If you relish the prospect of slipping behind the wheel of a 1960s classic featuring the effortless power and torque of a big-block V8, this 1969 Chevrolet Caprice deserves a close look. It spent decades in storage, but the seller’s recent revival has brought this survivor back to roadworthy condition. It presents well, has no apparent needs, and is numbers-matching. Its next journey could be to a new home, as the seller has listed the Caprice here on eBay in Guttenberg, Iowa. They set their BIN at $27,500 with the option to make an offer.
Originally conceived as a luxury trim level on the existing Impala, Chevrolet granted the Caprice standalone model status in 1966. The First Generation version remained on sale until 1970, with our feature car rolling off the line in 1969. It isn’t a classic with a claimed ultra-low odometer reading, but the seller states that a previous owner placed it in storage in 1981. It emerged only recently, and the lack of deterioration suggests that the environment in which it spent forty-five years must have been close to ideal. The Fathom Green paint has an excellent shine, and any defects are too minor to be visible in the listing images. The vinyl top shows no evidence of deterioration, and there are no signs of rust. The panels are straight, the tinted glass is clear, and the trim is comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle. However, all of this is merely the entree, with the main course hiding under the hood.
With a curb weight approaching 4,300 lbs, the ’69 Caprice could never be described as a lightweight. Therefore, extracting respectable performance required something special under the hood. This car delivers, courtesy of its numbers-matching 427ci V8. That year’s Sales Brochure quotes a power output of 335hp, but it is the low-end delivery of its 470 ft/lbs of torque that helps the Caprice get up and moving if poked with a sharp stick. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, with this car also scoring power steering and power brakes. The seller revived this classic after its decades-long hibernation, replacing the typical range of parts that would make it roadworthy. The spotless state of the big-block may indicate a rebuild, but this doesn’t rate a mention if it is the case. Overall, it appears this Impala is a turnkey proposition, ready for action.
The color theme set by the exterior paint shade continues inside this Caprice. Its luxury leanings are emphasized by the cloth and vinyl, which is free from rips and tears. The front seat has what appears to be stains on the driver’s side, and I am unsure whether professional detailing would address these. The carpet is also slightly dirty, but its condition is acceptable for a survivor of this vintage. The dash and pad look good, there are no issues with the woodgrain, and the wheel is crack-free. Luxury appointments include air conditioning, a power front seat, and a push-button radio.
The 1969 Chevrolet Caprice is a large, heavy car, but with the 427ci V8 under the hood, it is a remarkably energetic performer. This gem has very few needs and is ready for classic motoring fun with its new owner behind the wheel. It has generated moderate interest since hitting the market. Of course, it only takes one person for it to find a new home. If you’ve previously owned a ’69 Caprice, would you consider repeating the experience by parking this one in your garage?
Glorious! Not that I would dare alter this car, but imagining a third pedal and covered headlights…perfect…
The asking price is, (according to Hagerty), commensurate with a concours example of a ’69 Caprice. Some underbody photos would be nice, especially since the car is offered by a dealer.
These “Dealers” are so out of hand anymore.
Seemingly gone are the days when a guy had a nice vehicle and he’d “deal” directly with potential buyers. Wow, is it that much of a headache?
I was fortunate almost 3 years ago to find my current, a Shadow Grey 04, 40th Anniversary GT Mustang Convertible.
Ole Smokey needed a few things he’s mine and at a very good number for both of us. And it was out there in the wild for offer. Smh
It appears the white wall stripe is coming off on the front tires. At this price, spend some money and put some real white wall tires on it and then put a little shine on the tires. Otherwise, a very beautiful car in my favorite color. GLWTA!
Or throw them away, and install rallys with red lines.
Rallys & red line tires are as much of a cliche on Chevy’s as the `57 is. And they don’t necessarily belong on a Caprice; at least not to me. Save those for a Malibu SS or Camaro.
Riding in style. 1969 Chevrolets are an easy favorite.
This thing is clean and a beast of a vehicle. Cleanest one I have seen in years. 427/400 trans A/C power steering/brakes and seat Very nice.
I always find it funny how many cars of the era have a 6-way power bench seat, but no power windows/locks or cruise or tilt.
I wondered the same thing decades ago, and my Chevy dealer Godfather enlightened me on it: quite often, when a car is chosen for the lady of the house, she is smaller in stature naturally than her husband & requires the seat in a closer position. That is just one example of why people would order cars like that back then. Today, just try to get a stand-alone power seat–you can’t. it’s usually grouped with power windows/locks as part of a ‘package’.
I bought a 427 and 4 speed Impala one time off a girl….nice car…
That 427 needs a better air cleaner! Let that big dog breathe!
100% agree. The “detuned” 335 HP motor used GM’s CCS emissions system as opposed to the A.I.R. system that was reserved for the higher HP engines. Therefore, it came equipped with the thermostatic air cleaner. They could have at least given it dual snorkels, however.
Still love this car though and it would be one helluva cruiser.
If this had the L36 427/390, hide-a-way HL’s and bucket seats, I’d be all over this car, lack of garage space be damned. The LS1 427/335 is a good motor, but too sedate for my tastes. I never understood why Chevy didn’t list the L72 427/425 on the sales brochure. You could get it and only 546 of them made it into the 1969 Full Size.
Looks like they stuck black tape on the side moldings, instead of masking them and repainting them.
That’s actually a wide rub strip, with thin chrome moldings above and below. These were Caprice-only, standard equipment.
Yes please.
I had this same car only in blue. It had 90,000 miles on it when I bought for $250. It was rust free, running on 7 cylinders. I put a cam in it and it ran well. It was the worst driving car I ever owned. Rode like bus, handled like a bus.
nice but needs some improvements. if it only had hideaways and some better tire/wheels. need to lose those hideous tailpipes as well. something more hidden and tasteful.
Looks just like my o’buddy Paul’s mom’s car but I’m pretty sure she had a fold down ceter are rest for Shutzee – her dog….got to ride to school in it a bunch…..Paul’s dad also had a 427 – in his dump truck that he used in his business – one reason I think the wifee got one….although not really the same motor but…..
Flip the lid on that air cleaner, loosen the secondary air flap a bit, and curve the distributor.
And thoses cloth seat are terrible to keep clean, one drop of clean water and a stain appeared.
Then the cycle start over, and over, and over.
I have a 1970 Caprice with the same cloth, a nightmare to keep clean.
Althought a very nice example!
In 1976 I was working for a Chevrolet dealership in Claremore Oklahoma and could have bought this one’s twin for $350. They had taken it in on trade. It had a weak lifter that took a while to pump up. I was fresh out of high school with not a lot of $ and premium gas was approaching $0.75 a gal. so I passed on it.
Are those 14″ wheels?
Custom Coupe(Impala or Cparice) and 4 doors HT Caprice had standard front power disc brake and so 15” wheels. Hubcaps were the same pattern for 14 or 15” but the 15 are rare to see.