It’s hard to say for sure what’s happening with this 1970 Chevrolet Caprice, as it’s described as an unmolested example but it looks to sporting the kind of stance I’d associate with a lowrider. Throw in the classic reverse spoke chrome wire wheels and it seems like this thing is inevitably headed to an address associated with the west side of a local community. All that said, the seller notes the Caprice is in good condition and not a rust bucket, though there are some rust spots blossoming in places. Thankfully, if you’re not into the wheels, the original rollers and hubcaps are included. Find it here on craigslist for $7,500 in Vancouver, Washington.
Bottom line, this is a great design. I can see why fans of American classics like this inevitably get passionate about the coupe versus sedan debate, because this car will make your neck snap as it rolls down the street, but I can’t say the same for a sedan-bodied Caprice. The Caprice is said to be largely straight and true, with a good trunk floor and just two areas of rust: along the edge of the hood and on the bottom of the rear window on passenger side. The seller emphasizes that the pan and entire underside is rust-free. Chrome looks sharp as well on both the rear bumper and front fascia, and the Caprice appears to have an aftermarket exhaust of sorts (or at least aftermarket tips.) Between the sound and the stance, this big-bodied coupe is all sorts of bad-ass.
The seller maintains that the interior is a bright spot, too, as the bench seat shows no obvious signs of wear and the door panels and dash look quite clean, too. Wood-style inserts are holding up nicely, and the dash shows original switchgear and radio still in place. The seller notes this is an A/C car but that the compressor has been removed; it is included with the sale. The headliner is likewise said to be in excellent condition, and I have to wonder what the mileage is – I don’t see it mentioned in the listing. The condition would suggest it’s remained under 100,000 miles, as I don’t think the original upholstery and wood inserts would still look this good if the Impala has racked up huge mileage over the years.
The engine bay is squeaky clean, and is noted as being a 350 paired to TH350 automatic transmission. Options include power steering, power brakes, front discs, and factory tilt wheel (in addition to air conditioning.) Recent mechanical updates and modifications include a new starter, flex plate, ignition switch, battery, and alternator. It also has a new carburetor and Edelbrock intake manifold, a mild cam, and electronic ignition. The seller doesn’t make much of a fuss about the obvious modifications, but reading about the cam and seeing the gold-painted air cleaner (and engine block, pulleys, etc.) tells me this was someone’s project/show car at one point. There’s a lot to like here, but the mostly rust-free condition is the most appealing feature to me. Thanks to Barn Finds reader local_sheriff for the find.
“Hey man, how am I drivin?”
“I think we’re parked, man”
That was a ’64, not a ’70. Sorry, man.
Very nice unassuming ride. Clean and stanced. Not all enthusiasts of a lowered car are Western. They are worldwide.
Very easy build. Take your moms old GM. Add lowering springs or just a Dayton wire or a knock off that looks the part. A little polish. You are rolling with the crew.
Having owned my Grandmother’s hand me down ’70 Impala, I can attest to this being a wonderful road car. I owned it and drove it daily for over 20 years. Solid on the road and a pleasure to drive!
Can I see your license? Isn’t it on the bumper, man? Sweet ride!!
Looks like a good find. I’d prop it up on it’s original stance and drive it.
I have seen many 70 and earlier GM cars with mileage of 100K plus that the interior still looked very nice .
More like the eastern side of a big west coast city. Lowriders are Everywhere, it’s a very strong culture. More like pieces of art work, self expression.
For me this one would sport 15X7 mags and with bigger tires showing raised white letters, a gold Moroso 14X3 air cleaner since there’s so much gold color in the engine anyways,,,, from there just strolling up and down the coastal 1 highway on the weekend.
“Got a black magic woman…”
In the late 70s I had a 70 Impala as a “loaner” car for a week and I kind of liked it. Even today I certainly like it more than most full-sized sedans that were on sale in 1970.
This one? I would have to raise it up to near stock height, but other than that, I could live with it “as is”.
For what you are getting the price seems reasonable.
Nice car, I’d have to get the ride height back to stock and fix the exhaust system as it Definitely is not stock exhaust. I’ve never figured out why on 65-70 full size Chevys everyone routes the tailpipes between the gas tank and the frame rails. They should be routed outboard of the frame rails where they are nowhere near the gas tank. Makes no sense to route pipes carrying warm exhaust next to the gas tank..Guess it’s the same as with 61-67 full size Chevys that everyone puts the wiper arms on wrong, even though the undersides are marked R or L, everyone flips them….doing that makes the drivers side hit the A pillar trim and causes the passenger side to clear a bit less area of the center of the windshield.
I thought the left wiper had a secondary link, or is that only on the top trim?
On 68-76’s you are correct, the drivers wiper does have a secondary link. But 61-67’s don’t have it. But the drivers wiper on 61-67’s has a slight bend to it to clear the a pillar trim that the passenger wiper doesn’t have.
I’m from East L.A., Man!
Everyone complaining about ride height. Please note. If it is done right with the right parts there are NO compromises. Not talking about heating the springs here.There are companies that make quality parts specifically to do this today. Choosing the right wheels also enhances or kills.
Agree AMC. These undersized Dayton wires with skinny whitewalls were never appealing, in my opinion anyway.
Absolutely correct AMC Fan. I think it sits exactly where any cool cruiser should. The majority of lowriders run either airbags or drop springs, today hydros are mostly for the inner circle of show cars.
The lowrider community is partially responsible for keeping the interest up for Impalas when everyone else found them to be just old cars. I have much respect for their automotive art and talent
No one mentioned the radio antennas. Not a 70 option. Kinda odd looking since 70’s are located in the windshield.
This one have the optionnal seat fabrics with details on them.
Quite rare. Nice Caprice and love the stance!
When I see somebody that has removed the air compressor, for whatever their reason was, I walk away.
I don’t want to be fixing whatever damage they did to the car especially for the asking price.
Put some GM rallys on it, and give this car its dignity back.
had one in 91 50 K og mile true spokes vinal top too 200W stereo 1000$ from my bro, sold bak to him a yr later.