Cadillac Calais First generation 

years	1965 to 1970
Body style	4-door hardtop 4-door sedan 2-door hardtop
Engine	429 cu in (7.0 L) OHV V8 472 cu in (7.7 L) OHV V8
Transmission	3-speed TH-400, automatic
Wheelbase	129.5 in (3,289 mm)
Length	1965–67: 224.0 in (5,690 mm) 1968: 224.7 in (5,710 mm) 1969–70: 225.0 in (5,715 mm)
Width	1965–68: 79.9 in (2,029 mm) 1969–70: 79.8 in (2,027 mm)
Height	1965–68: 55.6 in (1,412 mm) 1969–70: 56.2 in (1,427 mm)
Curb weight	4,600–4,900 lb (2,100–2,200 kg)

The Cadillac Calais First generation was built from 1965 to 1970 an entry model of the US automaker Cadillac.

History

For model year 1965, the Calais replaced the previous Cadillac entry-level model Series 62. Above the Calais, Cadillac's Deville models were on an identical wheelbase, but with more equipment, as well as the Cadillac Sixty Special limousine on longer wheelbase and the even longer Series 75 state sedans Price new in the USA in 1965 was $ 5,247. 

With the model changes to the 1965, the Cadillac models instead of the X-frame used since 1958 again received a conventional ladder frame that allowed positioning of the engine more forward in the ladder frame.At its appearance, with no convertible model, the Calais shared the same styling and mechanics as the Cadillac de Ville the rear lamp clusters were vertical as were the pair of headlights. the Calais was as a two-door hardtop coupe and a four-door sedan with or without B-pillars available the tailfins were now canted slightly downward. The drive took over a seven-litre V8 The 340 hp (254 kW) 429 cu in also remained the standard engine and a turbo-hydramatic called three-speed automatic transmission distribution of weight was  49% to front axle, and 51% to rear axle.

 The equipment of the Calais was a little less lush than in the case of the more expensive Deville, which he undercut by about $ 360, but was very rich for the time and ranged from power brakes over adjustable from the outside rear-view mirror to seat belts front and rear.Optional 3.770 axle ratio; 9.00 x tyres; limited slip final drive; automatic levelling control on rear suspension;air conditioning system.

PERFORMANCE 429 cu

• Fuel  Consumption 13.2 m/imp gal, 11 m/US gal, 21.3 1 x 100 km.
• max speed 121 mph, 194.8 km/h.
• max power (SAE): 340 hp at 4,600 rpm.
• max torque (SAE): 480 1b ft, 66.2 kg m at 3,000 rpm.
• max number of engine rpm: 4,800.
• specific power: 48.4 hp/l.
• max speeds: 55 mph, 88.6 km/h in 1st gear; 93 mph, 149.7 km/' in 2nd gear; 121 mph, 194.8 km/h in 3rd gear
• power-weight ratio: 13.9 lb/hp, 6. kg/hp.
• acceleration: 0—50 mph (O —80 km/h) 8 sec.

In 1966 the Calais was again restyled A squarer cornered grille with dual stacked headlights. Reduction of chrome and attention to lighting detail is evidenced in this Cadillac Calais Hardtop Sedan. Moldings around the headlamps are finished in body color paint and the popular and practical Cadillac cornering light is fitted into the front fender, adding to the long appearance of the 1966 model. The parking lamps are an integral part of the grille. Also, a new roofline on the Coupe this was the last model year for pillared sedans, with prominent long sculptured body lines, power windows became standard. Other features for the Calais included padded dashboard, electric clock, on-glare rear mirror, Auto Climate Control, Hazard Warning system. optional AM/FM stereo an automatic level control, heated front seats and head rests.

In 1967 Calais was restyled. New frontal appearance with "forward-leaning" front end, long sculptured body lines, and redefined rear fenders that had more than just a hint of tail fins in them. The full-width forward-thrust "eggcrate" grille was flanked by dual stacked headlights for the third consecutive year. The squarer cornered grille insert had blades that seemed to emphasize its vertical members and it appeared both above the bumper and through a horizontal slot cut into it. Metal divided taillamps and a painted lower bumper piece distinguished the rear end stylistic changes. Although power seats remained an option even in models from the 1970s, power windows became standard for the Calais line for 1967. Non-glare rear-view mirrors, electronic clocks, automatic climate controls, padded dashboards, Hazard Warning systems, outboard seatbelt retractors, and rear cigarette lighters in all designs were among the new standard Calais features. Additional Cadillac improvements for the 1967 model year included a slide-out fuse box and safety front seat back locks for two-door versions.Optional adjustable height and tilt of steering column; separate front seats; air conditioning.

In 1968 new rear end styling and the hood and grill was re-designed to accommodate recessed windshield wiper-washers, which now came with three speeds standard. An ignition key warning buzzer and a trip odometer were added as new standard features. The 472 cu in (7.7 l) OHV V8 was installed in the Calais in 1968, along with every other Cadillac. The "stacked" twin headlights were likewise discontinued in 1968; in their substitute, horizontal dual headlights were introduced in 1969. Vent windows were likewise phased out in 1968. All Cadillacs now come with shoulder belts for the driver and the right front passenger.

In 1969, the V8 grew to a displacement of 7.7 litres and the four-door B-pillar sedan accounted for. In 1972 General Motors generally replaced the usual SAE-PS specifications with net PS; the 7.7-liter was now indicated with 223 instead of 375 hp. To make the automobile appear longer, a new front fender and enlarged rear quarters were added. The redesigned grille's outboard step-down sections were home to two horizontal headlights. The rear deck and bumper were more sculptured, and the roofline was squarer. Vent windows were no longer necessary thanks to a new ventilation system, giving the building a longer, sleeker appearance and better visibility. Armrests in the middle of the front seats were new standard features. The ignition switch was moved from the instrument panel to the steering column, locking both the steering wheel and the transmission selector lever when the key was removed. Front seat headrests are now required.

In 1970, a grille was added to a makeover. Once more, narrow vertical taillamps with smaller bottom lenses pointing downward in the bumper were observed. The winged crest fender tip badges and standard wheel covers were new. Exterior differences included the use of small square back-up light lenses built into the lower bumper as opposed to the long rectangular lenses used on the De Ville, as well as a Calais signature script above the rear end of the horizontal belt moulding just front of the taillight dividers. Both the Calais and the De Ville were devoid of the customary "V" insignia located beneath the Cadillac crest on the bonnet and decklid this year; it wouldn't appear again until 1972.