CADILLAC MIRAGE FULL
CADILLAC MIRAGE SERIES
CADILLAC MIRAGE WINDOWS

There was generally less chrome on all Cadillac models this year. Separate rectangular side marker lamps replaced the integral grille extension designs. In 1966 changes included a somewhat coarser mesh for the radiator grille insert, which was now divided by a thick, bright metal horizontal center bar housing rectangular parking lamps at the outer ends. Pricing of the Cadillac Calais started at nearly US$5,000, almost US$1,000 (or about 25%) more than the Electra 225 and Oldsmobile 98, and about US$500 more than the top-line Buick Riviera. The 340 hp (254 kW) 429 cu in (7.0 l) V8 also remained the standard engine.

CADILLAC MIRAGE SERIES

In 1965, the new Turbo-Hydramatic, standard on the 1964 De Ville, but not the lower-priced Series 62, became standard throughout the Cadillac range – even the Calais. Cadillac, always General Motors' technology leader, offered most De Ville options on the Calais, such as Twilight Sentinel and the GuideMatic headlight dimmer, on the Calais. Both the high-end Buick and Oldsmobile models shared the GM C platform with Cadillac. Another item not initially available on the Calais was the Cadillac-exclusive 'firemist' paint, an extra-cost metallic paint. Leather seating areas and vinyl roof trim were available on the De Ville, but never on the Calais (although a high-grade vinyl-and-cloth, similar to what was seen on top-line Buick Electras and Oldsmobile 98s, was).

CADILLAC MIRAGE FULL

At the same time, however, AM radio was a US$165 extra, as was air conditioning, at US$495, on either.Standard equipment included power brakes power steering automatic transmission dual back-up lights windshield washers and dual speed wipers full wheel discs remote controlled outside rear view mirror visor vanity mirror oil filter five tubeless black tires heater defroster lamps for luggage, glove and rear passenger compartments cornering lights and front and rear seat belts.

CADILLAC MIRAGE WINDOWS

While the De Ville was delivered with such amenities as power windows and 2-way power seats as standard equipment, hand-cranked windows were standard on the Calais, with power a US$119 option. The primary differences between the Calais and the De Ville were trim levels and standard equipment. With the exception of having no convertible, the Calais mirrored the slightly more expensive and well-equipped De Ville. The Calais was available as a 2- or 4-door hardtop as well as a 'formal-roof' 4-door sedan, which was a hybrid with frameless, hardtop-like windows, but with a pillar between them. Perimeter frame construction allowed positioning of the engine forward in the frame, thus lowering the transmission hump and increasing interior room.

The headlight pairs were vertical, permitting a wide grille. The rear bumper was straight and the rear lamp clusters were vertical. In 1965 Calais tailfins were planed flat, and sharp, distinct body lines were featured. In Greek mythology, Calais was also one of the winged sons of Boreas, God of the North Wind, and Oreithyea.

For 1965, Cadillac renamed the entry-level Series 62 the Calais, after the French town and resort which overlooks the narrowest point in the English Channel, and from which the White Cliffs of Dover can easily be seen on a clear day. The Calais was a full-size luxury car made by Cadillac from 1965 to 1976.

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