The era of the full-sized convertible may have come and gone, but if you enjoy the thought of piling four or more people in a comfortable top-down cruiser, check out this sweet Chevy! The 1974 Caprice Convertible in Mansfield, Texas seems to have enjoyed a pampered life, somehow accumulating a mere 15,146 miles over nearly 50 years, according to the seller. The listing on Facebook Marketplace asks $30,000 for what looks like a turn-key convertible. That said, running and driving condition evades the listing, so call the lonely seller if interested.
The listing gives us about one word for every 1000 miles on the odometer, but we do learn that a 400 cid (6.6L) small block Chevy V8 powers this classy convertible. Compared to the 400 big block (an evolution of the famed 396), the 400 small block gets a bad rap for some weaknesses that mostly affect hard racing. The 400 SBC should do fine this ride, producing extra torque and HP over the more common 350 cid (5.7 L) mill. Fresh paint on the 400 suggests a rebuilt or at least a paint job that (unlike many) involved removing or masking off hoses and engine accessories.
The green continues inside. Vinyl upholstery makes a great choice for convertibles that may get caught in a sudden shower now and again if used often and properly, where “properly” equals… often. Green may not float your convertible boat but you’ll fall in love with this color compared to black the first time you sit after leaving the top down in July. I think I still have sear marks on my thighs from a black vinyl-upholstered ’66 Galaxie convertible we had in the ’70s.
Given the option to laugh or cry when reviewing car ad photos, I choose laughter. Described as a solid car with “no rust,” the big Chevy looks great from every angle. I might not go 30 large on this car, but if you’re in the market for one, how many are in better shape? I’ve purchased at least two cars from Texas, and if they stay garaged like this one appears to have been, you won’t find much to complain about beyond the mechanical. Let’s hope someone strikes a deal and treats this creampuff to plenty of sunny drives and garaged nights. What’s your favorite full-sized convertible?
How much water does it draw?
This is a sweet car in all it’s pea green glory . I would change nothing .
What a survivor 👍These are huge cars. The 400 had 2 versions and a variety of optional rear gears. Wonder how this one is spec’d. No mention in articles.
It needs the fender skirts put back on!!! They add an elegance to the body.
I have a 74….no skirts.
I had one in triple white, I loved that car!
Any way to resolve the huge bumper
problems w/o irreversible cutting!? I
would live with ’em if no. The original
placement on my ’76 Cutlass looks
ok, but those are fat like these.
The large Olds verts look good, too.
I like it but would want a/c.
The 400 SBC was bored to the water. Not a great engine with those thin cylinder walls. In 1976, I was the assistant service manager at a Chevy Olds dealer. The owner had a red over white 75 Caprice conv with vanity NY license LASTONE. I drove it several times on long trips to JFK airport. Rode 1000 times better than any junk GM builds. And in style. My 87 year old mother could design a better looking car than the garbage built today. If this slime green Chevy really has 15,000 miles it’s a keeper. But not at that price.
1974 I was driving my 1972 MG Midget convertible. It was my first small car and after almost 2 years I was tired of it and wanted my land yachts again. I ALMOST traded the MG in for a 1974 Caprice convertible with power everything. Back then they were only mid $3000s. It would have been a cranbury/maroon color with white top and interior. Really wanted that car. Ended up selling the MG privately and buying a used 1971 Imperial LeBaron 2 door hardtop.
The MG was my last convertible until my 1975 Cadillac Eldorado convertible in 2001
You can’t beat these land yachts with the top down. Recently sold a 1974 Olds Delta 88 convertible and replaced it with a Jaguar rag top. The whole family could go on a ride. It was dark blue with white vinyl interior and top. I would only want a light colored interior.
When cars were cars. Just think, no GPS, no electronics to keep you out of trouble. A car you actually need to pay attention to when driving. The best part is it has real bumpers that don’t need a body man to fix.
I had one. Mint Green Metallic, White top, same green interior. However, mine was a 454 4bbl car and loaded to the roof with options. It was an ex-GM plant manager’s car ordered with special options. 3:42 rear gears w/Positracton, HD springs, cooling package all kinds of toys. Unfortunately, it went under 6 feet of water and I gave it away. Had 24k miles on it. I still have the 454 in my garage.
To me, the 1974 Impala and Caprice were the best looking cars for 1974.
back around 74-75 i bought a 71 olds delta88 royale conv, turquise with white top and interior, plenty of power, great ride, the best car i ever had has our primary car, it was beautiful
Have a 75 Pontiac Lemans Sport Coupe, color on it is called Lake Mist Green, very similar to my Lemans. It has the 400 small block with a 400 transmission. At 184,000 pulled both. Went back with all stock in the motor but with bigger cam. Transmission rebuild was just fiber and steel with a shift kit in the valve body, along with new pump & converter. Car over all has 245,000+ miles still looks as good as it did when I got it in 1979