The Caprice received all-new styling in 1991, but its underpinnings were largely the same as those from the downsizing of the rear-wheel-drive cars in 1977. But it was enough for Motor Trend to bestow Domestic Car of the Year honors on the big Chevies in ’91. This nice example is a survivor-quality luxury sedan that may only have 63,000 miles and has been well-kept though it has moved from coast to coast. Located now in Providence, Rhode Island, this Bow-Tie is available here on craigslist for $12,000. Thanks for the bigger-than-life tip, Dennis House!
Chevrolet rolled out the first Caprice in 1965 to compete against the Ford LTD. At first an option on the Impala, it quickly became a series of its own and would dominate the full-size landscape for more than 30 years. The fourth-gen Caprices arrived in 1991 and resembled upside-down bathtubs (IMO), a complete departure from the more rectangular approach of their predecessors. Anti-lock brakes became standard equipment as safety continued to be at the forefront. More than a half-million of the cars were built through 1996, with 100,000+ being produced the same year as this car.
The seller is the second owner of this vehicle, having bought it from the original purchaser in Oregon. It moved east to New England and has been garage-kept since. The seller never registered it in Rhode Island, so the title still bears State of Oregon branding. It’s an original auto including its paint which seems to present well, but the seller acknowledges it has its share of scratches and 32-year imperfections. And there is no rust. The interior seems to have ample life left, too, but it’s also not perfect.
Pop the hood and you’ll find a 305 cubic inch V8 which we’re told runs well. The seller speculates that the tires are original and need changing, but I’ve never seen factory tires last 63k miles. The trunk, which is extra clean, is filled with all sorts of paperwork dating back to Day 1, including the window sticker. This may not be the nicest example of these 1990s Chevy Caprices, but it might make the Top 10.
Always liked the design of these. When they came out I thought they just looked futuristic.
Even through this and the Crown Vic from about this time were simply rebodied versions of the old platforms, the Crown Vics seemed to be better received.
Speaking of which, the factory tires on my ‘02 Crown Vic lasted 90k before I replaced them die to aging sidewalls ;)
You should see the 2 concepts they used in a few sci fi movies.
I don’t see wipers on either of these – not sure if they are hidden or left off …
https://www.carstyling.ru/en/car/1988_cadillac_voyage/
&
https://www.carstyling.ru/en/car/1989_cadillac_solitaire/
Of course GM never put the 2 door into production.
A bit too much side glass, tho, if you ask me, espec on the 4 door.
These are beautiful Chevys.This one is pretty darn nice for 32yrs old! This new model for 1991-1996 actually has MORE room than the 1977-1990. I’m not 100% sure, but I believe the 305ci engine put out more horsepower than the previous models did. These have mixed opinions about them, sort of “I can’t stand these big ‘bars of soap with wheels “ to “ I love what they did with them”. These Chevy Caprice Classics 91-96 were really the last attempt at All American, traditional RWD V-8 powered highway cruisers. I say “it’s a keeper!”. Looking back now on these compared to today’s cars, I’ll take it! Great article!
I agree, great cars. Add limited slip* to the rear end and 4 studded (or not) snow tires for winter driving in New England and you’ll get where you’re going.
* – The anti lock mechanism may not want to play with old school limited slip.
Saw my first one of these shortly after returning from Desert Storm, the small town my parents lived in would park an unmanned one in the median to slow down traffic, pulled over and got out to check it out, of course at the same time the other Caprice in the town pulled up to ask what the (redacted) I was doing. Remember the Dash was a jumble, Tach, Digital Speedo, full Instrumentation, but unfortunately the LO5 only had 195 HP.
Bought a North Carolina Highway Patrol Surplus 89′ Caprice a few weeks later (70K miles, $5,500 big money in 1991) and later a 96′ with the LT1, much better steering/handling than the Crown Vics, of course now I only have the Crown Vic because they stopped making the Caprices. (considered the one they came out with 10 or so years ago, but parts would be a worry)
Frank
In the early-mid 90’s thousands of these were exported to the Middle East from the used car market. They were very popular there.
Awesome looking car. I remember when this was first introduced. I remember saying “The redesign is long overdue”.
These were referred to as a Chevrolet Hudson when they first appeared
I think Chevrolet could have avoided some of the design controversy by sacrificing some trunk space and shortening the rear overhang by six inches or so. Take a bit of the “Nicky Minaj” out of it.
I love these cars. GM was in a period of styling that appeared to have been squeezed from a toothpaste tube. The Riviera and Aurora came a bit later.
Along about 1988 there was an old square bodied Caprice mule running around the Grounds with the new glass on top. Quite a sight to see.
Again an overpriced basic USED CAR.
Trust me… Anything over $3k is way too much. If you start driving it… They mentioned the tires… Well EVERY seal, bushing, belt, rubber line is at the same fate. This will be a money pit of puking fluids.
Three thousand dollars? Really? It may not be a 1971 with a big block but there’s more than a few grand here. It’s not 2001 anymore and these aren’t everywhere.
Too bad the caprice couldn’t stand PD pitt stops…
.Crown Vics could nuff said