1971 Cadillac Calais

2dr Coupe

8-cyl. 472cid/375hp 4bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$17,400 CAD*

-1.7%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph01/2404/2407/24$5k$10k$15kOct 2024
Pricing adjustments
+$1,000 for sunroof.
Adjustments are in USD
+$1,000 for sunroof.
Adjustments are in USD
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1965-1976 Cadillac Calais stats
Highest sale
$72,595 CAD
Lowest sale
$1,734 CAD
Most recent sale
$59,031 CAD
Sales
52

Photos

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1969 Cadillac Calais Hardtop Sedan
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**Figure based on a stock 1971 Cadillac Calais valued at $17,400 CAD with ON rates with $100/300K liability/UM/UIM limits. Actual costs vary depending on the coverage selected, vehicle condition, province and other factors. Hagerty determines final risk acceptance.

Model overview

Model description

The Calais was the new entry level Cadillac for 1965, replacing the 62 Series, which dated all the way back to 1941 and the demise of LaSalle. The new model cut ties with the fins and chrome that Cadillac had been utilizing since the 1950s, as the Calais took on a squared shape and headlights were stacked vertically Available body styles included two- or four-door hardtops along with four-door sedans, which Cadillac hadn’t offered since 1956. Side glass was curved and a new perimeter frame moved the engine forward six inches, offering more interior room. The standard 429 cubic inch engine produced up to 340 horsepower.

The 1966 Calais maintained the same shape but with still less chrome than the previous year. Improvements included variable ratio steering, optional reclining heated seats, headrests, and AM/FM stereo. Like all Cadillacs from 1967, the Calais’s grille was tilted forward, its sides became smoother, and the coupes received the Florentine show car roof line, allowing more privacy to rear seat passengers. The engine’s valve train was improved and a new carburetor fitted.

For 1968 Cadillac bumped its engine size to 472 cid, producing 375 horsepower; this engine design would be used until 1976. Overall body styling changed little; though side marker lights were added, and the hood was extended by 8.5 inches to accommodate hidden wipers. Minor changes to the grille caused the rectangular parking lights to be set slightly higher. There were 14 new paint colors and 147 upholstery combinations. Power windows were now standard. The slow-selling Calais four-door sedan was dropped.

In 1969, the Calais’ front and rear was redesigned, bringing it into line with the successful Eldorado style. Headlights were realigned horizontally for the first time since 1964 and the buttressed fenders carried the turn signals, parking and cornering lights; vertical taillights wrapped around the fins. The frame was stretched by 7.5 inches and the hood by 2.5 inches.

Cosmetic changes were abundant for 1970, but were most visible on the grille where 13 vertical blades were set against the cross hatched rectangular opening. Narrow V-shaped tail lights were also seen with bottom lenses located below the bumper. Calais sales dipped to 9,911 units from the approximately 20,000 being sold a few years earlier.

The 1971 redesign produced some of the handsomest Cadillacs of the period, with a 133-inch wheelbase, horizontal headlights and lower fenders to accentuate the long hood and smoothly curved sides. The 1972 Calais was little changed from the previous year, though new standard equipment included a flow-through ventilation system, automatic parking brake release, and passenger assist straps. The 1973 Calais was noticeably outfitted with energy-absorbing bumpers, which added 300 pounds weight and 6 inches in length to the cars.

Engine output was measured in net horsepower in 1974 and Cadillac’s 472-cid V-8 was now rated at 205 horsepower. Coupes had padded roofs with thick center pillars, and the new instrument panel design now housed a digital clock. The price of the base two-door Calais had jumped $1,505 to $7,371, and Calais sales skidded to 6,773.

By 1975 the 500-cid Cadillac V-8 produced only 190 horsepower, while weighing in at 5,003 pounds, new cars could be recognized by dual square headlights and tiny “coach” windows installed in C-pillars. There were two rounds of price increases, and the base Calais ended up costing $8,184.

1976 was the last year for big cars, and the Calais models came to an end. Only 6,200 were sold from a record total of 309,139 units, including 14,000 of the “last” Eldorado convertibles.

The Calais represents an unusual niche in the luxury market as an “affordable” luxury item. Comparatively few were sold against De Villes, so they are quite rare now, though it is debatable whether the Calais was anything more than badge engineering. Pre-emission cars are superior performers and reliable, if thirsty.

Vehicle specifications

  • Vehicle Length225.8 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches130 in
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Common Questions

The value of a 1971 Cadillac Calais can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $9,600 USD for a 1971 Cadillac Calais in good condition with average spec.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are representative of stock condition vehicles only and based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. Value adjustments for optional equipment are in U.S. dollars. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.CA/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of the Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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