1966 Chevrolet Caprice 396 4-Speed

This 1966 Chevrolet Caprice has an interesting history. The story goes that its first owner was a line worker at Chevrolet’s Oshawa factory, helping build the car that would eventually find its way into their garage. It is a genuine survivor, and with a 396ci big-block under the hood, it has the power to match its good looks. The time has come for the Caprice to find a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting it listed here at All Collector Cars in Sioux City, Iowa. Bidding for this gem sits at $20,000, with time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim.

After appearing as an options package on the 1965 Impala, Chevrolet granted the Caprice standalone model status in 1966. The company had Ford’s LTD firmly fixed in its cross-hairs, and outsold the Blue-Oval opposition with its latest offering. This first-year example is a beauty, ordered by the first owner in Regal Red with a Black vinyl top. The seller doesn’t mention a restoration history, although the seeming absence of cosmetic imperfections makes a cosmetic refresh plausible. The paint holds a rich shine, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. The vinyl is in as-new condition, and when you combine the underside shots with the seller’s claim that the car retains 100% of its original steel, we soon discover that this Caprice is rust-free. The exterior bright trim is exceptional, and the glass is crystal clear. The Rally wheels and a few subtle badges hint that this classic is more than a pretty face.

Lifting this Caprice’s hood reveals a spotless engine bay and mouthwatering mechanical specifications. Combine a 396ci V8 with a four-speed manual transmission, a 12-bolt 3.31 Posi rear end, power steering, and power brakes, and you have a recipe for automotive fun. The factory quoted power and torque figures of 325hp and 410 ft/lbs for the big-block, and although the Caprice tips the scales at approximately 4,000 lbs, it would still be a genuinely fast car. It would be fast off the mark, and combined with its long-distance cruising abilities, this Caprice would demand respect. That only deepens when we discover that this beauty is numbers-matching. That fact increases its desirability, as does the presence of the original Owner’s Manual, Protect-O-Plate, and Protection Plan Book. Potential buyers can consider this as a turnkey proposition.

I’ve been waiting for this Caprice to reveal a genuine weakness, but there are none present inside this classic. Trimmed in Black vinyl, the interior features bucket seats, a console with the shifter poking purposefully through, the factory console-mounted sports gauge set, a dash-mounted factory tachometer, and a pushbutton AM radio. The presentation is exceptional for a classic of this vintage. The vinyl is free from significant wear, as is the carpet. The faux woodgrain isn’t faded or worn, and the pad is crack-free. It is another aspect of this classic that should receive nothing but praise on the street or at a Cars & Coffee.

The originality of this 1966 Chevrolet Caprice is admirable, as rust can significantly impact these classics. The fact that it has avoided that fate and retains its potent, numbers-matching drivetrain adds to its appeal. The auction action hasn’t been intense, but those submitting bids have pushed the price up significantly each time they’ve hit the button. That suggests there are interested parties who might be trying to scare away potential competitors. With those thoughts in mind, how much would you willingly pay for this beautiful Caprice?