Cadillac Fleetwood (1965)
Production Total: In 1965, Cadillac produced a total of 3,919 units of the Fleetwood 75.
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Price New: The 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood was a luxury vehicle, and its price in the UK would have been quite high for the time. While specific historical pricing data for the UK is not readily available, it is estimated that the cost would have been around **£5,000 to £6,000**. This price reflects the luxury status and the import costs associated with bringing such a vehicle to the UK market.
Using inflation data, **£6,000 in 1965** is approximately **£120,960 in 2025**. This calculation takes into account the average annual inflation rate over the years.
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Rivals: In 1965, the main rivals of the **Cadillac Fleetwood** included luxury cars like the **Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud**, **Jaguar XJ6**, and **Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL**. These cars were known for their luxury, performance, and prestige, much like the Cadillac Fleetwood.
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Recorded in UK 2025
There are fewer than approximately 10 roadworthy examples of the 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood currently registered on UK roads as of February 2025. Including non-roadworthy or off-road examples stored by collectors under SORN status or unregistered vehicles kept privately could bring this total closer to around 20–25 units overall within the country.
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PLEASE NOTE: The information provided below is given in averages across Northern Ireland at the date specified. Petrol reflect average prices for four star fuel in litres.
Road Tax: In 1965, the road tax for a **Cadillac Fleetwood** in the UK would have been based on the vehicle's engine capacity and type. For a car with an engine capacity of around **7 liters**, the annual road tax (also known as the Road Fund Licence) would have been approximately **£50**.
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Petrol: In 1965, the price of four-star petrol in the UK was approximately **62 pence per gallon**, which translates to about **13.6 pence per litre**.
Using inflation data, **13.6 pence in 1965** is approximately **£2.80 in 2025**. This calculation takes into account the average annual inflation rate over the years.
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Insurance: The estimated average cost of fully comprehensive insurance for a Cadillac Fleetwood in 1965 in the UK would have been between £50 and £100 annually, depending on factors such as driver profile, location, and insurer policies.
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The 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood, while a luxurious and iconic vehicle, had its share of common faults:
1. **Transmission Issues**: Owners often reported problems with the transmission, including rough shifting, delayed engagement, and even total transmission failure.
2. **Engine Oil Leaks**: Higher-mileage models were prone to engine oil leaks, which could result from worn-out seals, gaskets, or a faulty oil pan.
3. **Electrical Problems**: Various electrical issues were common, such as malfunctioning power windows, faulty climate control systems, and issues with the dashboard displays.
4. **Suspension Wear**: Components like ball joints, control arms, and bushings often experienced wear, leading to a rougher ride and compromised handling.
5. **Oil Pump Issues**: The aluminum front cover carried the oil pump gears, which could start running wild, munching metal and losing oil pressure.
6. **Compatibility with Modern Gasoline**: The high-compression 429 engines were not designed to run properly on modern gasoline, requiring careful driving and the use of high-octane fuel.
Despite these issues, the 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood remains a beloved classic for its design and luxury.
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Generations/Trim Levels
The 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood was part of the Fleetwood series, which included several subseries and trim levels. Here's a breakdown:
### Generations
The 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood belongs to the third generation of the Cadillac Fleetwood series, which spanned from 1961 to 1964.
### Trim Levels
1. **Fleetwood Sixty Special**: This model featured a luxurious interior with high-quality materials and advanced features for its time.
2. **Fleetwood Sixty Special Brougham**: An upgraded version of the Sixty Special, the Brougham included additional luxury features such as rear footrests, individual rear-seat reading lamps, and a padded halo vinyl top.
3. **Fleetwood 75**: This model was available as a nine-passenger sedan or a formal limousine with a fixed divider between the front and rear compartments. The limousine version often had a more luxurious rear compartment and a simpler front compartment.
These trim levels offered a range of luxury and comfort features, making the 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood a symbol of status and sophistication.
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Engines
The 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood was equipped with a single engine option:
- **Engine**: 429 cubic inch (7.0L) V8
- **Power**: 340 horsepower
- **Torque**: 480 lb-ft
- **Compression Ratio**: 10.5:1
This powerful V8 engine provided the Fleetwood with smooth and robust performance, making it a luxurious and capable vehicle for its time.
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Performance
The 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood was known for its impressive performance for a luxury car of its time. Here are some key performance specifications:
- **Engine**: 429 cubic inch (7.0L) V8
- **Power**: 340 horsepower at 4600 rpm
- **Torque**: 480 lb-ft at 3000 rpm
- **Transmission**: 3-speed automatic
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 9.5 seconds
- **Top Speed**: Around 120 mph
The Fleetwood's powerful V8 engine provided smooth and robust acceleration, making it a comfortable and capable cruiser. Its luxurious interior and advanced features for the time added to its appeal as a high-end vehicle.
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Dimensions
The 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood had impressive dimensions that contributed to its luxurious and commanding presence:
- **Length**: 227.5 inches (5779 mm)
- **Width**: 79.7 inches (2024 mm)
- **Height**: 55.8 inches (1417 mm)
- **Wheelbase**: 133 inches (3378 mm)
- **Curb Weight**: Approximately 4866 lbs (2207 kg)
These dimensions made the Fleetwood a spacious and comfortable vehicle, perfect for those who valued luxury and style.
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Spares/Specialists
You can find spare parts for the 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood in the UK and Ireland from several sources:
1. **[eBay](https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/bn_7013558293)**: A wide range of parts for various Cadillac Fleetwood models.
2. **[OPGI](https://www.opgi.com/fleetwood/1965/)**: High-quality parts and accessories for the 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood.
3. **[Auto Parts Pro](https://www.autopartspro.co.uk/cadillac-fleetwood-carparts)**: Original spares for Cadillac Fleetwood.
As for garage services in Northern Ireland, there are several options available for maintaining a Cadillac Fleetwood:
1. **[James Jackson's Central Garage](https://www.jamesjacksonscentralgarage.com/)**: Located in Fleetwood, they specialize in vehicle repairs, annual MOT testing, and general maintenance.
2. **[John Jenkinson's Garage](https://johnjenkinson.uk/)**: Located in Fleetwood, they offer exceptional servicing and maintenance solutions.
3. **[Wyre Tyres Ltd](https://fleetwood.cylex-uk.co.uk/garages/)**: An independent family-run company providing high-quality services, including full MOT testing and repairs.
These garages should be able to provide the necessary maintenance and repairs for your Cadillac Fleetwood.
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Racing
The 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood was primarily designed as a luxury vehicle and was not typically used for racing. Its focus was on providing a comfortable and opulent driving experience rather than high-performance racing capabilities. The Fleetwood was known for its spacious interior, advanced features, and smooth ride, making it a popular choice for those seeking luxury and comfort.
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Valuation
The value of a 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood in the UK can vary depending on its condition, mileage, and any modifications. Here are some approximate values based on condition:
- **Excellent Condition**: Around £20,100
- **Good Condition**: Approximately £13,679
- **Fair Condition**: Prices can be lower, depending on the specific condition and market demand.
For a more precise valuation, you can check resources like [Hagerty](https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools/Cadillac/Fleetwood/1965/1965-Cadillac-Fleetwood-Sixty_Special) or [The Classic Valuer](https://www.theclassicvaluer.com/cars/cadillac/fleetwood) to get an idea of the current market trends and specific prices for different Fleetwood models.
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