The muscle car movement of the mid-1960s was largely focused on mid-size automobiles like the Chevelle SS 396 and the Pontiac GTO. But a sleeper in the group was the new Chevy Caprice which could be ordered with a 427 cubic inch V8 and a 4-speed manual transmission. In other words, it’s a luxury car that could also go fast. The seller’s ’67 Caprice is one of them and it’s probably rare today, though in rough condition and needing lots of love. Located in Moss Landing, California, this Beastly Bowtie is available here on eBay for a flat $20,000.
Arriving in mid-1965 in response to the successful Ford LTD, the Chevy Caprice was a plusher version of the Impala. It went over so well with buyers that it became a series of its own in 1966 and was treated to a restyle in 1967 along with the rest of Chevy’s full-size cars. Most Caprice buyers likely went for the base 327 V8 engine because they wanted a fancy car for a lot less money than, say, a Cadillac DeVille. Caprice buyers in 1967 could order any Chevy V8 in the Caprice except for the 425 hp version of the 427 – that was reserved for the Impala SS. But that didn’t exclude the 385 hp 427 from being dropped into an unknown number of Caprices.
From the looks of things, this ’67 Caprice 2-door hardtop has been buried in a barn for quite some time. We’re told it starts and runs well and has new brakes. But the photos suggest otherwise and only one photo is provided of the full body. So, we don’t know what damage there may be to the rest of the car and whether rust is an issue (the seller says it’s not). Lots of interior photos are provided and it may be dirtier than anything else.
The potential rarity of this Chevy is that the 427 and 4-speed are said to be numbers-matching. It has a bucket seat interior which plays into the hands of muscle car fans. This could be a worthwhile project to restore, but it won’t come cheaply. However, when finished, the Caprice could appeal to folks in two camps: those who worship muscle cars and others who like luxury car amenities.
Looks like the barn didn’t have a roof. Lot of Bondo under that emblem. Price out of sight and the dollars to fix it are going to be too.
Is that a Nissan Patrol lurking in the background?
Probably a rusty mess a Moss Landing Cs is right on the ocean and wet 24-7 365 days a year
Not a fan of the notch back roof line, but I hope this car gets saved. It will of course take deep pockets to do so.
saw a couple of these new; awesome cars. Think 396 chevelle would have a hard go against one of these. Went with my Grandmother in Oct 1967 she bought a new 1968 Impala 396/325 4 dr dual exhaust hardtop off dealers lot.It was no slouch,
Whoever ordered this car had eclectic taste, 427, 4spd, posi, bucket seats, console, upgraded radio/speakers/tape deck, wood wheel, power windows, formal roof, manual steering and brakes.
Rust might not be as bad as assumed, fog and salt air in California often doesn’t penetrate more than a mile or two inland from the coast, often less. If interested in this car it’s worth a look, the seller might be willing to negotiate.
Steve R
People always mis-use the term “tape deck”. A tape “deck” plays AND records. The automotive 8-track and cassette players do not record.
The L72 427/425HP wasn’t available on the full-sized 1967 Chevrolet. Records indicate that 11 such engines were manufactured, but it is not known if these were installed in production cars or used for other purposes. No documented 1967 full-sized L72 cars are known to exist. Like the never-built Monte Carlo 454/4-speed, rumors persist, but no legitimate cars have been found.
Could it be a 390 horse…..that’s what my Impala SS was….
I remember in 67 the NY State Police bought some 67 4 door Belairs with 427 4spd.
I didn’t see them on the road long I think the young troopers got caught racing with them to many times.
Mom inherited a 67 fastback Caprice that my grandfather ordered to his specs.
He passed away in 68 so we got it practically new. It was a 396 with a TurboJet emblem on the fenders. I remember the GM “sampler” 8 track tape with Johnny Cash and the Bonaza theme on it. Oh and that black brougham interior. Car was white with a black vinyl roof.
The car went like a rocket, imagine moms dissatisfaction when she traded “up” for a 71 327 Impala wagon…
Obviously the 8 track player was added as they did not exist in 67. I have hundreds of 8 tracks and many players and record decks and a few of those 8 track tapes strictly labeled Cadillac. Some were for my 76.
Maybe the 8 track player didn’t exist at General Motors, but Ford offered an AM 8 track option for the 1966 mustang.
Steve R
@ Fupa……No such animal as a Caprice fastback….in ANY YEAR.
Here’s a ’66 Caprice 427, 4spd, buckets, console, gauges, tach, 3:31 posi. Barn find, a real one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MYqqu5Dkpc
I think this car is neat. The first owner must have been really “special” to order it without power steering or brakes, but with power windows and the 8-track tape set-up.
His price is pretty strong unless it’s truly rust free and runs great. I do hope it gets saved.
The melted dash plastic makes me wonder. Just how did that happen?
Saw that too…..carb fire ?
I remember when I was a kid of 11 there was three 396 Chevelles and one 427 Caprice in the neighborhood. They would come flying by the house all the time.The cops got after the Caprice late one afternoon, I won’t say the drivers name, but was known for running back then,but they ran him all over the place that day.They finally cornered him after about an hour in the lower part of our big neighborhood. He flew by our house about three during the case. I can hear it now.
Years back a buddy of mine had a ’67 Caprice, 327 with a 3 speed on the column and O/D. He sold it to a cousin of mine who totaled it.