By the mid-1970s, interest in large, bulky, full-size cars had waned thanks to rising fuel prices created by the infamous OPEC oil embargo in 1973. Compact cars quickly became all the rage because of their advantage at the gas pump. So General Motors decided to downsize its big beasts in 1977 to keep business in-house. Enter the 1977 Chevrolet Caprice, a smaller product than before, yet it was just as roomy inside for its passengers. This coupe is a solid survivor that wears its 68,000 miles fairly well and is available here on craigslist from Vacaville, California. $12,000 or something close gets to take the Chevy home, Once again, Pat L. comes through with a great tip!
Downsizing affected all of GM’s full-size cars, which for a single year were about the same proportions as the mid-size Chevelle (which, too, would be downsized in 1978). Compared to the big boats of 1976, the ’77 Caprice was 600-800 lbs. lighter, 10 to 14 inches shorter, less wide by four inches, and yet they were 2-3 inches taller. All this while increasing trunk capacities to some 20 cubic feet. Because these cars were on a diet, smaller engines contributed to the fuel savings, with 305 and 350 cubic-inch V8s being at the top of the spectrum.
GM’s vision turned into greater sales and Chevy sold more than 341,000 Caprice Classics in 1977, of which 72,000 copies would be the 2-door “aero coupe” (as the seller calls it) like the vehicle here. While that term would be applied to a Monte Carlo a decade later, these were really semi-fastback sedans that had a three-sided rear window which we assume would be expensive to replace today (not needed with the seller’s car).
This Caprice looks like a nice survivor-quality auto. The paint and interior may be original, and no mention is made of whether the engine has ever needed to be broken open. The vinyl top, which matches the color of the rest of the car, is new but looks like a spray-on from the photos. The only apparent work needed is on the insides as the carpeting and headliner need replacing and the dash pad is cracked. We’re told the Chevy runs and drives as it should and has an automatic transmission, which was standard fare on the Caprice Classic. Even the factory A/C blows cold!
From the seller’s description, this machine has been off the road for a bit as the California registration is “non-op” with no outstanding fees, though the smog device inspection will need to be done by the buyer. The seller’s craigslist listing is a testing of the waters, per see, and may “keep the car for myself” if he/she has to put any money into it, sounding like a dealer or third party. Motor Trend anointed these Chevies as “Car of the Year” for 1977, so does that help whet your appetite to own this one?
I had the Impala version of this car, but a ’78. I bought mine in about 1990 for 1700 bucks, the price also included a new paint job. At the same time I also had the vinyl top removed (I always hated those things) and it really made the roof line and back window stand out. Also put some 15″ rally wheels on it. The A/C was always ice cold. I sold it when the kids started driving cause by then we had too many cars, but it’s one of the cars I sure do miss.
In the ad, they called this an aerocoupe/sportcoupe ?
Never heard that before ?
taxi !!!!
While that term would be applied to a Monte Carlo a decade later, the aerocoupe rear glass of said Monte is the same piece from the 77-79 Caprice/ Impala so it wouldn’t really even be a stretch to call this one an aerocoupe. Most people that follow these cars, there is an active community interested in specifically the 77-79 Caprice/ Impala 2 doors, will refer to them as aerocoupes. Beautiful surviver, and as always, nice right up Russ
The Monte Carlo Aerocoupe glass is not the same as the Caprice/Impala coupe glass. Compare photos side-by-side and you’ll see the differences. In profile view, the Monte Carlo glass has more curvature than the Caprice glass, and the sides of the glass are larger. Both were made using the “hot bent wire” process, but they do not interchange.
In 1980 I moved to field service support for my employer, and the position included a company car. My company was in transition, about to be purchased by a large East Coast company so they gave me a 1997 Caplice that they had bought new, aka “the white whale,” blue velour interior and wire-wheel-style covers. Coming from VWs, a Toyota Crown and other reasonable size cars, this 6 seater was a revelation and was great fun in the early 80’s. I just showed my wife this “red whale,” but no sale even though it is only about 60 miles away.
I always find it amusing that what youse call a “compact” is bigger than almost all of the stuff that is/was for sale over here. Rolls/Bentley/Jag probably the biggest thenabouts; Fiat 126 probably the smallest.
” * Buyer does Smog ! “. Maybe, maybe not.
If a California Buyer, Seller is required to provide Smog Certificate. (DMV: “Under California law, the seller is responsible for having a Smog Check performed on the vehicle and providing the buyer the certificate of compliance.”)
9ART*** CA License indicates fairly recent registration (year or so), so seemingly? may pass CA smog.
Grow up! I am glad I live in a northeast Ohio county which doesn’t require that bs! N btw, last I knew being that old doesn’t require bs emissions check anyways!
My buddy had one that was dark green77 350 4gc th 350 with a tan Landau vinyl he bought from his neighbor across the street about 40 years ago where he lived for 100 and just ready to go to Victory auto wreckers.Put a t chain in it and ran great.I put a lot of cams, lifters and t chains in these late 70’s early 80’s 305’s and 350’s in the day. Had a 78 4door Caprice all decked out with options 2 tone blue light on top dark on the bottom.Got it for 500.Car was in excellent condition 305 2gc th350. This is a nice car and they are hard to find.Priced about right imo for what is .I’d offer 10k tops especially if it has f41.Wonder if she’s a 305 or 350 car.glwts.
I bet she was repainted at one time as the door latch striker bolts are painted.
Nice car, no mention of it being a 305 or a 350, though. I don’t see it going for anywhere near his price.
“Original running condition 305 c.i. 5.0 V8”
From the ebay listing.
In Canada we had 🍁 a version called the Bel Air lol. A twin. The cops used the 4 doors as ghost cars 👻 🚨
I was in San Francisco in 1981 and saw an obviously new Bel Air. Thought I was seeing things until I saw the British Columbia plate.
One of my Canadian uncles got a new company car every two years. He drove Bel Air coupes through the ’70’s until his last, an ’80 Bel Air sedan.
I had a 77 4-door. Loved the ride and quiet, but hated the rust spots that broke out all over. It looked as though it had the measles. Apparently, GM bought steel from Japan because it was cheaper, and it was exposed to sea water on the trip to us. Very comfortable vehicle, but I couldn’t live with the rust.
I always liked this body style and think it’s under loved
My folks bought one of these new, trading in a big 1974 four-door hardtop Caprice with the 454 motor. They were empty nesters by then. Nice car.
Ive owned a 78 & 79 Caprice Classic Landau. 79 had a Moon roof. I started to restored the 79 but ran into issues finding interior parts. Back then GM used plastic all over the interior. Parts were crazy high. They road & drove like a dream. If I had the room I’d do some serious thinking on buying this beauty. PS I might have built this one since I worked at the Chevy plant in St. Louis. Retired in 06 from Corvette plant BG Ky
In 1980 I moved to field service support for my employer, and the position included a company car. My company was in transition, about to be purchased by a large East Coast company so they gave me a 1997 Caplice that they had bought new, aka “the white whale,” blue velour interior and wire-wheel-style covers. Coming from VWs, a Toyota Crown and other reasonable size cars, this 6 seater was a revelation and was great fun in the early 80’s. I just showed my wife this “red whale,” but no sale even though it is only about 60 miles away.
Only think it needs in my opinion is the Whitewall tires
Lol…. That’s a big no! It’s not a 50’s vehicle.
Great Car. I owned for my WInter wheels. The AC will turn you blue.THe coldest Ac I have ever owned.
Wouldn’t have to worry about the smog junk where I live, I’d take that junk off where it could breath anyway. Nice car, too bad it will probably end up jacked up like a 4×4 and have 24” wagon wheels and rubber band tires put on it.
Sorry Russ I don’t mean to contradict your expertise, but that too that looks “Spayed on” has a center seam. I think it’s real.
Correct top is real vinyl top not sprayed . Still have title with original owners name and address from Davis CA. I am the owner , PRICE IS NEGOTIABLE!!!! You can find it on Facebook Marketplace in the Bay Area .
1977 Motor Trend American Car of the Year, GM B- Bodies, Awesome!!
Mine got good gas mileage, and rode comfortably. But, eighteen months into it and rust began to pop out all over the thing. It looked like it had measles.
Wow for the low price of 12 HhhhaaAa’s sorry but a non collectable non muscle car . Anything over 3000 ha ha’s is about 2000 ha ha’s too much.
Unlike on the ’76, the ’77 2 door full size chevy being only available with not very sporty FRAMED side glass steered me away from this car back in the day. A long framed side glass 2 door makes it harder to get out in close quarters. But with no glass frame, the window can be rolled down to squeeze out easier.
Same with the ’80 thunderbird(& even Lincoln Continental ! 2 door) compared to the ’79s.
What were the car companies thinking back then!
Imagine the current pony cars also with long doors have frames around their side window glass. Might not sell at all.
Purchased my 79 Chevy caprice landau 2 door 15 years ago. The car is powered by a 350 (4) barrel. The vehicle had been treated to one repaint approximately 16 years ago along with a new factory interior and new landau top. Duel exhaust, Chevy ralley wheels and white wall tires were added.The vehicle is a multiple award winner and magazine article car. Maybe I should test the buyers market.
Price has been reduced to $9,500. is that makes a difference to anyone.