Throughout the 1980s, Chevrolet continued to sell a lot of full-size Impala and Caprice automobiles. The 1985 model year was the last when they were sold together. The Impala was largely a fleet purchase by then while the more upscale Caprice Classic captured most of the thunder. The seller says this 1985 sedan is an Impala Classic, but a Caprice Classic would be more likely given how it’s decked out. Located in Denver, Colorado, this survivor is available here on craigslist for $5,000 or less depending on the level of traffic. Kudos to Mike F. for sending this tip our way!
By the middle of the 1970s, automakers like Chevrolet knew they had to begin building more fuel-efficient products (remember the OPEC oil embargo?). So, they started downsizing the bigger cars first, like the Caprice. They became smaller and lighter, able to use less thirsty engines to get the same job done, all while retaining or exceeding passenger and storage capacity. The Caprice was largely unchanged from 1977 to 1985 (the year this machine left the assembly line).
The seller doesn’t seem to know a lot about this Chevy, so perhaps he/she is a 3rd party or an heir. We’re told the mileage is 10,000, but 110,000 would be more likely. It has a V6 engine, probably a 262 cubic inch motor with throttle body fuel injection, rated 130 hp. With an automatic transmission, we’re told this vehicle “Runs pretty well.”
From an appearance standpoint, a good wax job might bring back some of the luster in the faded paint. There seems to be no corrosion and one of plastic pieces in the rear has been replaced (non-matching and minimally noticeable). The interior is okay in the front while the rear looks like it has never been sat in. These 1980s Chevies were sturdy, and every neighborhood had at least a couple of them on the block.
Some police departments used the big 6 motor for their in-town fleet cars, and ghost cars.
This car suits me just fine. Fly out with a trusted friend, get it tuned up and oil changed, and drive it home. No muss, fuss, or $10K shipping fees.
All that will happen when I register it here in Florida. Their fees will bleed your wallet dry by the time you get through. On the face of it, this car would make a comfortable daily driver. Nowadays, the only time you
See one is after it’s been donked and turned into a ghetto cruiser. And like all of us here, I recall a time when you saw these cars everywhere you went
and it seemed that everyone you knew owned one. After the New wore off, they were just used cars that were run into the ground. Call it what you will, this car was built when Detroit
still cared…a little..
Relatives of mine had the same model, interior options and engine, just in different colors. Fuel Injection wasn’t completely reliable in those days, so there were bugs that had to be worked out. It was nice, but not well made. The front seat springs were shot, and you can see it sagging in the pictures. These used to be everywhere, and it’s nice to see one. I’d prefer the newer Brougham or LS Brougham interiors they came with before changing the body style in 1991 to what I thought looked like an overgrown Taurus.
No fuel injection in these until 1989 (unless the V6 had it but I don’t think so). This one is a little rough around the edges and definitely not 10k miles but still salvageable. Parts are getting a little trickier but still very findable. I have had about every year from 77-90 and still have three almost mint ones now (78, 86, 90). Smooth driving cars that will last a long time!
The V-6 was fuel injected in 1985.
https://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1985_Chevrolet/1985_Chevrolet_Caprice/1985%20Chevrolet%20Caprice-12.html
Most likely is a 4.3 V6, i think 85 is the first year for it. Chevy and pontiac B bodies used the 4.3, and Buick and Olds used the 3.8 Buick.
I remember seeing countless car carrier loads of these – used, going down I-95 towards the Florida ports on the Atlantic, for shipment to Saudi Arabia, with Arab script scrawled on the windshields back in the late 90s or early oughts. Apparently they were quite a commodity there.
Personally i liked the caprices with the 305 for everyday use! Those cars were fantastic wish they still made them.comfortable,reliable! I highly doubt the mileage and the price is too steep.Not pics of engine and frame.that is never a good sign!
This is the base trim with the Impala gone from the line.
The Impala sedan was still offered in 1985, but it wasn’t actively marketed. There were over 50,000 sold, mostly to fleets.
By its 25th anniversary the Impala was so diluted there was nothing to celebrate.