1966 Cadillac history

1966 Cadillac

Cadillac enjoyed its first 200,000-car year for calendar '66, breaking the barrier by precisely 5001 units. A mild facelift brought a new front bumper and grille, plus more integrated taillight housings. The 75 switched to the new perimeter frame and was fully restyled for the first time since 1959. Variable-ratio power steering was a new option, as were carbon-cloth seat heating pads. The Fleetwood Brougham became a separate model, still more luxuriously trimmed than the plain-roof Sixty Special and priced about $320 higher.

1966 Cadillac Notes

Cadillac features variable-ratio power steering
Best ever sales and production year in Cadillac history.
Second year running for sales increases, despite a downturn in the overall market for U.S. cars.
First season for delivery of more than 200,000 new units.
A record of 5,570 one-week builds was marked December 5 and a record one-day output of 1,017 cars was achieved October 27.
The 1966 models were introduced October 14, 1965.
Towards the end of the summer 1966, a new assembly line was setup to manufacture front-wheel-drive Eldorados conforming to 1967 model specifications.
Harold G. Warner was general manager until April, then Kenneth N. Scott took the helm until September when Calvin J. Werner became general manager
Carl A. Rasmussen was chief engineer
Stanley Parker was chief designer (Cadillac Studio)
Fred H. Murray was general sales manager until September
L. N. Mays became general sales manager in September

Cadillac production figures

Calais	...	28,680	... decreased 5,531
Sedan de Ville	...	72,410	... increased 11,875
Coupe de Ville	...	50,580	... increased 7,235
de Ville convertible	...	19,200	... increased 0
Eldorado	...	2,250	... increased 125
Series 60	...	19,085	... increased 985
Series 75	...	4,480	... increased 561

1966 Automotive Notes

Oldsmobile introduces the front-wheel drive Toronado
AMC introduces the Ambassador DPL, Rambler Rebel, and American Rogue
Chevrolet introduces Caprice Custom Coupe
Dodge introduces Charger fastback
Ford introduces Fairlane 500, XL, and GT
Mercury introduces Comet Capri
Plymouth introduces Fury VIP
Last year for Studebaker
Pontiac Tempest gets an OHC engine
Rear seatbelts are now standard
AMC is a distinct make for Rambler, Marlin, Ambassador, and Rebel
Rear-wheel drive Buick Riviera is similar to the front-wheel drive Toronado
Dodge Charger has hide-away headlights
Ford station wagons feature a 2-way tailgate
Excalibur Series I features a Corvette V-8
James M. Roche was president of GM
Frederic G. Donner was chairman of the board at GM
Top model year production for 1966

HISTORICAL NOTES

LITERATURE & LINKS