Ah, the 1960s. It was a decade where manufacturers were willing to bolt potent engines under the hoods of cars to create muscular classics. This 1966 Chevrolet Caprice demonstrates this dramatically because the first owner ordered it with a 396ci V8. It presents superbly and will draw crowds like a magnet wherever it goes. Its next journey could be to your home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Caprice listed here on Craigslist in Boring, Oregon. The seller set their price at $29,500 for a classic with no apparent needs.
The Caprice appeared as a standalone model in Chevrolet’s range in 1966. It wasn’t the debut for the badge, which initially appeared as an options package on the 1965 Impala. This first-year example is dazzling and seems to have undergone a thorough refurbishment. The seller indicates that it has been repainted in its original shade of Aztec Bronze, with a contrasting Parchment vinyl top. It is a case of struggling to find fault, because the paint shines beautifully, the vinyl appears pristine, and the panels are laser-straight. The seller’s underside shots confirm what many may have suspected: this classic is rust-free. The trim and glass are flawless, but I’m not sold on the 18″ Boyd Coddington wheels. They look suitably muscular and purposeful, but I would prefer to see something more period-correct or original gracing each corner.
Powering this Caprice is its numbers-matching 396ci V8, which is paired with a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission, as well as power-assisted steering and brakes. Chevrolet quoted a fairly conservative output of 325hp for the big-block, although this motor may deliver more. It inhales deeply through an upgraded Edelbrock carburetor. An MSD ignition system provides a nice, fat spark, while the spent gases exit via Hooker headers and a dual exhaust. As with the wheels, these changes are reversible if the buyer prefers authenticity. However, since this Caprice appears to be a turnkey proposition, the new owner could decide whether to make those changes at their leisure. What is certain is that although this classic tips the scales at just over 4,000 lbs, its performance should still be mighty impressive.
This Caprice doesn’t appear to have any genuine weaknesses, because its interior is just as impressive as its exterior. The front bench seat accommodates six, while the upholstered surfaces and carpet are free from wear and other imperfections. An underdash gauge cluster enables the driver to monitor the big-block’s health, while a retro-style stereo provides in-car entertainment. Other welcome features are ice-cold air conditioning and a tilt wheel.
It is easy to be dazzled by a sparkling classic, and such is the case with this 1966 Chevrolet Caprice. Its presentation is almost impossible to fault, but purists will be disappointed by the mechanical changes and the aftermarket wheels. Reversing the upgrades is possible, and when we factor the seller’s seemingly competitive asking price, doing so would not compromise the car’s financial viability. Would you choose that path, or would you enjoy this classic in its current form?
“Boring, Oregon”? IMO a misnomer unless you’re on the 5 around Portland, driving this beauty through the REAL parts of Oregon looks to be a time well spent. Thoughtfully well set up, at this price it might be the vacation any gearhead loving these would enjoy.
Boring Origan is better than Blueballs PA….lol
Just precisely where is the “real part of Oregon”? Boring is at the base of the Cascade mountain range on the main route to the Mt. Good ski area and surrounded by 100 ft. Evergreens. I lived in Oregon for 55 years and I guess that I always thought that is what the image Oregon was. Silly me.
Mt. Hood, auto correct on steroids.
Too bad about the wheels.
Yep, rallys would look a lot better. Heck, full wheel covers would look better. But for now it’s his car and he can do whatever he wants with it.
That should bring all the money. Beautiful original big block car in a great color combination.
Agree with Rodger, might lose the wheels, but then I’d rock this around Fort Myers EVERY DAY!!
Hey Mark! We are just up the road from you in Punta Gorda!
Would love to see this car with bucket seats and original wheels!
Jim,according to Adam,this bench seat holds 6 people.I bet it’s a pain when everyone takes a slug of beer at the same time
I currently have a 65 Imp that I’m restoring. I’m an engine builder in S. Chicago area and will be bolting in a 427 4 speed. This red neck beauty is inspiring me to get my butt in gear!
I’d certainly change the wheels but the engine mods enhance the drivability and are not visible. I think this car looks outstanding and at that price you get a lot of big block cruiser for your money.
I so wish that GM could build something like this for today’s market!
Vey nice Caprice!! Just not a fan of the rims. I like original rims. Get rid of the chrome tips on the exhaust.
What a cool car! I had a dear friend in the late sixties that had a factory 427/390 4 speed ’66 Caprice, and I absolutely loved that car. Put a set of 8″ Rallies with TA radials on this little jewel and my friends you would have a real automobile. As I have said before, I am to old and broke down for this car thing, but I can assure you that if I were not, I would be all over this beauty.
Jim,according to Adam,this bench seat holds 6 people.I bet it’s a pain when everyone takes a slug of beer at the same time
This is an stunning automobile which looks like an expensive restoration, take away the wheels, tires and accessory gauges. The paint looks high dollar and not the typical ‘scuff and squirt’ flipper job. Nothing is painted which shouldn’t be painted.
The car looks good with 18″ wheels and tires. OEM-like steelies of the same size could be better though. Please no rallye wheels. The car should be the star of the show and not rims.
corvette bronze and a fawn interior what a great combo. nicely detailed under the hood and a b/b to boot. those wheels really bring down the look IMO. factory mag caps would be a better choice
If I hit the lottery tonight !
I would go buy both of those big block beauties, i’m kind of surprised they’re not asking more. Less than the price of a new pick up. But if I had to choose, it would be the 66’, then sell my 64….
Notice the A/C compressor relocated for
1969
Nothing else looks quite like a Cobra. The only thing that compares is a Corvette. The Cobra looks like a classic 2 seat, street derivable, race car. The corvette, as classic as they are, for any year, always struck me as an eighth grader’s idea of GM’s mass produced sports car. And they are always turning heads where ever. Place both on the race track and you’ll have one of the best races you have ever seen. Even though the Cobra usually takes the trophy.
I had a ’66 Corvair in Aztec Bronze. It’s a beautiful color!
And that’s a beautiful Caprice!
I had a real nice butternut yellow one like this about 40 years ago, couldn’t hardly give it away. Sold it for $1200. I think.
Almost everybody is doing the modern wheels thing. Opinions on what classic cars they do look good on. I don`t care for them on anything.
Nice…..we had two of these at my church in the late 60’s both 1966’s. Lukes dad had picked up a late in the year Marina Blue that my buddy Luke has cloned. An on the bad side the York’s had one in this color which Phil would get years later and plow into my 1968 J code 4 speed Road Runner which was parked in it’s regular spot…..never got a dime as Phil was already on a SR-22 and had no money.
Yep, rallys would look a lot better. Heck, full wheel covers would look better. But for now it’s his car and he can do whatever he wants with it.
This car is being sold by a dealer near Portland that carries mostly high end muscle cars. Here’s a link to his ad for this Caprice.
https://nwhouseofhardtops.com/1966-caprice-2-dr-hardtop
Passed on one of these a year ago, blue with black bucket seats and chrome Cragers, I’m still kicking myself.
Now please don’t take this wrong, I am honestly not trying to be facetious, but what in the wide world of sports does a Corvette,.and especially a Cobra, have to do with this car? I really just want to understand the thought process.
About 50 years ago when I was being let of HS I would walk by a neiborhood finance company that had a 67 just like this for sale. I wanted it bad but ended up with a 65 from a family member I was told to buy. Ever since then I have looking and not finding it.