Many enthusiasts agree that certain words, phrases, and terms are overused in the classic world. “Patina” is often mentioned, while “ran when parked” will often produce grinding teeth. “Time capsule” also springs to mind, although there are times when no phrase is more appropriate. Such is the case with this 1995 Chevrolet Caprice Classic. It has never been modified or restored and is a two-owner survivor with a genuine 59,000 miles showing on its odometer. Barn Finder numskal has a great eye for classics, and I must say a big thank you for spotting this beauty. The Caprice is listed here on Craigslist in Lompoc, California. They set their price at $8,500, making it an affordable alternative for someone seeking a comfortable and practical vehicle.
It is unclear when the seller became this Caprice’s custodian, but the purchased it from its original elderly owner. It has spent its life in a dry climate, with the underside shot confirming that this gem is rust-free. I have never been a particular fan of Black paint, although there are very few shades better for exposing panel bumps, bruises, or imperfections. Once again, the news is positive. There are a couple of small soft door dings, but otherwise, she’s as straight as an arrow. The paint holds a mirror shine, the plastic and glass are in good order, and the 15″ alloy wheels are free from stains and physical damage.
Chevrolet offered 1995 Caprice Classic buyers a choice of two V8 engines, with this car’s first owner teaming the smaller 4.3-liter unit with a four-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. This motor produces 200hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque, both figures considerably lower than available from the range-topping 5.7-liter powerplant. Therefore, outright acceleration is relatively sedate, although if the buyer pegs the needle at 70 on the open road, this car will reward them with fuel consumption figures on the good side of 22mpg. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for their mileage claim, but they confirm that this survivor runs and drives perfectly. Therefore, the new owner could fly in and drive home behind the wheel of their new toy.
If the buyer does elect to drive this Caprice home, it sounds like they are in for a treat. The seller describes it as the most comfortable car they have ever owned, and it is easy to see why. With supple leather trim, air conditioning, power assistance for the windows, locks, mirrors, and seats, cruise control, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player, life inside this classic is unlikely to be a hardship. The driver’s seat exhibits some slight stretching on the base, but that is the only item worth mild criticism. The secret to its overall preservation is hidden subtly in the listing. The seller is losing their two-car storage, and this Caprice must go. They would prefer to send it to a new home than leave it exposed to the elements. That’s a fair indication that this Chev has been protected from the ravages of the sun since Day One.
Potential buyers should probably view this 1995 Chevrolet Caprice Classic as a practical vehicle offering instant enjoyment, and not as a rock-solid long-term investment. Values have dropped dramatically since the start of 2024, although the situation has stabilized since July. Does that mean they will climb to their former level? You need a crystal ball to answer that question. However, if the ownership experience is more important than a future financial return, this survivor deserves a closer look.
Nice n roomy to drive down to the lawn bowling club, or golf course ⛳️
If this is a 4.3l it is not a V-8. The 4.3 was called the Vortex and was a V-6
A very capable engine, but no barn burner in this monster car.
Yes, Chevy made a 4.3 V8 just for the Caprice.It’s known as the ‘baby LT1″. I think it was the L99 option code. I assume they made it to appeal to fleets looking for better mpgs?
Its so funny. I only knew about the 4.3 V6. I never knew about the baby LT1. But, once again, Im going to say that I learn something new every day! I wasnt a huge fan when these came out, but as time goes by they’re growing on me.
I have been an auto tech for 30 plus years and you are correct on the 4.3 liter v8. I believe it was only around for a couple of years. Some people are confused about this engine.
Wrong. The standard V8 in these cars in the ’94-96 years was this 4.3L V8.
Wrong. Chevy did make a 4.3 liter V8 just for the Caprice. It wasn’t as well known at the LT was. Look it up if you don’t believe us. If you look at the air cleaner cover it says V8.
Hi Rusty, actually from ’94 to ’96, the L99 4.3 V8 was produced, and the Caprice was the only vehicle it was ever available in.
The V-6 was dropped when the LT1 was introduced for 1994.
The base Caprice engine from 1994 onwards was indeed a 4.3 liter V-8, based on the 5.7 liter LT1.
@ Rustytech,,,,,WRONG….the 4.3/L99 265c.i. motor IS a V8…..BTW, it’s VORTEC, not Vortex.
Sorry about the spelling, evidently Vortec is not a word, spell check took over and I didn’t catch it. I did go back and google the 4.3 and yes they did put a 4.3 V-8 in these. It was a surprise to me as I worked on many of these in the 90’s and early 2000’s and never saw one of these engines. Just proof us old goats can learn new things. Thanks.
I would think the soft springed mid ’70s full size fords,mercs,lincolns ride/absorb bumps better – even ’73-’78 torino type cars – even if this Caprice does not have a rear swaybar.
I bought a 92 last spring which was a one-owner estate car with 59k miles and I will attest to it being the most comfortable car I’ve ever owned. I have three other 80’s Caprices which I like better from a looks perspective but this one is a different driving experience in comfort and performance (such as it is) than my others with 305s under the hood. This is about what I paid and I’ve had offers to sell it for more so I think the price is very fair.
The last of the decent or comfortable riding American made cars, after a long days work you get a nice soft ride home.
My 2003 Crown Vic would beg to differ, I had a 96 (and 89) Caprice 9C1, great also. Remember in 1989,”Car Craft” magazine had a GM Concept car, 89 Caprice 9C1 with a 454 crate engine, modified 4 speed auto trans, 3.4:1 axle, big GM tach mounted on the dash…..
I remember reading how many police agencies put their Caprices in rehab. Every component was gone over or replaced. All were high mileage vehicles. The policemen loved their Caprices. Top speed, with LT-1, was something like 150 mph. Not knocking any Crown Vic’s or other vehicles, but I have never heard of any police agency rehabbing a Crown Vic.
Posting expired…..
Beautiful looking car. I remember when this generation Chevy Caprice and Caprice Classic were intro’d to the American car buying public. I remember thinking “It’s about time they updated the body styling!” If only we could see pics of the car. Damn Craigslist. They never keep anything up for very long before removing it.
Some get sold…some expire…gotta be quick on the draw :>)
Very true.
GM was on a roll with these cars. Alas the Escalade, Tahoe and Yukon held sway and put them down like an old dog. We’ve not recovered and probably never will.
Friend, you really need to check your facts closer. I had a Chevrolet mechanic say the same thing, until he saw the 4.3. It is basically the 265 V-8 of the 1950’s. I have a 1996 Caprice with this engine. My friend told me it had the LT-1 top on the engine. It has over 240K on it without a rebuild. Great car, rides well, and very comfortable on long trips.
I have a ‘*96 Caprice Classic. It has the 4.3 V-8. Pretty well loaded with all options. I had the transmission rebuilt as about 150K. Needs another rebuild and some other work done to it. Currently, it is for sale at a price well below this car. I have a 2022 Chevy Equinox, that gets good mpg, rides fairly well. I remember on one trip with the Caprice, I got right at 25 mpg, running about 70-75, and the air conditioner. I get about 28 mpg with the Equinox. Hard to believe. The ’96 has over 240K. This is a good car. Whoever gets it will be very happy with it. Hope somebody doesn’t molest it.