Ordering a Chevrolet Caprice in 1969 allowed buyers to choose from two versions of the company’s iconic 427ci V8. The first owner chose that path with our feature car, but it has subsequently received an even larger motor that should provide more power. It is a solid classic that is begging for a cosmetic refresh, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Caprice listed here on eBay in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The seller set their price at $14,500 with the option to make an offer.
Chevrolet granted the Caprice model status in 1966, with the First Generation remaining on sale until 1970. Buyers could choose from three body styles, with the first owner ordering this 1969 model as the two-door Hardtop variant. The biggest challenge for me is nailing down the correct paint shade because it doesn’t seem to match anything across the entire GM color range for 1969. I’ve checked various sources with no success, and it will be interesting to discover if we have readers who can provide clarity. What can’t be denied is that the paint and Tan vinyl top have both deteriorated badly, meaning that the exterior requires a complete cosmetic refresh to present at its best. It will entail a lot of sanding but, because this Caprice is said to be rust-free, there will be no welding or grinding. The glass is clear, the trim is in good condition for its age, and the headlamp doors work as they should. Rounding out the exterior are the Rally wheels, with a matching spare hiding in the trunk.
The seller confirms that this Caprice rolled off the line powered by a 427ci V8. Chevrolet offered two versions to 1969 buyers, producing 335 or 390hp according to the company’s Sales Brochure. The first owner teamed the engine with a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. However, it is all change under the hood, with the 427 making way for the larger 454ci big-block. Its specifications are unclear, but the seller states that the engine has clocked under 1,000 miles since receiving a complete rebuild. The listing isn’t specific on the subject, but the impression conveyed is that this Caprice is a turnkey proposition. The seller states that the big-block produces plenty of power, a claim I find easily believable.
The Caprice’s interior is tidy and serviceable, although there are a few cosmetic shortcomings for potential buyers to consider. The kick panels are missing, the front seatcover is torn, and the front armrests show deterioration. However, finding replacements for these items shouldn’t be difficult and, if the buyer wished to throw caution to the wind, they could invest $900 in a complete seatcover set in the correct material and color. Functionally, the air conditioning is inoperative, but it appears that the remaining features, including the under-dash 8-track player, work as they should.
I hope that one of our enthusiastic Barn Finds readers becomes the new owner of this 1969 Chevrolet Caprice because I would love to know what its future holds. The lack of rust would make it a prime candidate for a cosmetic restoration, although that same attribute would allow the buyer to preserve it as a survivor-grade classic. Potential buyers may need to act fast because, with 340 views in the last day and a Watch List total of seventy-four, I suspect it might find a new home fairly quickly. So, spotless presentation or the “shabby-chic” look? Which would you choose?
Failing clear coat means it has clearly been painted before. Looks like the orange used on Corvettes
The 425 HP L72 427 was also available on big Chevrolets, but it wasn’t listed in the brochure.
454s were detuned to run on no lead and low lead gasoline for 1971. Emission controls became stricter each year. So a larger 454 might have less horsepower than a pre Clean Air Act of 1970 1969 model 427. Anyway, the car has been painted and engine swapped so is not a collector grade classic car. Still looks like full size GM that were the most popular cars in the years before oil embargos.
I may be missing it but I can’t find it anywhere on this site or the listing on ebay where it says it’s a 1971 454.
I think the 425 horse 427 was only COPO available.
That was the case for Camaros, Chevelle’s and Nova’s, not full size models.
Steve R
Did Chevrolet ever offer a cop car 🚔 w that hot motor setup 427 ?
I worked at a service station starting when I was pretty young. Pumped gas, tire repairs, eventually tune-ups, brakes, etc. The boss was my old scoutmaster, but he taught more skills along the way. The neighboring village had a 68 Biscayne 427 car. I used to change it’s oil, tuneups and other occasional services. To be able to “road test” a police car was a thrill back then.
My brother had a 2-door hardtop version with a 4-barrel 350 V8 which had more horsepower than a 427 V8, but then his was an Impala. His blue never faded.
Am I seeing things right? That master cylinder looks like it is for four wheel drum brakes. I can’t imagine that disc brakes weren’t forced with the big engine.
My good buddies mom had one just like it with the hideaways and 427 in green – his dad was a self employed dump driver that had the truck 427 so it wasn’t that strange. I also had the same in green with hideaways but had a 396 – my old boat could move out as well !
I saw a lot of ’69s with hideaways, but oddly only ever saw just ONE! ’68 with that option. I wonder just how many of the latter did Chevy make.
Those three magical numbers 4-5-4 . ! Love it !