Calais Cadillac History 1968
Cadillacwas not about to alter its popular product in any major way, so the same basic styling and engineering continued into the 1968 model year with a number of refinements, but no drastic changes. New grilles were added. They had an insert with a finer mesh and step-down outer section which held the rectangular parking lights just a little higher than before. Rear end styling was very modestly altered. An obvious change was a 165mm longer hood, designed to accommodate recessed windshield wipers, The deck lid also had more of a rake. An enlarged engine offered more cubic inches and torque than any other American V-8 and put out 375 horsepower. Of 20 exterior paint color combinations, 14 were totally new. On the inside, enriched appointments included molded inner door panels and a selection of 147 upholstery combinations, 76 in cloth, 67 in leather and four in vinyl. The Calais four-door pillared sedan was dropped. Standard features for the two remaining styles included:
1968 Cadillac
- Turbo-Hydramatic
- power steering
- power brakes
- power windows
- heater and defroster
- center arm rests
- electric clock
- dual backup lamps
- cornering lights
- front and rear side marker lamps
- Light Group
- Mirror Group
- padded instrument panel
- seat belts
- trip odometer
- ignition key warning buzzer
- recessed three-speed wipers and washers
- five 9.00 x 15 blackwall tires
STYLE
| Model No. | Style No. | Body Type | Seat | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68-682 | 68247-G |  |
6 | $5315 | 2077 kg | 8,165 |
| 68-682 | 68249-N |  |
6 | $5491 | 2109 kg | 10,025 |
ENGINE
| Type | V-8 Overhead valves |
| Block | Cast iron block |
| Displacement | 7.729 Liters |
| Bore and stroke | 109.2mm x 103.1mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Brake horsepower | 375 @ 4400 rpm |
| Power | 280 kW @ 4400 rpm |
| Bearings | Five main bearings |
| Valve Lifters | Hydraulic valve lifters |
| Carburetor | Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel model 7028210S |
NOTE: The new engine featured
- a metal temperature monitoring device
- air injection emissions control system
- integral air-conditioning system (still optional)
- cast crankshaft and connecting rods
- integral water crossover pipe with thermostatic passages
- engine bearings with more surface area
- 15-plate battery.
CHASSIS
| Wheelbase | 3289mm |
| Overall Length | 5707mm |
| Rear axle ratio | 2.94:1 |
| Transmission | three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic |
| Tires | 9.00 x 15 |
| Front Tread | not available |
| Rear Tread | not available |
POWER TRAIN OPTIONS
- Optional axle ratio data not available.
- Air injector reactor and closed positive crankcase ventilation standard
- Controlled differential was now $52.65 extra on all models except Eldorado
CONVENIENCE OPTIONS
| Availability and prices of options and accessories were largely the same as 1967 | |
| Auxiliary horn | $16 |
| Automatic level control option on Calais | $79 |
| Automatic Climate Control | $516 |
| Firemist finish | $132 |
| Cruise control | $95 |
| Rear window defogger on Calais | $27 |
| Door guards | $5-8 |
| Expanded vinyl upholstery on Calais | $42 |
| Soft Ray glass | $51 |
| Guide-Matic headlamp control | $51 |
| Head rests | $53 |
| License frame | $13 pair |
| Power door locks, two-door | $47 |
| Power door locks, four-door | $68 |
| Power ventipanes with required power windows | $72 |
| Power windows on Calais models | $116 |
| AM radio | $162 |
| AM/FM radio | $188 |
| AM/FM stereo | $288 |
| Six-way power front seat on Calais | $111 |
| Rear center seat belt | $11 |
| Front shoulder straps | $32 |
| Tilt-telescope steering wheel | $90 |
| Remote control trunk lock | $52 |
| Twilight Sentinel | $32 |
| White sidewall tires, size 9.00 x 15 four-ply 8PR-5 | $56 exchange |
| New items of optional equipment were added as well | |
| Twin front and rear floor mats for all Calais | $17 |
| Front seat warmer for all Calais | $95 |
Keyword: Calais Cadillac History 1968