I have never been a person who has embraced tribute cars, but I am willing to make an exception with this 1992 Chevrolet Caprice Station Wagon. I think that I like it because it isn’t a faithful reproduction of a classic but takes one and places a new twist on it. That makes it unusual enough to warrant a closer investigation. If you like what you see, you will find the Caprice located in Wichita, Kansas, and listed for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. The owner has set the asking price at a very reasonable $10,000.
No doubt some of you will be looking at this Caprice’s paint scheme and will find it familiar. That is because it is a direct copy of the one that Chevrolet used on the 1993 Indy 500 Pace Car. The owner holds documentation that confirms that the company that created those vehicles built this classic. It is nothing if not striking, and it would be a great conversation starter at a Cars & Coffee. There have been some minor touch-ups performed, but hey, we are talking about a 29-year-old wagon here. Rust is limited to a small spot on the hood and another little spot on the tailgate, but beyond that, the panels appear to be pristine. The Caprice rides on a set of tough looking wheels, while the trim, plastic, and glass have all survived exceptionally well.
One of the coolest features of this wagon, apart from the paint, is the two-way clamshell tailgate. Not only is it practical, but it looks fantastic.
Under the hood of the Wagon is a 350ci V8, which the owner states is an LT1. Technically, this version wasn’t available until the 1994 model year. Still, given this vehicle’s history, it is possible that Chevrolet or the company that created the wagon slotted one into this Caprice as a one-off option. Hooked to the back of this V8 is a 4-speed automatic transmission that channels the V8’s 260hp to the 3.43 rear end. Power steering and ABS braking are part of this wagon’s standard equipment. Performance should be pretty impressive for a family wagon that tips the scales at 4,310lbs. It would be fair to expect the Chevy to blast through the ¼ mile in 16.1 seconds. That’s not hanging about for a family wagon that can seat eight people. The paperwork that was supplied by the company that created the Caprice indicates that the wagon has completed at least one lap of every NASCAR track in the country during its life. It isn’t clear what role it served, but if it was in an official capacity, that could explain the engine upgrade. The buyer will be able to slide behind the Caprice’s wheel with confidence because it is said to run and drive well, with the owner stating that the 350 is strong.
Life inside the Caprice could never be classed as unpleasant. The interior’s presentation and condition are hard to fault, with no apparent wear, tear, or other issues. The upholstered surfaces look clean, and there is no wear on the wheel. There are none of the problems that you might associate with a family wagon with cloth trim, although the buyer could choose to place the sticky-fingered youngsters on the vinyl 3rd-row seat for safety’s sake. Comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise, a tilt wheel, and an aftermarket CD player. The owner states that everything works as it should.
If you are the sort of person who wants to remain incognito, the kind of person who wants to blend like a chameleon into the background, this 1992 Chevrolet Caprice Station Wagon probably won’t appeal to you. However, if your heart desires to own something distinctive, interesting, and remarkably practical, that is an entirely different matter. This is a classic wagon that can transport the entire family and one that has a fantastic backstory. With values of classic wagons continuing to head north at a rapid rate, this looks like one that demands a closer look.
This car screams for either a big-block or LS swap
When this wagon was first introduced (along with the Buick and Olds) I hated it. Since then it has grown on me, perhaps because station wagons have disappeared.
Learned to drive Mom’s ’69 Buick Special Wagon. 350, w/ 2speed auto trans. Was blue and white. I’ve tried to find one but they are all gone. Loved that car.
These era of GM wagon was really nice, especially those equipped with the LT1. Too bad this has a gaudy paint treatment, that look did not age well.
Steve R
“This is a tribute to the 1993 Indianapolis 500 pace cars which were Camaros. The paperwork that came with the car states that it was built by the same company that did the Camaros and it also states that it has made at least one lap around every NASCAR track in the country!” (From the seller’s description.)
And this is supposed to impress?
well, it did make it one lap around the NASCAR tracks. How long it took is anyone’s question.
It’s an L05 throttle body injected 350 with 180hp. Not an LT1. Great torque motor.
Based on the engine pic that is not an LT1, probably a TBI like all other of these wagons from that year. Also, the rear gears are probably 3.23, not 3.43 like the seller states. Nice looking wagon though!
That’s not an LT1, it is the OEM LO5 5.7 with 180 hp (or thereabouts). LT1 was standard in B body wagon from ’94-’96.
vaporwagon
If I really wanted top dollar for my vehicle I would include some decent photographs.
A magazine scribe friend of mine back when these were new had access to one of these that had ’57 Chevy rear quarters and side trim as well as sealed rear doors, built for display at the SEMA Show.
What a pile of crap THAT one was!
This one looks waaay better, and even the graphics look decent.
Not bad at all.
I hope it finds an appreciative caretaker.
That it’s 30 years old is making me feel old. This was the “new ugly ones”, but now are cool. Yes, 260 hp isn’t moving that too fast..Interesting striping. Someone will save it.
The paint scheme on the track Camaro was unimpressive and it doubles on this wagon. That said, the L05 could be swapped and give this grocery getter some get up and go.
what’s with the button on the steering wheel? Press to Pass?