Cadillac Fleetwood (1965)

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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