Chrysler sort of rocked the boat for the family-hauler market when it introduced the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager as new 1984 models, not that this was a bad thing other than it did start to challenge the future for the tried-and-true traditional station wagon offerings. Fortunately, this didn’t seem to deter the folks at Chevy, as the Caprice soldiered on with wagon availability through the rest of the eighties and into the nineties, so if you’re feeling nostalgic or just in search of a nicely preserved people mover this 1986 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Station Wagon here on eBay is probably worth checking out. This one’s way up northwest in Lakewood, Washington, with bidding only up to what seems like a reasonable $3,251 at this point, so if the price doesn’t go haywire in the next couple of days this one could end up exchanging hands at an affordable cost.
To not be that far from the four-decade mark, the wagon seems to have held up exceptionally well, with the seller mentioning that it’s been under the ownership of just one family this entire time. The blue paint is stated as the original factory finish and there’s never been any rust, although there are a few dings present plus a few touch-ups have been made over the years. It’s described as a survivor, and from what I can tell this one really does seem to fall into that category. I’m totally liking the feel of those black wheels with dog-dish hubcaps, a look that doesn’t catch my eye in all cases but here it sort of gives a sporty appearance to an otherwise luxurious outside.
Only 67,000 miles have been traveled in the wagon so far, and a peek inside reveals an interior that seems to reflect a combination of low mileage and a high level of care throughout the years. It’s not perfect, but still in very good shape and equipped with a nice array of options such as power windows, door locks, cruise control, a tilt steering column, and the desirable third-row rear seat, which if folded down gives additional cargo room back there plus, combined with the roof-rack, there are plenty of options to meet most of your hauling needs. A trailer hitch has also been added, so you can pull even more freight if the need arises.
Powering the Caprice is a small-block 5.0L V8 which is said to start on the first turn, paired with an automatic transmission. The wagon is said to run and drive well, with only a few minor non-mechanical issues noted that the next owner may want to address in the future, such as cracked plastic panels around the bumpers and a sagging headliner. This one appears ready to hit the road this summer and seems like a fun way to head out of town on vacation, but you may want to service the A/C first as it’s not currently blowing cold air. What are your thoughts on this 1986 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Station Wagon?
Well that odometer has rolled at least once, the thing with Washington they didn’t start using the salt brine stuff on ice covered roads until about 12 years ago and on the west side they don’t get the prolonged snow like other areas its typically only around a couple of days. Can still make someone a decent ride.
Hello i Injoyed your remarks on this Beautiful Vehicles i am from South Africa and i can still not believe what Vehicles Prices are we have the most Expensive Vehicles in the World to buy a Second Hand Vehicle in SA out of your Salary is a Nightmare and it is not the tipe of Vehicles that you years ago we also ride American Cars lik a 1958 Buick Special, 1968 Ford Galaxy 500LTD 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 1966 Buick Reveira GS with bucket seats floor shift aut and a 1970 Olds 98 Regency the Parts to Expensive to Import a Windscreen R30.000ZAR compare to a Basic Salary of R25.000 per month Greetings Carel
I had an 84 caprice classic sedan, and to me, the silver bezel for the hvac controls and the radio seems out of place, otherwise, nice wagon.
Yeah, that “bezel” thing looks like somebody retrofitted their Panasonic home stereo components into the dash.
Out of place indeed but mercifully simple to use. I bought a Pioneer head unit for my car a few months ago. No fewer than three micro buttons to push just to access the ridiculously complicated graphic equalizer. Then I have to make adjustments…. That’s a lot of time with my eyes off the road.
That’s an Olds 307 under the hood.
Rocket Killin it!
A lot of Chevy wagons during this period had the Olds 307. I spotted the oil filler spout immediately.
I had a1985 according to the numbers it was a Olds 305 which was put in chevys and Pontiacs. Ran great rolled over 100k
Agree on Troy on the odometer, look at the wiperswitch, no white text left,
My 87 with 98,000 miles has it all there, even the ignition key is worn out
307.oldsmobile motor in a Chevrolet is very odd even for 1986.year..it should be a 305 motor..and chevy.tranny…not a good selling point …Chevrolet people want chevy motors…my dad bought a 68 impala station wagon new in 68..it had a 396 motor..2bbl carb and auto tranny in it..good old car..r
I agree that the wiper switch lettering worn off indicates high mileage due to long term use, but the rest of the interior says otherwise. I saw the Olds filler tube, also. Looks like a very clean car. These were everywhere in it’s day, and that was a popular color. Relatives of mine had an 85 Caprice 4-door sedan with the new 4.3 V6, very reliable and durable, because they neglected the hell out of it and it just kept going and going. I hope it finds a good home.
Worn wiper switch lettering just proves it as a western Washington car.
Don’t be fooled. I still use and 87 Brougham sedan regularly that I bought in 1999 for 150.00. The car currently has 260,000 miles on it. One repaint and a dry climate and proper care and the car shows like a 3 to 5 year old vehicle. I replaced the fillers with the upgraded ones when the car was redone. Most think I’m some old geezer with a 60,000 mile specimen they can pinch. These aren’t fast but they are great road cars. Push the cruise at 60 and roll all day. The velour interiors hold up like iron. They are insanely easy to maintain as the biggest expense was I did a complete ac overhaul 4 years ago. These are GTOs. Gas, Tires, and Oil because cared for properly and that’s all you will do. This unit looks nice and is reasonable had I not have a low mileage Custom Cruiser, I would likely consider this. P.S. the headliner is easily redone on this unit unlike the sedans and I do like the euro lights on my 87 along with the faux wood dash much better and for those worried about the worn wiper switch, a new one is less than 40 bucks, mine has had two.
A Chevrolet in robin egg 🥚 🐦 blue
Check out the Experian Auto Check Report included in the listing. Reported as a two owner. Second owner September 2001. Mileage listed as 244,000 on November 30, 2000 when if failed an emission check.
That “small block 5.0” engine is an Oldsmobile-sourced 307, as evidenced by the oil fill tube at the front and the location of the A/C compressor. Small block Chevy motors have the A/C compressor on the driver’s side. GM used the 307s in the B-body wagons in the late 1980s.
OUCH…I can see hitting my leg on that trailer hitch every time I go around back. My grandma had one of these wagons…they last forever, as long as you keep them out here on the Left Coast away from salt.
Did I hear somebody say,,,lS1 swap?! Lol
Beautiful car, if it was closer I’d bid on it but Washington is a smidge further from cinci than I want. Shame, I love the car
If the A/C really only needs “serviced,” why wouldn’t a seller have that done? That would certainly add value to the car.
ngine manufacturer:
GM Chevrolet Small-Block V-8 305
Engine type:
spark-ignition 4-stroke
Fuel type:
gasoline (petrol)
Fuel system:
carburetor
Charge system:
naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder:
2
Valves timing:
Additional features:
Rochester 4-barrel
Emission control:
catalyst
Emission standard:
Cylinders alignment:
V 8
Displacement:
5001 cm3 / 305.2 cui
What power?
Horsepower net:
123 kW / 167 PS / 165 hp (SAE net)
/ 4200
Torque net:
332 Nm / 245 ft-lb
/ 2400
Horsepower gross:
Torque gross:
Car power to weight ratio net:
66.3 watt/kg / 30.1 watt/lb
The 5 litre V8 is an Oldsmobile engine. The battery on the car is mounted on the left side. The typical Chevrolet had the battery located on the right side.
I had a1985 according to the numbers it was a Olds 305 which was put in chevys and Pontiacs. Ran great rolled over 100k
SOLD for $4,600.