Pickups and SUVs dominate the new car market, but some vehicles demonstrate that there is still a spot for practical sedans. This 1991 Chevrolet Caprice Classic is a perfect example of the breed. It presents well for its age and is a one-owner survivor with 74,000 original miles on its odometer. It appears to need nothing, helping to explain why it has generated considerable interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Severn, Maryland. Bidding on the Caprice has raced to $5,024 in a No Reserve auction.
The Fourth Generation Caprice, introduced for the 1991 model year, is a car that nearly didn’t exist. General Motors had decided more than a decade earlier to discontinue production by 1990, but it changed its mind around 1985. It developed the new Caprice on a relatively modest budget by utilizing components from other models and was rewarded with 104,297 sales during its first year in showrooms. This 1991 Caprice Classic is a one-owner survivor carrying the hallmarks of a vehicle that has been treated respectfully. Chevrolet offered Caprice buyers nine paint shades, with this car’s owner selecting Flame Red. It retains an impressive shine, and any marks or chips seem confined to the prone lower front bumper. A reputable paint shop should have no trouble performing a touch-up, but it is a process that isn’t essential. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no evidence of rust. The trim and glass are excellent, and the wheels are free from stains and physical damage.
Readers who prefer their classics with luxury touches will enjoy life inside this Caprice. It has climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, a remote trunk release, cruise control, Twilight Sentinel, and a tilt wheel. The only visible addition is a Panasonic CD player. Cars from this era can often look tired, but the inside of this Chev seems surprisingly good. The Burgundy cloth seatcovers show minor wear but no evidence of developing holes. The remaining upholstered surfaces and carpet are spotless, with the faux woodgrain adding to the luxurious feel. There are no signs of broken plastic, and the dash hasn’t succumbed to UV exposure.
The 1991 Caprice Classic isn’t a high-performance model, although buyers were happy with the power provided by the fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8 under the hood. The four-speed automatic transmission sends 179hp and 255 ft/lbs of torque to the road. From this model year, the company introduced ABS as a standard feature. The power and torque figures are modest by modern standards, but the aerodynamically efficient body still allowed the Caprice to hit 127mph before its V8 ran out of breath. Sitting at 70mph on the open road rewarded the driver with fuel consumption figures on the good side of 20mpg. It meant owners only needed to top off the tank after clocking around 450 miles. It also meant the Caprice was the ideal weapon for long-distance touring. This beauty is in sound mechanical health, and it appears there is evidence supporting the claim that it has a genuine 74,000 miles on its odometer. The seller will arrange discounted shipping for the winning bidder, but flying in and driving home seems a realistic expectation.
Gauging whether a vehicle hits the mark with potential buyers is sometimes challenging, but the 1991 Chevrolet Caprice Classic removes any lingering doubts. It has attracted thirty-six bids, and there’s time remaining for that figure to climb significantly. Have you ever owned a Fourth Generation Caprice? Did you enjoy the experience enough to consider a repeat performance?
These really were great cars. Wonder where bidding will go.
Nice car. Looks to be a clean 3-year-old car not 33. The 305 will be just fine. At least it’s not a 267.
Sign me up, I own a 94 Impala SS. One of the best modern road cars built. Well, modern is a relative term now.
That’s what I love about the 1991 Caprice/Impala SS. It still looks modern without all the current technology you see in today’s cars.
Love aspirational names like CAPRICE. Actually had a 72 CAPRICE. Cadillac style luxury at a much lower price. Like other last generation GM full size RWD vehicles, this doesn’t quite live up to previous generation. Plastic bumpers, minimal chrome trim, and aero styling do not carry on the OTT luxury image. But as the last of the breed, in great condition, it is worthy of going to a buyer who will regard it as highly collectible. They don’t make anything like it in today’s world of SUVS and crossovers.
“Caprice” means “a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior.” It’s not aspirational, it’s schizophrenic.
Exactly my point. Perhaps not really aspirational, but giving a devil may care appeal. Which often relates to upscale vehicles and those who appreciates them. Thanks for your response 👍. But I am On to VERSAILLES! 👑 🏰. 😉
Perhaps not truly aspirational, but giving a somewhat arrogant reaction frequently seen in luxury vehicle owners! Appreciate your input, but I am On to VERSAILLES 👑 🏰. 😉
Ha. It could have been the Chevrolet Whimsical.
IT’S 🎵SUPERASPIRATIONAL 🎶SOMEWHAT 🎵 SCHIZOPHRENIC 🎶 CADILLISTIC 🎵CAPRICIOUS 🎶 And not completely Atrocious! 🎵. Just couldn’t resist A Merry POP in ⛱ during March MADNESS! 😉
As if the bathtub Nash wasn’t enough, 40 years later we get another one
First family car I remember was a 50 Ambassador. I’ll take the NASH!
Where did the time go? This fascinates me…a one-owner car like this, the tail-end years of the full-size Chevrolet line. Bel Air begets Impala begets Caprice, and is the last model-name standing when all falls down. Thirty-four years earlier, the Tri-Fives were new, and V8 power in a down-market GM car a new thing. Now, the V8 is being legislated out of existence, and there is no family sedan – only a family truck or crossover.
One owner. The owner could have been maybe 40 years old…the ideal sort of car for a middle-aged suburbanite slowing down a bit. Room for the family; comfortable and not flashy, but with plenty of potential for touring.
Thirty-four years later, he, or his heirs, sell it. What changes in his life, he must have had, where this same car had met his mobility needs all that time. And remaining in fine form.
Hard to believe that time for me, neither. I was a struggling young guy back then, and now I’m retired. But the beater cars I had then, which left me walking many a time…wouldn’t do me today.
Totally agree and understand! Glorified trucks masquerading as Luxury vehicles and melted jelly beans now rule the roads. Fortunately, I have a beautiful low mileage 2007 Town Car, still able to drive. BUT, I am now a Vintage Rolls Canardly, Roll down one hill and Can ardly get up the next.
It’s not a one owner if you look at carfax. It was bought by the current owner in 1996 and carfax counts it as 1 owner since they only have a single title event. Generally owner counts are invalid for anything before mid 90s.
Car also just sold on marketplace with for sale price of 8000 so current seller probably got for less than 7500
That’s likely where this will end up
It only needs 1 thing , put a LS in it!
If I had to drive one of these hideous monstrosities, at least make it a Roadmaster. This thing was not attractive then, and now.
Had a Roadmaster with the Corvette 350 in it that was fast, and luxurious. Loved that car, and the mileage on the highway was phenomenal. Truly liked the 350 much better.
I sent this car’s twin to the junkyard a couple of years ago with 275,000 miles on it. Everything still worked fine, but there wasn’t a piece of sheet metal on it without a rust hole, and that includes the frame.
A nice well kept survivor and the rear stabilizer bar would indicate the F41 suspension package. A way nicer ride than todays buzzy engined unibody specials or having to graduate to a full size truck.
My Greatest Generation/Buy American Dad drove a beautiful maroon 1978 Caprice. Had he made it into the 1990’s, I am sure this model would have been his next/last vehicle purchase. These models were the cat’s meow for him and his generation.
My father in laws last car. Same color and accessories. Always a buy American guy.
He would be lost in the sea of SUV/CUVs that dominate our landscape. M
Lovely looking car. I remember when this generation Chevy Caprice Classic debuted. I thought it was the best looking car since the 1964 Chevy. I know, that’s a long time between vehicles, and there have been some nice Chevys between the two.
As stated in a reply above, I truly liked the Roadmaster better with the Corvette 350. The car was quick for it’s size,and luxurious. Mileage was awesome on the interstate, and it went almost 300,000 miles before I sold it. It was a fleet car, off lease, and I got it at a great price. Drove it for over 15 years, and got about 3/4 of my buying price back. I felt great using the car for the time I had it, and getting back a large chuck of change to boot!