Cadillac Introduction Models & History 1963
Cadillac’slong-running V-8 got its first major revision in 14 years for 1963. Bore and stroke were unchanged, as were valves, rocker arms, cylinder heads, compression (still 10.5:1), and connecting rods. But nearly everything was different: lighter, stronger crankshaft; a stiffer block weighing 23 kg less than the previous one; ancillaries relocated to improve service access. While all this did little for performance, the revised 6.4 Liter was much smoother and quieter. Then again, performance was already good. The typical ’63 could reach 185-193 km/h, do 0-96.6 km/h in 10 seconds, and return about 16.8 L/100 km. Most impressive was the near-silence at high speed. In this, many testers held Cadillac superior to Rolls-Royce. Styling departed from recent practice. Fins were lower than ever, the grille was bulkier, new outer body panels and side moldings created a more slab-sided effect, and the rear was more massive, with elongated vertical tail/backup-light housings.
Prices rose only slightly for ’63, so Cadillac remained an excellent value for the money. Standard equipment ran to Hydra-Matic, power steering, self-adjusting power brakes, heater, backup lights, and left remote-control door mirror. A six-way power seat became standard on Eldorado, and power windows were included on all except Series 62 sedans and coupes. Even power vent windows were offered, as were vinyl roof coverings, a new option. Remarkably, a Series 62 still cost as little as $5026; the Eldo Biarritz was only $6608. Production topped 163,000.
HISTORICAL NOTES
- Harold G. Warner was general manager
- Charles F. Arnold was chief engineer
- Stanley Parker became chief designer (Cadillac Studio)
- Fred H. Murray was general sales manager until September
- L. N. Mays became general sales manager in September
- Cadillac production figures
1963 Automotive Notes
- Chrysler introduces the 300-J and the New Yorker Salon
- Buick introduces the Riviera
- Mercury introduces the Marauder and the Comet Sportster
- Studebaker introduces the Avanti, Super Lark, and Super Hawk
- Studebaker is first to offer power front disc brakes
- Power steering ordered on 50% of all new cars
- Automatic transmission ordered on 75% of all new cars
- V-8 engines ordered on 66% of all new cars
- Air conditioning ordered on 14% of all new cars
- Self-adjusting brakes on almost all cars
- Industry adopts amber front turn signal lights
- PCV system installed on all cars to reduce pollution
- Tilt steering wheel is optional on full-size GM cars
- Pontiac first to offer optional transistorized ignition
- Corvette Sting Ray features independent rear suspension, but still uses drum brakes
- Dodge compact is now called Dart
- Ford introduces Falcon Sprint hardtop and convertible
- Pontiac introduces Le Mans on the Tempest platform
- Studebaker closes the South Bend plant and moves to Hamilton, Ontario
- John F. Gordon was president of GM
- Frederic G. Donner was chairman of the board at GM
- Top American Automobile Corporations for 1963
- Top model year production for 1963