This 1985 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Station Wagon is a vehicle that leaves me torn. That isn’t because there is anything wrong, but I struggle to determine its greatest attribute for potential buyers. I wonder whether its spotless presentation is it or if the original owner’s decision to load it with optional extras will help it appeal to some buyers. The versatility of third-row seating could attract an enthusiast with a family, but the seller’s decision to list it here on eBay with No Reserve could tip the scales for many. It is located in Darby, Pennsylvania, and spirited bidding has pushed the price to $11,100.
Chevrolet introduced its Third Generation Caprice in 1977, and production continued with largely evolutionary changes until 1990. Our feature Wagon rolled off the line in 1985 and remains remarkably well preserved. Its panels wear a combination of Light Chestnut over Dark Chestnut paint that shines well for its age. The seller indicates there are a few paint and panel flaws, but that doesn’t prevent it from presenting in an above-average state for a family wagon with thirty-seven years under its belt. There is no evidence of prior accident damage or repairs, but the best news is that it is rust-free. The panels are clean, and the underside shots reveal rock-solid floors and the intact factory undercoat. The rear bumper filler has begun deteriorating, but it hasn’t crumbled yet. It inevitably will, but reproduction fillers are readily available and affordable. The trim is in good order, and the glass is flawless.
The Caprice’s interior continues the vehicle’s tidy theme, with no significant flaws or defects. The cloth seat upholstery has some slight wear on the outer edges but shows no evidence of the hard living and abuse we see on many family Station Wagons. The carpet has some dirty marks and minor stains, but its condition is acceptable for a survivor-grade classic. It features the versatility of third-row seating, which the seller believes has never been used. Chevrolet describes this Wagon as a nine-seater but judging by the space available in the third row, it could only accommodate three small children to achieve that total. There are no aftermarket additions, but the equipment levels won’t disappoint most potential buyers. The Caprice features air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player with rear speakers.
This Wagon rolled off the production line at the height of The Malaise Era, so its performance levels will hardly set pulses racing. Its engine bay houses a 5.0-liter V8 producing 165hp. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission, while power assistance for the steering and brakes are a standard part of this package. The seller indicates the Caprice has a genuine 86,000 miles showing on its odometer, but not whether they hold verifying evidence. They say the vehicle is in mechanically excellent shape. It runs and drives well, the transmission shifts smoothly, the car tracks straight, and the brakes feel strong. There is no better way to build a relationship with a new car than by undertaking an extended road trip. The successful bidder could fly in and drive home behind the wheel of this Chevy, allowing the opportunity to form that bond.
It doesn’t seem many years ago when you would find a station wagon parked in every second suburban driveway. They offered excellent versatility and load carrying capacity and were the perfect vehicle for a family holiday. Most manufacturers have dropped station wagons from their product range as buyers turn their attention to vans and SUVs. There is no evidence that any American manufacturers intend to revive the Wagon, meaning those that crave one must look to the secondhand or classic market. That leaves it to vehicles like this 1985 Caprice Classic to act as torch-bearers, and it does that well. People like what they see because otherwise, it would not have attracted thirty-seven bids. If you are hunting for a family wagon, would you consider pursuing this one further?
Put a LS in it , just do it, everyone will be happier
Yes please! I had a 79 Pontiac wagon with that 305. What a slow sluggish way to push 4,000 lbs then add people and luggage. Poor gas mileage from constant exercising my right ankle. Then a on the highway try passing anything.
If you had a 350 powered engine you had more power and torque. Mine had issues with the carburetors accelerator pump sticking from deterioration and flooding from the floats composite material leaking fuel inside. Heat was the cause.
Can you imagine going down a long downhill stretch at 55 mph and the throttle gets stuck to the floor trying to stop by standing on the brakes then once stopped the engine screaming and trying to shut it off!? I thought it was the cruise control unit and disconnected it. Besides it was useless climbing any hill.
Good thing it was gutless and had decent brakes. It did it 3 more times until I rebuilt the carburetor using more expensive parts that had a brass float and better pump material that solved the problem.
I wouldn’t buy another GM car from that era with the 305.
Somebody buy this and be very happy instead of idiotic SUVs.
These were and remain excellent vehicles. The condition is outstanding being a PA car. That 305 is easily upgraded or one could put a better engine in it. Me? I’d cam and carb it and drive it as is. I had a 305 in an HD 1/2 ton that I got almost 300k out of! With cam,carb and exhaust upgrades that engine performed well and was economical to boot. That is a good looking wagon!
Although I love my current 1991 Buick roadmaster station wagon I have a soft spot for these box wagons. I owned a 1981 and a 1985 caprice classic sedan. I’d like the sharp styling. Replaced the water pump on each one and it wasn’t fun. I swear every other accessory on that engine is bolted to the pump and must come off before the pump does. Don’t get me started on 137 feet of vacuum hoses and connectors! That being said I would still own this in a second.
My wife and I bought a used 1987 model in 1993 for our growing family. It had the absolutely horrible 307 Olds oil burner V8. After months of dumping oil in it, I convinced the dealer, Fred Beans in Doylestown, PA, something had to be done. They made me do an oil consumption test. It failed miserably. They agreed to rebuild the engine. I said ok. Then when they had it torn apart, the cylinders were egg shaped, typical of 307 junk. So, they said do you want a NEW GM long block. Yeah. Other than that, the car was very reliable. I sold it in 2001. Shoulda kept it. Hauled all the kids and their stuff. Think I paid $4,000 for it. Today, you spend $50,000 on some stupid SUV and need a trailer to go to the shore. Everything today is STUPID. Love this car.