“Der Hindenburg, Hudson Hornet Redux, Blimpo, Steel Zeppelin,” these are all some of the derisive names that surfaced when Chevrolet introduced its fourth-gen Caprice in 1991. Today’s find, courtesy of Tony P., is a nearly identical 1992 edition that appears to have lived well in Sacramento, California. It is suggested as being “Grandpa and Grandma’s car“, so let’s see what it has to offer, and if the snarky name-calling was justified. Here on craigslist is where you’ll find this aerodynamically styled sedan, and it’s available for $3,500.

This Chevy’s predecessor, styled as a box on wheels, was offered between 1977 and 1990 – an exceedingly long fourteen-year run for a design that underwent minimal changes. It and its Impala sibling were immensely popular, though, and did all of the basic automotive things really well, thus their long tenure. These fourth-gen cars were produced from 1991 through 1996 and were accompanied by a similar Impala SS (’94-’96), which is today a true collectible. Offered in both four-door sedan and station wagon body styles, these fourth-gen Caprices sold well, with ’92 being a high-water mark, notching 116K units. This Caprice is a full-size car with a stretch of 214 inches, spread over a 115″ wheelbase, and tipping the scale at 4,400+ lbs. The aerodynamic styling, however, makes it appear even longer, at least to my eyes. This 80 K-mile example looks fine with a finish that still possesses a shine and is free of clear coat peel, though the passenger fender appears to be a non-matching repaint. The soft bumper covers seem to have escaped the parking-by-ear fate, and there is no other indication of any general operating mayhem. Cheesy wheel covers need not apply for this Caprice; it’s equipped with standard alloy wheels.

Only a single engine was afforded to Caprice in ’92, a 170 net HP, 305 CI V8, tethered to a four-speed automatic transmission. There was an optional 5.7-liter engine available, but only in the station wagon. The seller claims, “runs perfect “. The 305 powerplant is often derided for being lackluster, and the earliest two-barrel carburetor-equipped versions weren’t much to write home about. However, the 1980s introduction of port fuel injection changed all of that, and Camaros produced during that era were considerably more powerful. As for durability, no issue there; they were in keeping with what one would expect from a traditional small block engine.

The original owner of this Chevy decided to spring for optional leather upholstery, and it appears to have withstood 30+ years of use and existence. As I recall, the leather texture used in GM cars of this vintage is a harder, more durable variety of cowhide, not something soft or supple. The advantage is that it doesn’t seem to crack and maintains its new look for extended periods. As for the rest of the environment, it shows well, but the ever-present photographic shadow makes a detailed observation difficult. Still in use in ’92 was the silly federally mandated 85 MPH speedometer, a reg that was officially discontinued in ’82 but automakers, in many cases, seemed content to continue with it.

Starting in 1993, Chevrolet widened the rear track of the Caprice and applied radiused rear wheel openings – a small change that greatly improved the car’s appearance. The less-than-flattering terms, noted above, ceased, and the Caprice police package (RPO 9C1) and the Impala SS became popular and sought-after versions. Styling, of course, is always subjective, but my thought was that the ’93 redo softened the demand for the more ungainly-looking ’91 and ’92 editions. Still, this is a full-size, rear wheel drive sedan powered by a V8 engine, a still-desired configuration that’s barely a reality anymore. For $3,500, this clean Caprice will find a new home soon, wouldn’t you agree?