Under a new model rearrangement, the Eldorado became a one-car Fleetwood sub-series, but was really less distinguished than before. Fleetwood hood and deck lid crests were the main difference in outer trim. Additional standard equipment, over that found in Sixty-Specials, included white sidewall tires and a six-way power seat for cars with regular bench seating.
Except for the Series 75, the entire Cadillac line was again totally redesigned for 1965. Appearance was smoother and more rounded, thanks in part to the division’s first use of curved side glass, and the tailfins—a Cadillac tradition since 1948—were gone. The big V-8 was repositioned six inches forward of its previous location in a new box-section perimeter frame, replacing the old X-type. A completely new four-link rear suspension system combined with front suspension refinements for an even smoother ride, and a revised exhaust setup brought an already quiet automobile even closer to silence. It had been a long time since Cadillac had made so many significant advances in a single model year. Naturally, the Fleetwood Eldorado convertible shared in these. Like the Sixty-Special, it was again bereft of bodyside trim apart from the wide rocker moldings, but the fender skirts were back once more as standard. Predictably, Eldorado sales, like those of the entire Cadillac line, increased markedly.
I. D. NUMBERS
Vehicle numbers were now located on the right or lefthand side of the forward frame crossmember.
The original engine serial number was the same as the vehicle identification number.
The first symbol was a letter (see Body Style Number suffixes) indicating series and body style.
The second symbol was a number designating the model year.
The following six numbers designated the sequential production code and started with 100001 and up.
Body Style Numbers were revised to reflect a more rational arrangement of models.
The new five digit codes began with “68” except in the case of early production Fleetwood Eldorado convertibles, all of which weie coded “69”.
The third number was a “4” on Eldorados
The final two symbols corresponded to Fisher Body Division Style Number codes.
The five digit numbers were found on the vehicle data plate, affixed to engine side of the firewall, and may have been followed by a letter suffix corresponding to those on the charts below.
FLEETWOOD ELDORADO SUB-SERIES 684
Model Number
Style Number
Body Type
Seating
Factory Price
Shipping Weight
Production Total
65-684
68467-E
2-door Eldorado Convertible
6
6754
4660
2,125
ENGINE
Type
V-8 Overhead valves
Block
Cast iron block
Displacement
429 cubic inches
Bore and stroke
4.13 x 4.00 inches
Compression ratio
10.5:1
Brake horsepower
340 @ 4600 rpm
Bearings
Five main bearings
Valve Lifters
Hydraulic valve lifters
Carburetor
Carter AFB four-barrel, model 3903S.
CHASSIS
Wheelbase
129.5 inches
Overall length
224 inches
Front tread
62.5 inches.
Rear tread
62.5 inches.
Automatic level control
standard where indicated in text
A new engine mounting system and patented quiet exhaust were used.
Tires
9.00 x 15
CONVENIENCE OPTIONS
Air conditioner
$495.
Controlled differential
$54.
Cruise Control
$97.
Door guards on two-door models
$4
Soft Ray tinted glass
$52.
Delete-option heater and defroster
$97 credit.
License plate frame
$6.
Power door locks
$46
Power headlight control
$51.
Power vent window regulator option
$73.
Radio with rear speaker
$165.
Radio with rear speaker and remote control
$246.
AM/FM radio
$191.
Rear seat belts
$18.
Front seat belt delete-option
$17 credit.
Adjustable steering wheel
$91.
Twilight Sentinel
standard
Five white sidewall tires 9.00 x 15 size with four-ply construction
standard
HISTORICAL NOTES
A tilt telescope steering wheel option was highlighted this season.
The Cadillac factory closed July 8, 1964 for the changeover to 1965 model production.
This was 22 days earlier than usual, as a 471,000 square foot expansion of facilities was planned.
The plant reopened August 24, when production of cars to 1965 specifications commenced.
It was the longest plant shutdown in Cadillac history and the new manufacturing potential of 800 cars per day was an all-time high.
The three millionth Cadillac was built this season and a new engineering center was dedicated.
