In overall terms, 1963 Cadillacs were essentially the same as the previous models. Exterior changes imparted a bolder and longer look. Hoods and deck lids were redesigned. The front fenders projected 4-5/8 inches farther forward than in 1962, while the tailfins were trimmed down somewhat to provide a lower profile. Body side sculpturing was entirely eliminated. The slightly V-shaped radiator grille was taller and now incorporated outer extensions that swept below the flush-to-fender dual headlamps. Smaller, circular front parking lights were mounted in these extensions. A total of 143 options—including bucket seats; wool, leather or nylon upholstery fabrics and wood veneer facings on dash, doors and seat backs—set an all-time record for interior appointment choices. Standard equipment for cars in the 62 Series (6200 models) included power brakes; power steering; automatic transmission: dual backup lamps; windshield washers; dual speed wipers; wheel discs; remote control outside rear view mirrors; lefthand vanity mirror; oil filter; five tubeless black tires; heater; defroster and cornering lights. Convertibles were equipped with additional features, also used on all 6300 models.
I. D. NUMBERS
Motor serial numbers took the same form used in 1962, with the first pair of symbols changed to “63” to indicate the new model year.
Applicable codes were stamped in the same locations on the cars.
The alphabetical body identification code “C” was no longer used, since the short-deck Town Sedan was dropped from the 62 Series.
However, the short-deck 6300 model, called the Sedan DeVille Park Avenue, was retained and used the same “D” body identification symbol.
Rooflines on two-door hardtops were restyled, which brought a change in body style coding, but not in the alphabetical suffix.
STYLE
Model Number
Style Number
Body Type
Seating
Factory Price
Shipping Weight
Production Total
62-63K
6229K
4-door 6-window Sedan
6
5214
4610
12,929
63-62G
6257G
2-door Coupe
6
5026
4505
16,786
63-62N
6239N
4-door 4-window Sedan
6
5214
4595
16,980
63-62F
6267F
2-door Convertible
6
5590
4544
17,600
63-62
6200
Chassis only
–
–
–
3
NOTE: All 6200 Series sedans are pillarless four-door hardtops.
ENGINE
Type
V-8
Valves
Overhead valves
Block
Cast iron block
Displacement
390 cubic inches
Bore and stroke
4.00 x 3.875 inches
Compression ratio
10.5:1
Horsepower
325 @ 4800 rpm
Bearings
Five main bearings
Valve Lifters
Hydraulic valve lifters
Carburetion
Rochester four-barrel model 710930.
NOTE:
Although neither engine displacement or output changed, the 1963 Cadillac V-8 was completely redesigned.
Quieter, smoother and more efficient, the new motor was one-inch lower, four inches narrower and 1-1/4 inches shorter than the 1962 V-8.
It was also some 82 pounds lighter, due to the use of aluminum accessory drives.
CHASSIS
Feature
Park Ave.
Series 62
Series 6300 Deville
Wheelbase
129.5 inches
Overall length
215 inches
223 inches
Tires
8.00 x 15
Rear axle ratio
2.94:1
POWERTRAIN OPTIONS
None available.
CONVENIENCE OPTIONS
Air conditioner for Series 60-62
$474
Automatic headlight control
$45
Bucket seats in styles 6267F, 63398, 6357J or 6389D with leather upholstery required
$188.
Controlled differential
$54
Cruise Control
$97
Door guards for two-door styles
$4; for four-door styles: $7
Electric door locks for two-door styles
$46; for four-door styles: $70
E-Z-Eye Glass
$52
Leather upholstery for styles 6339B, 6357J, or 6389D
$134
License plate frame
$6
Padded roof for style 6357J
$91
Six-way power seat
$85 or $113 depending on body style
Power window regulators as an option
$118
Power ventipanes as an option
$73
Radio with rear seat speaker
$165
Radio with rear seat speaker and remote control
$247
AM/FM radio
$191
Front seat belts in Series 62 models
$22.
Rear seat belts in Series 62 models
$22
Adjustable steering wheel
$48.
Remote control trunk lock
$53.
Five white sidewall tires, 8.20 x 15 four-ply on Series 62
