The Caprice was top dog in the Chevy line-up from 1965-96, relegating the Impala to second banana. Between 1971 and 1976, it would be among the largest Chevrolets ever built. Beginning with 1977, the cars were all “rightsized” to conform with the era of higher gas prices and the need to be less thirsty. This 1985 edition of the Caprice is pretty sharp, a one-owner, and was driven by a little old lady (but not from Pasadena). It’s available in Long Island, New York and here on craigslist for a nice $3,900. Thanks again to our eagle eye Pat L. for sending this tip our way!
The third generation of the Caprice ran between 1977-90, with a “sub-gen’ between 1980 and 1985. Changes were minimal from year-to-year, and ’85 was no exception. You had to dig deep to find some of those changes, like the simulated woodgrain used on the dash being replaced with a simulated silver metallic appliqué. Caprices came with either a 305 or 350 cubic inch engine with a three-speed automatic (a four-speed automatic with overdrive was available).
This 1985 Caprice looks as good as could be for being an original, 84,000-mile survivor. It’s a one-owner car that was clearly taken care of over the years, including garage confinement. We’re told the car has no rust and has been in no accidents. The body and paint look pretty solid, so if your goal is to show-off a 35-year-old car, you could do so with pride. The interior looks hardly lived in and the seller says a match never met with a cigarette in this car. For a Caprice, the auto is modestly equipped, i.e. no sign of power-assisted windows. The A/C blows cold.
Under the hood is the entry-level V-8, the 5.0-liter version (305 cubes). The car is said runs like new, quiet and smooth. The exhaust system components from the catalytic converter back are new to the car. It’s too bad a vehicle this nice isn’t tracked (yet) by Hagerty, so most of the online sources treat its pricing as a used car. The seller’s asking price is probably top dollar, but the car looks as though it could be worth every penny.
This is one that would be fun to make a bit of a sleeper. Not a horrid price for the car, really.
The only person liking that car is a Low Rider builder or a real sleeper street racer that can hide a big block under the hood and a Ford 9 inch under the rear!!
My 1979 Olds Delta 88 Royale Brougham makes over 600 horsepower with a supercharged 370-inch LS motor…
This would likely be a great daily driver classic and maybe even a hauler for one’s trailer queen.
Especially if it stays under $5,000. This platform and drivetrain was almost indestructible and lasted a long time with proper and regular maintenance.
Can’t go wrong at that price. These were definitely one of the better full size cars of that era. By this time the early problems with the 305s were worked out.
I remember back in the ’80’s the company I worked for bought a new Chevy wagon for deliveries. It was so under powered, with a tiny v-8, I know it was smaller than the 305. Am I remembering this correctly?
Yup – 4.4 L 267 cu in V8 rated at 115 hp. Ugh.
One of my best friends in high school, his Dad owned one of these and they were rock solid. It was so solid, that my friend took it out before he had his license while his Dad was asleep.He drove around the block and was returning it when he drove it right through the garage door. This was after he had backed it out previously, and tore the rear bumper half off hitting oncoming traffic. He walked a lot and never drove me anywhere. He eventually got a job as an Engineer with GM. Go figure.
Someone buy this and save it from being Donked.
Its gone, there were many cosmetic flaws like the rear bumper side covers missing and the placement of the rear side Caprice emblems in the wrong place. Water pump will need replacement soon, probably a good driver though, but this was a $2000 used car at best.
Close, but I think he would rather have an anemic V6 under the hood so he can hold up traffic !
Well played Karl, well played!
Good to see one of these that hasn’t been slathered in yellow paint for taxi service or jacked up on 26″ Dubs!
I don’t know about the paint it looks flip flop on right front just saying
Spotlight..
Outta the car LongHair. Lol
Needs 30s on a 3 foot lift lol🤣👍(just jokin)
Gone, and for good reason. These were, and still are great, comfortable and reliable cars.
My grandparents had 3 “downsized” Caprices, a ‘77, an ‘84, and an ‘89, the last of which I inherited when they upgraded to a LeSabre in 1994. 26 years and 215,000 miles later I still have it, it still looks good and still pulls strong like a bat outta hell. They can be great cars when cared for.
Loved by the “Gypsy” cab drivers in NYC. Large size and good performance in gas mileage.
I know he’s not asking a lot, but it’s been painted. The emblem on the C-pillar is close to six inches higher than it’s supposed to be. It’s so easy to get this right, and hard to correct. That would just slap me in the face every single, solitary time I got in the car.
in the ’80s I drove for an airport limo company in the Boston area. we had several Caprice and Impala wagons. dependable, handled great, never broke down.
The smog equipment can be removed without problems……..if one knows what they’re doing.