Borrowing your parents’ station wagon rarely got much cooler than this 1968 Chevrolet Caprice Estate in Higden, Arkansas. With wood grain trim, air conditioning, power windows, a big block under the hood, and room for umpteen cases of beer in the back, this big Chevy may have been the party bus of choice. No optional concealed headlights, but this wagon ticks plenty of boxes. The running but not road-legal long-roof can be yours here on eBay where a single bid of $5000 falls short of the seller’s Reserve in the auction’s waning hours. Thanks to reader Larry D. for spotting this highly equipped hauler.

As advertised by “396” fender callouts, the 396 cid (5.9 6.5L) V8 attempts to fill the cavernous engine bay. Never has a Mark IV Big Block looked so small! As with many long-running classics, this Chevy’s air conditioning compressor has gone AWOL, but a skilled application of time and money should fix that in no time. If “396” sounded tame, buyers could order up a 427 cid big block wagon. “Yes, honey; we’ll need that extra power for loads of mulch and grass seed.” Thanks to lov2xlr8 for some details.

The kid-friendly black vinyl upholstery sheds and camouflages all manner of messes and mistakes. Door jambs suggest Seafrost or Grecian Green paint as the factory hue. Power windows provide hours of entertainment for restless kids in the back. While this six-passenger wagon lacks a third-seat, it still holds more riders than modern two-row SUVs.

The seller graciously mentions and shows the left front fender damage. Some sellers go to ridiculous lengths to obscure flaws like dents and ripped driver seats, making buyers wonder what else they are hiding. In contrast, this seller provides plenty of pictures and details to help buyers understand the car’s current state. This not-quite-matching fender comes with the sale. That bolt-on part should be relatively easy to find and infinitely easier to fix than a damaged quarter panel. Five-slot Chevy wheels look great on the big Caprice.

Triple tail lights made a Chevrolet signature in these days. The trailer hitch is no surprise on a big block wagon, and the wood trimmed tailgate looks great on the high-trimmed Caprice. Luggage and freshly killed deer can be secured to the handy roof rack. A fuel door on the driver’s side makes a short walk to placate the thirsty 396. Frozen brakes (at least) keep this Estate from driving down the road, but get this Chevy safe and inspected and you’ll draw more attention than a row of $80,000 SUVs. Would you restore this big block beast or drive it as-is?