, these cars are going to be hot. How can they not? Great looks, plenty of power, and a sleek attitude that is just the epitome of cool. Call today!