Chevrolet introduced its First Generation Caprice in 1966 and performed two styling updates between then and when our feature car rolled off the line in 1970. It presents superbly, and its overall condition and specifications suggest it would suit a meticulous buyer seeking a classic that combines style, space, and respectable performance. It is a guaranteed head-turner, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting it. The Caprice is listed here on Craigslist in Palatine, Illinois. The seller set their price at $35,900, and while that isn’t pocket change, it is worth assessing this beauty to determine whether it is one you could park in your garage.
Some classics blend into the background, like automotive chameleons, while others make bold statements. This Caprice is not an “in your face” vehicle, but its overall condition guarantees it will attract attention. Its Gobi Beige paint holds a winning shine, with no evidence of significant problems. Although the seller doesn’t state it outright, they give the impression that the car never underwent any form of restoration. If accurate, that makes the condition more noteworthy. The Black vinyl top is in as-new condition, while the trim and glass appear flawless. There is no evidence of rust issues, and the seller describes the underside as super clean and rust-free. The Caprice rolls on what I believe are American Racing Torq Thrust alloy wheels. However, the seller includes the original color-matched hubcaps for those seeking a more stock appearance.
If this Chevy’s exterior makes a positive impression, its interior continues that trend. The term “time capsule” is overused in the classic world, but it is hard to think of a better one to describe this interior. The upholstered surfaces exhibit no problems like wear or stains, while the dash and pad are faultless. It has a couple of aftermarket additions, but reversing the changes shouldn’t prove challenging. It has a timber wheel that doesn’t look out of place, but the column-mounted tachometer would drive me mad with the way it obscures the speedometer. There is an 8-track player mounted under the dash alongside a genuine Chevrolet tissue holder. The woodgrain trim adds a luxurious feel, as does the AM radio and ice-cold air conditioning.
The original owner ordered this Caprice equipped with the optional 400ci V8. They added a three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. This Coupe might tip the scales at 4,010lbs, but it should despatch the ¼-mile in 16.9 seconds. When we assess this classic’s overall mechanical health, there seems to be nothing but good news. The seller says it runs and drives perfectly, feeling like it would have the day it rolled off the showroom floor. The engine is strong, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the front end feels tight. They claim it has a genuine 43,000 miles on the clock and judging by the included documentation, they may hold verifying evidence. The buyer receives the original Owner’s Manual, dealer paperwork, and Protect-O-Plate. It is a turnkey classic ready to provide its new owner with immediate classic motoring joy.
I would struggle to classify any vehicle within this price range as cheap, but that raises the question of whether the price for this 1970 Caprice Coupe is justified. It is undoubtedly priced at the top of current market expectations, and I doubt the seller will have people beating down their door with a fist full of cash. However, its overall conditions, odometer reading, and specifications make the price appropriate in the current market. One of the joys of my role at Barn Finds is that I am privileged to write about some beautiful classic cars. One of the disadvantages is that I would love to park many of them in my garage. This Caprice is one such car, but I don’t have the space, funds, or a wife who would understand if I spent the $35,900 on a classic car! You may be in a better position, and if you pursue it further, I wish you well. If you do make a play for this Caprice and manage to park it in your garage, we’d love to hear about your experience.
This would be great car for BF to keep an eye on and let the readership know what happens. Beautiful car, that I would love to have, but there are too many choices when you enter the $36,000 Zone.
$35,000, what is the seller smoking anyway? Beautiful car but nothing special. $10,000 to $12,000 sounds more like it.
Those fender skirts would have to come off before it hit my property.
Agreed Boatman, rare is a car that looks better with those.
That’s is a very sharp Caprice! I would drive it just the way it is. Too bad it didn’t have power windows and seat. I use to drive a 70 Impala 2dr and it was quick and rode real nice. I sure miss these nice rides back then. Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
Those swollen wheel wells are at home with the Caprice top! ’70 Chevy never looked so good.
When you’re trying to get top dollar marketing a car as a survivor, keep it a survivor. The period Day 2 improvements such as the underdash audio deck and Kleenex dispenser are cool. The fat rimmed steering wheel, non-stock exhaust tip extensions, giant racerboy tach, aluminum radiator and Ford “Caution Fan” sticker only serve to muddy the waters. Treat a survivor with respect, not as your automotive canvas. Aftermarket magnesium wheels with Chinese knockoffs never work with fender skirts. If you’re pushing for $36K on a full sized survivor Chevrolet with a 400 SB in Gobi Beige, put it back the way you found it and move beyond Craigslist. Even with the decadent tufted seat fabric, this one’s an acquired taste. If it were in factory spec, you might find a car like this at Orlando Classic Cars listed for this amount and they might actually have a snowflake’s chance in H3ll of getting it.
Not a Ford sticker, Idiot Boy.
You are right, I zoomed in on the photo and it is the GM design I’ve never actually seen on a single survivor 1970 Chevrolet. Ever. Because they didn’t have them. Also, the Keep Your GM Car All GM would not appear in that location. It would be found on the air cleaner housing. The underhood presentation is all wrong which is fine except when a car is supposed to be a survivor. Just because the restoration retailers hawk these stickers doesn’t make them correct.
My bad
Too pricey…$25-$28K is the right deal for buyer and seller. But a real nice cruiser in great shape for a fun night at the car shows.
I like the skirts on this one. My opinion is some people go overboard on originality.
I don’t see $36 grand here. Unless it was an unusual special order car with a 454 and a four speed, you have a basic run of the mill coupe here. Not rare or special. It’s nice alright but I see a $12 to 15,000 car here.
@Boatman
Those mags would have to come off before it hit my property.
At least they didn’t put those stupid looking 26″ wagon wheel tires on it.
It needs whitewalls, too.
RE: The fender skirts. They were std on a Caprice, opt. on other models. The wheel/tire combo does this car NO favors whatsoever. 70s shouldn’t have an external antenna as these had the windshield antenna. A beautiful survivor which is unfortunately in a not particularly attractive color combo. It’s worth what someone is willing to pay, of course, but I fear that few buyers would be attracted to this car at this price.
I owned a 1969 Caprice coupe with a 396 engine. Mine didn’t have any fender skirts. In 1970 they may have made the skirts standard.
Fender skirts were optional on all full size 1967-70 Chevrolet models(except station wagons). They became standard equipment on the 1971-76 Caprice
models(except station wagons), and were available as an option on all other full size Chevrolets except station wagons
Good looking car and great looking luxurious interior! I absolutely love those seating surfaces!
1970 was quite a cool year for the majority of American automobiles it seems……