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Bargain Wagon: 1978 Chevrolet Caprice

I may soon be in the market for a new-to-me set of wheels—and it’s a good thing I’m not yet, because, boy, if I was, I’d be awfully tempted by this beauty. I usually go for more European-type cars, but I’m a wagon guy, too, and this ’78 Caprice is handsome, local, and cheap. How cheap? Try $2,500! Check it out here on craigslist in San Leandro, California, and thanks to Pat L. for nearly getting me into trouble with my spouse (archived ad).

Talk about a clean green machine! This Caprice isn’t even showing the usual degradation of the plastic panels between the body and bumpers. The ad text is light on details, but it claims that the 56,000 miles shown are original, and it seems plausible. The engine bay isn’t pictured, and whether there’s a 305 or 350 under the hood isn’t specified, but the ad claims that there are no mechanical issues. Either way, expect a pleasant cruiser, not a stoplight drag racer.

Also unspecified is whether this is a two- or three-seat wagon—nothing aft of the rear seat is well pictured inside or out—but what we can see of the interior would seem to neither confirm nor deny whether the odometer has ever rolled over. The carpet in the driver’s footwell isn’t particularly tidy and there’s a bit of wear on some of the dash switches that we can see, but there are no major rips or other evident issues. Power windows are a nice touch, and that’s certainly a color you’re not likely to ever see on a new car interior again! Kudos to the current owner for finding a color-matched towel and Rubbermaid bin.

It may not have the spousal seal of approval, but I dunno, for $2,500 it’s hard to see how you could go wrong here. The timing’s not right for me to jump on this great deal—so close, but not quite—but if it is for you, make sure to let us know in the comments!

Comments

  1. Avatar joeinthousandoaks

    Wow, very clean. If it were any closer I’d buy it and throw on some Corvette Alloys.

    Like 2
  2. Avatar jdjonesdr

    I wouldn’t touch a thing. What a nice find.

    Like 2
  3. Avatar Rhett

    I love these cars, drove tons of them back in the day at a Chev/Buick dealership. This is exceptional money for that car.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar Gearheadengineering

    If this was local, I’d be on my way to pick it up now. Seriously.

    That’s a lot of car for that price.

    – John

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Gene Parmesan

    I’ve enjoyed watching these wagons gain popularity over the years. They’re the perfect mix of weirdness and coolness and this one is no different with all that green. Gonna make someone an excellent cruiser.

    Like 3
  6. Avatar blyndgesser

    Some larger sway bars and a crate 350 from Chevrolet Performance, and you’ve got the perfect anti-minivan.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar wagonWillie

    Why was the ad flagged for removal?

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Warren

    Hmmm, flagged for removal?

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Rock On Member

    Someone doesn’t want any competition so they flagged the ad to make sure that they get to the car first.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Dovi65

    The good, & the bad is that this one [like most of the affordable wagons] is so far away.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar 68custom

    is that a curb feeler on the pass front? nice wagon, nicely equipped and probably rust free, bet it is gone!

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Jud

    There’s a “carpet” covering the dash. The rest of the wagon looks so nice that I would say it’s there for protection, and not to hide cracks. The brake pedal shows no extreme wear. This is either a “cherry”, or a great cover-up. Either way, worth the money.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Maestro1

    They are great cars. Drive and enjoy.

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Buick Fan

    One of the best driving cars made – you won’t feel a bump. I would buy it too, even with $900 shipping. Did anyone archive the ad so we could glean the phone #? I would happily get in line!

    Like 0
  15. Avatar Fiete T.

    Love it

    Like 0
  16. Avatar Chebby Member

    I had the sedan version of this 20 years ago, same color and everything. This would be a hoot to own and the price is right!

    Like 0
  17. Avatar Brett Battan

    I clicked on the link it says the posting has been flagged for removal this may be a Craigslist scam

    Like 0

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