Cadillac Fleetwood History 1960

Cadillac Fleetwood Models & History 1960

FLEETWOOD SIXTY-SPECIAL SUB-SERIES

Poised on a new 133 inch wheelbase, the Sixty-Special sedan wore Fleetwood crests on the hood and deck. All features found in lower priced Cadillacs were standard, as well as power ventipanes, glare-proof rear view mirror and automatic level control. Like Calais and DeVilles, the Fleetwood Sixty-Special had an improved Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission with a variable stator. A new Fleetwood Brougham trim option package was introduced at a price of $199. Its main feature was a more richly appointed interior.

FLEETWOOD SIXTY-SPECIAL SUB-SERIES 680

Model Number Style Number Body Type Seating Factory Price Shipping Weight Production Total
65-680 680-69-M 4-door Sedan 6 6479 4670 18,100

FLEETWOOD 75 SUB-SERIES

Cadillac’s longest, heaviest, richest and highest priced models were, again, more conventionally engineered than the other lines. For example, the new perimeter frame was not in use and neither was the improved automatic transmission. In addition, automatic level control was not featured. Even the annual styling facelift did not affect these traditional-bound luxury cars. They came with all power controls found in Eldorados and added courtesy and map lights to the standard equipment list. Sales of commercial chassis earned an increase of thirty units, while limousine deliveries tapered slightly downward and the popularity of the nine-passenger sedan saw a considerable decline.

FLEETWOOD 75 SUB-SERIES 697

Model Number Style Number Body Type Seating Factory Price Shipping Weight Production Total
65-697 69723-R 4-door Sedan 9 9746 5190 455
65-697 69733-S 4-door Limousine 9 9960 5260 795
65-698 69890-Z Commercial chassis 2,669

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 Fleetwood Seventy-Five models which were coded “69”.
The third number was a “0” on 60 Specials and a “7” on 75 limousines.
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.

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

Feature Commercial Chassis Series 75 Series 60
Wheelbase 156 inches 149.8 inches 133 inches
Overall length 243.8 inches 227.5 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 8.20 x 15 8.00 x 15.

CONVENIENCE OPTIONS

Air conditioner on 60 series models $495.
Air conditioner, 75 Series model $624.
Controlled differential $54.
Cruise Control $97.
Door guards $7.
Fleetwood Brougham option on M model $199.
Soft Ray tinted glass $52.
Delete-option heater and defroster on 75 Series models $135 credit; on 60 Series models $97 credit.
Leather upholstery on M models $141.
License plate frame $6.
Power door locks on M models $70.
Power headlight control on R-S models $46; on M models: $51.
Six-way power front seat on M models $85.
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 on M models $91.
Remote control trunk lock on M models $53.
Twilight Sentinel on M models $57.
Five white sidewall tires 9.00 x 15 size with four-ply construction on M models $57 exchange.
Five white sidewall tires 9.00 x 15 size with six-ply construction, on R-S models only $64 exchange.

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.
  • The Fleetwood Sixty Special Brougham was frequently referred to as a separate model.