The Caprice was introduced in 1965 as the luxury version of the Chevrolet Impala (to compete with Ford’s LTD). The nameplate would stick around through 2017 when it was retired as an Australian-built cop car. This beauty from 1987 is in solid condition though the paint might not be as nice as the photos show. Located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, this fancy Chevy is available here on craigslist for $9,400. Kudos to Barn Finder Tony Primo for the tip!
All of GM’s full-size cars went on a diet in 1977, so those editions from then through 1990 would be smaller in size and weight, but roomier for passengers and their stuff. By 1986, the Caprice was the only sedan still riding on the rear-wheel-drive B-platform as the rest had migrated to front-wheel-drive designs. The Impala name was dropped in favor of either Caprice (for taxi cabs and fleet use) or Caprice Classic for those wanting Chevy’s version of a Cadillac. Though a V6 engine was standard, one option was a carbureted 305 cubic inch V8 that produced 170 hp, like in the seller’s car. Chevrolet delivered 155,000 Caprices in 1987 of which just 3,100 were the coupe.
The history of this ’87 Caprice Classic isn’t mentioned, but it looks to have been well-cared for across 36 years and 91,000 miles. We’re told it drives well, although I can’t imagine the 305 V8 will give anyone whiplash when it comes to acceleration. The seller makes no mention of any repairs made or needed, so we assume that it’s a turn-key automobile if these cars are your cup of tea.
The body looks good, and we’re told there is no rust. However, the seller only rates the paint as “fair” so it may be faded in places not in the shade in the photos. The burgundy interior has been detailed and looks ready to accommodate 4 to 5 folks on a nice road trip. The seller is not interested in any trades but is willing to provide delivery (with restrictions, we assume). If you like these old-school Chevies, this could be a tidy survivor.
Not a car I picture as requiring neck snapping acceleration.
1986 was a decent year for most makes and models, and they weren’t overloaded with technology yet. Timeless simple two door design. I know carbs and simple electronic ignition, this could be fun to own. Removing smog equipment would not be worth the troubles that brings. There’s plenty of power to move this sleekest version of the full sized Chevy on a frame. It’s more car than you’ll get for $20k new, with parts and other support readily available.
It should’ve had throttle body injection by that year, but they still offered the 4bbl only. That would’ve provided more power. The paint in those years was prone to alligator cracking, like my 86 Monte Carlo SS. This one, however, looks really nice, at least from a distance. It can’t be that bad. It looks to have been well cared for, most likely parked in a garage. I love it, and I wish I could buy it. The price is fairly reasonable, and if he’s a little negotiable, he shouldn’t have too much of a problem selling it, if it does run and drive nicely, especially if the A/C works.
The 4.3 V6 had TBI and offered very similar performance as the V8.
We had one of these and it couldn’t get out of its own way.
I had 87 monte luxury sport with the “high output” 305 and 4bbl.
Bought it out of a junkyard for $300 with a plugged up cat converter. I ended up putting headers on it with dual exhaust and swapped in 3.73 gears in rear. It ran ok for what it was. Would run very low 15’s in the quarter. Lol
mine is a four door, ofcourse. Not a missile by any means ….but quite adequate. In my nearly 25 years of company my biggest expense was the ac rebuild. Regular service and don’t race everything, and you will get yeeeears of delightful motoring pleasure. It may not be as exciting as a 59 convertible or a big block 70s monster but for me, ” It’s hip to be square someday. Beautiful copy here.
If I’m not mistaken, the B-body Pontiac Parisienne was still offered in 1986 as well (albeit it’s last model year).
Your assumption about Pontiac Parisienne’s last year was correct 1986. Those Brougham’s were great cars. Contrast that with the ’86 Mercury Marquis Brougham seen below in Recent Finds. Ewwwww!
Jon, my same thoughts exactly. I just came from the Marquis article to this one – what a contrast between contemporary vehicles.
I had a Caprice Estates 9 Passenger wagon with that motor in it. Gas mileage was 21 on expressway but there was no way i would ever even consider a trailor attached to it. How ever the best feature were those Great Headlights they had. On a unlit road those headlights were the best. No fast get aways from red lghts with that engine, should of had a 350 as a option.
Beautiful Chevrolet Caprice Classic coupe.
taxi !!!!!
Well, I learned something today. I did not know Chevy made a Caprice in 1965? I actually Googled it because I thought it was an error?
I had a 1966, 2 door hardtop. I always thought it was the first year?
This is the most interesting BF that I have seen in awhile.
The 305 engine was sad, but unless I am missing something, this is a good find.
I think it will sell soon?
Just my oponion!
I had a couple of 66’s over the years. They were the first year of the stand-alone model Caprice. I had an uncle with a 65 briefly and the only real difference I remember was the upholstery was nicer. Since it was just a trim package, that may have been the only substantial difference. It’s the only one I remember anyway.
My Dad had a brand new 1977 Chevy Caprice in Maroon with the curved rear window. Took my girlfriend to the Prom in it. (Before the days of rented Limos). Driving to the prom in my tux and girlfriend in her gown, I thought I was king of the road!
Beautiful Caprice coupe. These looked really good in black cherry. Sad that cars like this have fallen out of favor with the buying public. Some guys want a regular cab long box pickup. I want a big two door sedan.
Seeing this one makes me sick to my stomach. It’s a gorgeous Chevy, don’t get me wrong… It’s a reminder of the ’85 Caprice Coupe that I had to let go of. I’m having a hard time forgiving myself for letting it get away. They’re rare and would make an excellent street machine.
Back around 1986 I looked at a ’85 Caprice Cpe. Black, burgundy or red interior, loaded up, older rallys, and dual exhaust. 28,000 miles. Man it was a beauty.
Nice car I wonder how much horse power you would gain if you removed all that smog crap, I can get away with it here we don’t have emissions inspection
About zero. Smog equipment isn’t what costs the horsepower, it’s the garbage cylinder heads, round cams and lean fuel systems that were all used to try to meet emissions requirements back then.
Hand A black 87 2door 305 I swear it hand a hi output motor , it moved. For a 305 nice car wish I would have kept it now seeing this one. Think I gave 1200 for mine .
Obligatory LS swap comment. Just kidding, i would spend my 10000 cash on a caddy though.
In I believe either 1985 or 1985, before the composite headlights, Maurice Carter Chev-Olds in Hamilton, ON, Canada offered a dealer-fashioned Caprice SS. Based on the Caprice coupe, a model they had dropped for a short time but brought back, they modified the exhaust system with Monte Carlo SS sections & long tailpipes, alloy wheels off the same (ultimately that came from the Z28) and Goodyear GT+4 all-season performance tires. I can’t recall all the bits & pieces, but they cherry-picked stuff like F-41 suspension, performance axle ratio and the like. Unfortunately because of Transport Canada average fleet fuel economy dictates, stuff like 350 gas V8s weren’t generally offered by then. I can’t recall if it had a 305 or 350 though.
Maurice Carter raced in the Trans-Canada rally back in the sixties & renamed City Chev to Carter Chev-Olds in 1969. Later he handled the Lamborghini distributorship for the region.