We haven’t seen as many classic station wagons as usual in recent times here at Barn Finds. Therefore, what could better than a tidy 1984 Caprice Classic Station Wagon when the time has come to discuss, er, classic station wagons? This is a one-owner vehicle, and if the seller is to be believed, it has “power everything.” If all of that makes you want to pursue this one further, you will find the Caprice located in Florence, Alabama, and listed for sale here on eBay. The BIN on this beauty has been set at $8,500.
If there is one segment of the classic scene where demand is growing faster than most, it is the demand for traditional station wagons. Most people used to buy them out of necessity rather than choice generally, but now buyers see them as a viable alternative to today’s crop of SUVs. It is easy to understand why when you look at this Caprice. Its styling is crisp in a 1980s context, and the enormous amount of glass should prevent claustrophobia on the road. The panels on this one look immaculate, with no signs of significant dings, dents, or scrapes. The owner states that the wagon is completely rust-free. The White paint shines beautifully and tends to indicate that this is a classic that has been treated with care and respect. The trim and chrome seem to be in good order, with no damage to the wire wheel covers. I quite like the chrome roof-rack, although I can remember a friend who once said that they make a regular wagon look like a hearse. I can’t agree because they look a lot more classy than the old painted racks that we saw decades ago. The Caprice is fitted with tinted glass, and there are no scratches or chips to be seen.
Station wagons offer an enormous amount of versatility, especially ones like this Caprice. There is enough room to carry the kids, the pets, the groceries, or anything else that you feel the need to move. This one takes that versatility a step further because it features third-row seating. That makes it a true 8-seater, which means that it should be possible to haul around all but the biggest tribe. There’s a lot to like inside this wagon, and its overall condition is indicative of its ownership history. It has spent its life in the custody of an elderly couple, which would explain the lack of wear on the back seat and the pristine state of the third-row. Neither has seen much action, but the front seat is starting to show its age. There’s wear on the outer edges, which is indicative of people sliding in and out of the wagon. With our mobility tending to reduce as we get older (as I am now discovering), it is common to see wear like this. It isn’t bad, but I would be inclined to fit an aftermarket slipcover to prevent further wear-and-tear. The alternative would be to buy a replacement cover, and I found one in the correct material for around $350. The carpet is slightly faded and dirty, but I would try cleaning it before considering the option of replacement. The rest of the trim and plastic looks quite good, with no splits, cracks, or broken pieces. The seller says that the Caprice has power everything, and he’s not far off the mark. There are power windows, power locks, a power front seat, and a rear power window. Add air conditioning, cruise, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player, and this is a nicely equipped wagon.
Powering the Caprice is a 5.0-liter V8, which packs 150hp. The wagon also features a 4-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Tipping the scales at 4,067lbs, the Caprice is not the heaviest wagon that we’ve seen over the years, and the 19.2-second ¼ mile ET is respectable for a vehicle that is capable of seating eight. The seller says that the Caprice has 97,000 genuine miles showing on the odometer. It isn’t clear whether he holds evidence to verify this, but he does say that the wagon runs and drives great. I hear a road trip beckoning for the lucky buyer.
This 1984 Caprice Classic Wagon isn’t perfect, but its condition is a long way above average for a family wagon of this age. I believe that cleaning the carpet and replacing the front seat cover would be an excellent investment and would finish the interior nicely. One interesting thing that I’ve discovered is that there haven’t been many of these hit the market recently. When they do, decent examples tend to sell around the BIN price of this one. Got a larger family to transport? Maybe this is your answer, right here.
I learned to drive on a 1978 version of this. Metallic brown with vinyl “wood”. Ours had a police package 350, radiator and 3.08 posi differential. Power everything except seat. Tan interior with houndstooth inserts. No third seat. My father bought it one year old from a guy who worked for GM Canada who got to special order himself a new car every year. Great car, and faster than it looked.
I learned to drive in a ’77 Malibu wagon, 350 with the 3rd seat. Ran it up to 115mph one time and had more to spare, but it was on cheap tires and shaking pretty bad. The stupid things we do when we’re 16.
Looks to be a pretty nice car that you could drive home today if everything checks out. Would offer maybe $7500 to start.
I had one exactly like this back in 90!
Great car to haul things and all the kiddos, nieces and nephews- a true ten kid hauler if ever there was one! If the price wasn’t so high I’d buy it to haul all the grandkids and their toys now!
The tailgate makes me believe the car’s been painted, or damaged in the rear. Brochure photos, and my memory, show the CHEVROLET nameplate to be centered on the tailgate, not down low on the right. Body shops are notoriously lazy about figuring this stuff out.
I believe mine was down in the lower right.
I used to work in a body shop for 35 years and am meticulous about where the nameplates go. Chevrolet is always on the lower right side. If there is a nameplate for the model it is on the lower left
Neither my memory nor brochure photos show that to be the case.
https://jalopnik.com/at-8-500-is-this-1984-chevy-caprice-classic-wagon-a-c-1843238722
Another one with the nameplate in the center…as shown in the brochure.
I do believe the tailgate nameplate is centered on the woody style and cornered for standard body? That would explain it…what a beauty!
Here’s a two-tone (not woodgrain) ’84 Caprice wagon in the brochure, showing the nameplate centered. I stand by my opinion, anyway. :)
http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/chevy/84ci/bilder/6.jpg
This is certainly loaded including split bench seat and cornering lights. These are great family haulers.
We had a 1977 Caprice 4 door sedan and a 1980 2 door coupe. They were great cars to travel in.
Up for sale since January 1st and still available for $8500. I’m shocked! Are people tiring of these classic wagons?
I would not concider this a classic, it is just an over priced used car.
You might ‘consider’ this just a used car, but there are a lot of people that would disagree with you.
I love all makes of vintage wagons. When I was growing up here in the Seattle area, it seemed like half of the kids in my neighborhood parents had station wagons, it was pretty common. Was that a fond memory for some of you too ?? Growing up my Dad always had Chrysler products & since about 1960 on, he would have a new Mopar station wagon every 3 or 4 years sitting in the driveway. I remember in late ’67 when I just turned 12 years old, my parents, brother & sister were at the old Lynnwood Dodge, sitting in the rear 3rd seat with my brother, of a showroom 1968 Coronet 440, 383 – 4 barrel, dark blue wagon knowing that my parents were working out the deal to drive this wagon home. My Dad ALWAYS preferred the actual showroom car to purchase because he told my Mom they would usually be the best representative of the vehicle on the lot….I guess that made sense. But as my Dad would come & check on us kids, I motioned to him that what we REALLY NEEDED was sitting next to the Coronet……a 1968 Charger R/T, B5 blue, white butt stripe…..” But Pop, that would be a cooler car !!!!” My pleas were ignored. We drove home with our new Coronet wagon that day, but the nice salesman hearing about me rather wanting a 1968 Charger R/T instead, gave to me a gold Chrysler promo model to pacify my wanting . Little did I know how that would affect me car owning-wise later in life, as I would go on to own several 1968 Chargers, a original gold R/T & a original, but tired, a gold Slant 6 with column 3 speed shift, plus a orange 1971 Charger R/T & a gold 1972 Charger Rallye, that I’m lucky to still own all !! Plus, I still have that exact promo car from years ago !! But station wagons were such a great memory from my youth, we never thought they would be collectible, that ones that survived all these years if they could talk, but what adventures and stories they could tell.
Be well & stay safe car buddies !!!!
Smooth is what they are/were – we had them as shuttle cars for pilots when I worked at the airport in the early to late 80’s. Actually bought a used on in the 90’s that got me into station wagons.
Although clean I’m not sure if it’s on the high side – time will tell.
If it’s on the high side, it’s not by much. I’ve noticed that Alabama sellers seem to price their wares much more realistically than elsewhere.
wanna C a nice one in the chevy vein? ck the malibu waggy – 4th gen (’78/83), 105 inch WB (so not too big). Can probably get an 8 /or/ 3800? I’d put the 4 speed auto in’n B happy…