Cadillac Calais History 1968

Cadillac Calais Models & History 1968

CALAIS SERIES 682

Cadillac was not about to alter its popular product in any major way, so the same basic styling and engineering continued into the 1968 model year with a number of refinements, but no drastic changes. New grilles were added. They had an insert with a finer mesh and step-down outer section which held the rectangular parking lights just a little higher than before. Rear end styling was very modestly altered. An obvious change was a 6-1/2 inch longer hood, designed to accomodate recessed windshield wipers, The deck lid also had more of a rake. An enlarged engine offered more cubic inches and torque than any other American V-8 and put out 375 horsepower. Of 20 exterior paint color combinations, 14 were totally new. On the inside, enriched appointments included molded inner door panels and a selection of 147 upholstery combinations, 76 in cloth, 67 in leather and four in vinyl. The Calais four-door pillared sedan was dropped. Standard features for the two remaining styles included:

  • Turbo-Hydramatic
  • power steering
  • power brakes
  • power windows
  • heater and defroster
  • center arm rests
  • electric clock
  • dual backup lamps
  • cornering lights
  • front and rear side marker lamps
  • Light Group
  • Mirror Group
  • padded instrument panel
  • seat belts
  • trip odometer
  • ignition key warning buzzer
  • recessed three-speed wipers and washers
  • five 9.00 x 15 blackwall tires
Model Number Style Number Body Type Seating Factory Price Shipping Weight Production Total
68-682 68247-G 2-door Coupe 6 5315 4570 8,165
68-682 68249-N 4-door Hardtop Sedan 6 5491 4640 10,025

CADILLAC ENGINE

 

  • V-8. Overhead valves.
  • Cast iron block.
  • Displacement: 472 cubic inches.
  • Bore and stroke: 4.30 x 4.06 inches.
  • Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
  • Brake horsepower: 375 at 4400 rpm
  • Five main bearings.
  • Hydraulic valve lifters.
  • Carburetor: Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel model 7028210S.

NOTE: The new engine featured

  • a metal temperature monitoring device
  • air injection emissions control system
  • integral air-conditioning system (still optional)
  • cast crankshaft and connecting rods
  • integral water crossover pipe with thermostatic passages
  • engine bearings with more surface area
  • 15-plate battery.

 

CHASSIS

 

  • Wheelbase: 129.5″
  • Overall length: 224.7″
  • Rear axle ratio: 2.94:1
  • Transmission: three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic
  • Tires: 9.00 x 15
  • Front tread: not available
  • rear Tread: not available
POWER TRAIN OPTIONS

 

  • Optional axle ratio data not available.
  • Air injector reactor and closed positive crankcase ventilation standard.
  • Controlled differential was now $52.65 extra on all models except Eldorado.
CONVENIENCE OPTIONS

Availability and prices of options and accessories were largely the same as 1967

  • Auxiliary horn ($16)
  • Automatic level control option on models Calais or Deville ($79)
  • Automatic Climate Control ($516)
  • Bucket seats with console on models Deville (F-J-B) with leather upholstery required ($184)
  • Firemist finish ($132)
  • Cruise control ($95)
  • Rear window defogger on models Calais, Deville (J-B-L) ($27)
  • Door guards ($5-8)
  • Expanded vinyl upholstery on models Calais ($42)
  • Soft Ray glass ($51)
  • Guide-Matic headlamp control ($51)
  • Head rests ($53)
  • Leather upholstery, models J-B-L ($138)
  • License frame ($13 pair)
  • Padded roof, models J ($132); models B-L ($137)
  • Power door locks, two-door ($47); four-door ($68)
  • Power ventipanes with required power windows ($72)
  • Power windows on Calais models ($116)
  • AM radio ($162)
  • AM/FM radio ($188)
  • AM/FM stereo ($288)
  • Reclining front seat with headrests on Convertible with required bucket seats ($84)
  • Four-way lefthand power bucket seat on models F-J-B ($53)
  • Six-way power front seat on models G-N-K ($111); models F-J-B-L ($83)
  • Rear center seat belt ($11)
  • Front shoulder straps ($32)
  • Tilt-telescope steering wheel ($90)
  • Remote control trunk lock ($52)
  • Twilight Sentinel ($32)
  • White sidewall tires, size 9.00 x 15 four-ply 8PR-5 ($56 exchange)
  • New items of optional equipment were added as well:
    • Twin front and rear floor mats for all Calais & DeVille ($17)
    • Front seat warmer for all Calais & DeVille ($95).