"Six Luxury Cars" – A Car And Driver Comparison Test From 1965

[67_Eldo]

According to the article, a Cadillac exec apparently said of the Mercedes 600, "It's probably the ultimate Cadillac."

http://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/vintage-reviews/six-luxury-cars-a-car-and-driver-test-from-1965-with-some-cc-pictures/

[Scot Minesinger]

It is difficult to compete with the resources of GM, and Cadillac did seem to be the winner when price is considered.  Seemed the Imperial was not treated fairly, it is a nice handling car.  Thanks for posting - great article. 

[Highwayman68]

I also thank you for providing this article. It was an interesting read.

The only element of the testing I would have liked to seen changed is the capacity testing of the trunk, although most would want to know how much luggage can be placed in the trunk we all know the actual unit of measuring the capacity of a trunk is how many bodies can be placed in it 

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Back in 1965, Cadillac handily outsold all the other luxury makes combined - and rightly so: The 1965 Fleetwood "ranked" just behind the Mercedes 600SEL which at $20,000 was more than double the price of the $8,000 60 Special. Sure it handled and braked better but these attributes were of secondary importance to Cadillac buyers then and for many years since.

The RR and Jaguar finished miserably both of which were light years behind GM's comparative technological prowess.

This particular article is one of many in a compilation of magazine reviews of Cadillac cars spanning 1960 - 1969 in a single book and I have read this piece many times. I especially liked the comment, "Built in limited quantities just as it is and bearing the initials of RR, the Fleetwood 60 Special would be handily selling for $15,000 a copy..." I could not agree more.

Throughout most of the 1960s, the Standard of the World was indeed The Standard.

[wrench]

The only element of the testing I would have liked to seen changed is the capacity testing of the trunk, although most would want to know how much luggage can be placed in the trunk we all know the actual unit of measuring the capacity of a trunk is how many bodies can be placed in it 

The real test of luxury car trunk space is how many sets of golf clubs can be placed inside...

Which brings us to the present day and the rise of luxury SUVs...

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

The real test of luxury car trunk space is how many sets of golf clubs can be placed inside...

Which brings us to the present day and the rise of luxury SUVs...

Back then, Cadillac trunks were intentionally designed with luggage accommodation for two couples for a two week long vacation. Of course, Cadillac's generous trunk space found other...ahem... "uses".   

[cadillacmike68]

What is the book's title, and is it available (probably available somewhere)?

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

What is the book's title, and is it available (probably available somewhere)?

Brooklands Books - apparently out of print but I just checked the prices - incredible.
Almost 30 years ago, I paid something like $9.95 each.

Great reading.

[64\/54Cadillacking]

I can’t believe at one point in time Cadillac was regarded as being one of the best if not the best luxury car brand in the world. Better than Rolls Royce, that’s really saying something.

Although in 65, the Lincoln Continental was a really nice car, and is much bigger inside compared to the smallish 61-63 models, the Cadillac Fleetwood was still king of luxury from riding comfort, to quality.

Riding smoothness was unmatched by any other luxury automobile back then. The main reason for this was the rear 4 link coil spring suspension instead of leaf springs that were used in the Lincoln and Imperial.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

I can’t believe at one point in time Cadillac was regarded as being one of the best if not the best luxury car brand in the world.

Really? I thought that would have been common knowledge here.