1966 Cadillac DeVille

Cadillac began using the 'DeVille' name in 1949 to designate a prestige trim level on a two-door hardtop body style without center pillars. In 1956, the name was extended to the four-door sedan, which was also devoid of its center pillar, and dubbed the 'Sedan de Ville.' From that point forward, the De Ville range would expand and constitute the majority of Cadillac sales.

All-new styling was introduced on the DeVille in 1965, known as the third generation of styling, and would continue through 1970. It continued to use the previous model's 129.5-inch wheelbase, distinct body line replacing the previous rounded appearance, straight rear bumper and vertical lamp clusters, and tail fins that were canted slightly downward. The headlight pairs were now vertical, instead of the previous horizontal arrangement, allowing for a wider grille. The convertible body styles had tempered glass backlights, and all body styles had curved frameless side windows.

Power continued to be sourced from a 429 cubic-inch V8 developing 340 horsepower, and the previous X-frame chassis was replaced by a new perimeter frame. The six-window hardtop sedan was no longer offered, and a pillared sedan made its first appearance in the lineup. New standard amenities included rear safety belts, and lamps for the rear passenger compartments, luggage, and glove box. A padded vinyl roof was optional on the hardtop model for an additional $121.

1966 Cadillac Models
The entry-level Cadillac model for 1966 was the Calais, offered as a sedan, hardtop coupe, and hardtop sedan with prices that ranged from $4990 to $5,175. Next in the pricing scheme was the DeVille, priced from $5,340 to $5,580. The Fleetwood Sixty Special was offered as a sedan and brougham in the mid-$6,000 range and measured 227.7 inches in length. The Fleetwood Eldorado, with a length of 224.2 inches, was offered solely as a convertible priced at $6,630. The range-topping and exclusive Fleetwood Seventy-Five tipped the scale at over $10,000 for the 9-passenger sedan and limousine.

All 1966 Cadillacs employed the 429 cubic-inch V8 with overhead valves, a cast-iron block, a Carter four-barrel carburetor, hydraulic valve lifters, five main bearings, and delivered 340 horsepower at 4,600 RPM. The transmission was the highly-reliable Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic.

1966 Cadillac DeVille
Body styles on the 1966 DeVille included a sedan and hardtop sedan with similar factory base prices of $5,580. The Coupe DeVille was priced at $5,340 and the convertible coupe listed at $5,560. The most popular was the four-door hardtop sedan with approximately 60,500 examples built, followed by 50,580 of the Coupe DeVille, 19,200 of the convertible coupe, and 11,860 of the sedan. The combined production of 142,190 units accounted for approximately seventy-two percent of Cadillac's 1966 production. 1966 was a phenomenal year for Cadillac in regards to sales, reaching its highest level in the company's history, an impressive accomplishment considering the overall market for United States cars was in a downturn.

Factory standards were in abundance, including many courtesy lights, rear fender skirts, heater, defroster, remote driver's side-view mirror, power steering, power brakes, power door locks, remote trunk release, AM/FM radio, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and tinted glass. The tiffany-like script appeared above the rear tip of the horizontal body rub moldings.

The 'Third Generation' of styling, designed by Bill Mitchell, continued through 1970. The 'Fourth Generation' introduced in 1971 used a 130-inch wheelbase, a width of 79.8 inches, and initially had an overall length of 225.8 inches. The base engine was a 472 cubic-inch V8 with overhead valves and SAE rated at 375 gross horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. Along with new exterior styling, the interiors were redesigned with a new seating configuration and a new curved instrument panel.

The DeVille name would be part of the Cadillac marque through the mid-2000s.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2021