This 1966 Chevrolet Caprice is more than just a pretty face. It is not only equipped with some desirable optional extras, but it comes with a big block under the hood. This Chevrolet is a classic that anybody would be proud to own, and you have the chance to do just that. The owner has decided to part with the Caprice, so if you feel like slipping behind the wheel, you will find it located in Elk Grove, California, and listed for sale here on craigslist. You could park this slice of automotive magnificence in your driveway for $32,000. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for referring this fantastic survivor to us.
The Marina Blue Caprice is a stunning car. When you look at its overall condition, it is hard to find much of which to be critical. The paint shines beautifully, with no evidence of significant flaws or problems. The owner doesn’t indicate whether the vehicle has ever undergone any restoration work, but his description of the paint as being “very nice” is probably a great piece of understatement. The panels are laser straight, and there’s no evidence of rust visible anywhere. The chrome and tinted glass are in excellent order, while the Rally wheels and narrow whitewall tires add a classy finishing touch to the exterior. You can’t help but think that this classic would command plenty of attention at a Cars & Coffee or cruising our streets and freeways.
If this Caprice’s exterior makes a stunning statement, its interior offers us more of the same. It is upholstered in Black vinyl, and its condition is superb. The upholstered surfaces show no wear or issues, and I would venture to suggest that they retain a factory-fresh appearance. The carpet is in a similar state, while the dash and pad are flawless. There is no wear on the wheel, and with a claimed 50,000 genuine miles on the clock, it is hardly surprising. The faux woodgrain is as flawless as the rest of the trim and adds that subtle touch of luxury to the interior. The original radio has made way for a CD player, but otherwise, this interior remains unmolested.
It seems that the original owner liked their touches of luxury, and they ticked plenty of boxes on the Order Form for this classic. As a result, the vehicle comes equipped with air conditioning, power windows, a power driver’s seat, a console with a factory gauge set, a factory tissue holder, and a tilt/telescopic wheel. The console is in excellent order, while the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings.
I said that this Caprice was more than just a pretty face, and lifting the hood graphically demonstrates this fact. The engine bay is occupied by a 396ci V8, while the car also features a 3-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The Chevy would tip the scales at 4,041lbs, but with 325hp on offer from that big-block, its performance is pretty impressive for a car of this type and size. If the owner were to point it at a ¼ mile, the journey would be over in 16 seconds. The engine bay presentation is spotless, with no evidence of long-term fluid leaks or other problems. With 50,000 miles showing on its odometer, this is a classic that should have many years of reliable service left in it. The owner doesn’t specifically say how well the car runs or drives, but you’d have to think that its V8 would sound pretty sweet breathing through its dual exhaust.
If this 1966 Chevrolet Caprice is considered as a total package, it offers potential buyers a turn-key vehicle that would turn heads with its looks and command respect with its performance potential. It is ideally suited to an enthusiast who cannot undertake a project build but wants to experience their slice of the classic motoring experience. It seems to need nothing, and at the asking price, it appears to offer a lot. It has only been on the market for a few days, and I suspect that it will find a buyer fairly quickly. Do we have any readers who might want to pursue this one further?
Has AC, but no mention of it’s operating condition. Considering the can of refrigerant visible in the engine compartment, I’d figure not ready to kick out the cold air.
And unless the seller has a stash of R12, I hope he’s not been mixing the modern stuff into the system without a proper changeover.
Nice car, though…
I see a new dual master cylinder and a rebuilt power brake booster has been added. I had one of these new in college and blew off many a hi po mustang with it.
In the description, it says that the car has disc brakes. Since they did not come out until 67, these had to have been upgraded. The dual master cylinder would be a perfect add-on at the same time.
I sure wish I had 32 large squirreled away. I’d snap this up and I’m not really a big Chevy fan!
1966 was a great year for the big cars from Chevy and Ford. Both had their best looking big cars of the 60s in that year.
This one is beautiful.
Very Nice.
Surprised it don’t have cruise control or even bumper guards.
Why do some people ALWAYS HAVE TO find something wrong?
It DOES have front and rear bumper guards which are plainly visible in the photos???? Cruise was not a common option on most any car in 66, but especially on a car from the “low-priced three”.
What a beautifully restored (and equipped) example of a Caprice 396.
Back in its day, the arrival home in one of these immediately transformed a previously rather lame father into the most seriously bad-*ss Dad on the block.
Happy Independence Day 🇺🇲 to everyone in our beautiful nation. Hoist one in celebration of what we are blessed with daily, even if it’s iced tea.
It is a very clean and desirable car. It’s one of those cars from the era where your car made a statement. This one says elegance and grace to me. Some will be getting a fine car IMO.
jUST NICE CAR!
A/C condition? The aftermarket radio – ugh! Cheap tailpipes gotta go too – nice, desirable car otherwise.
I bet the dash is hacked to get the current CD player installed, that would be a major issue with me, otherwise, nice car!
Way back around 1975, I had a 1966 Caprice with the factory 427, Turbo 400, buckets and console with gauges. It was white with a black vinyl top and burgundy vinyl interior. I wish that I had that car today.
Chuck, i was thinking of the bumper guards offered in ’68 with rubber strips. Guess they did not come out yet in ’66.
Gary, “wrong” & “unusual or uncommon” are 2 different things. There is nothing factory wrong/incorrect on this Caprice.
But, every old Caprice i remember seeing had a vinyl roof. & to see one w/o that is very surprising. On an Impala SS? No.
I also expected to see full delux wheel covers on a ’66 Caprice like here …
http://i.pinimg.com/originals/e1/b8/8c/e1b88c0cf6f7dd7c480e55e3fff10cb7.png
or here
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtoecY7aKZM/XteDbFj9h6I/AAAAAAAAZq8/oVDFXUiBzDAt6i0cfHLwXPSEyWbgh4vTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/s-l1600%2B%25281%2529.jpg
The rubber stripped bumper guards came out in 67. Since this car had a disc brake conversion, he probably went to 15″ wheels, a common practice. These Corvette-style rallys work fine for that. You would no longer be able to use any of the regular 14″ caps–std. Caprice, wire or mag-style.
Almost all the 66 Caprices I remember had dented wheel covers because the center of them stuck out more than the sidewall. People would hit the curb with them. I never liked the formal roof line of the Caprice as much as the fastback roof line of the Impala.