Workhorse Wagon: 1989 Chevrolet Caprice

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The third-generation Chevrolet Caprice may very well be one of the best full-size vehicles the United States has ever produced. While by today’s standards it may seem archaic, there was an ongoing commitment to refinement and improvement that seemed unique in the Caprice’s case, at least compared to other models in the lineup. The model shown here is the preferred final version which came with numerous improvements in both the cosmetics and engineering department, and we’re digging the all-white color scheme that doesn’t appear all that often. Find the 1989 Chevrolet Caprice wagon here on craigslist for $10,000.

The third-generation Caprice was heralded for a variety of reasons when it was introduced in the late 1970s, and while it may seem mildly humorous now that attributes like sharp handling and good power were called out, you have to also look at the standards of the day. The Caprice represented a significant shift in the domestic auto market as manufacturers continued to downsize its marquee models from the glory days of bloated personal luxury sedans and coupes; weight savings across the Caprice lineup were just one benefit of a major redesign of the company’s flagship sedan offering. The seller notes this wagon has been repainted, which explains why the finish still looks so good.

By 1989, the Caprice had received its last major redesign, with the most obvious change being the flush-mounted headlights that made it look significantly more modern. I never did like the “four-eyed” sealed beam design; this European-style lens gave the Caprice a more sophisticated presence. The rear-facing third row was not just an afterthought but a legit seating option for families with kids that couldn’t all crame in on the rear bench seat. Fold the seat down into the cubby in the floor and you had a crazy amount of storage space. I’ve lamented the death of the wagon before, so I won’t go down that rabbit hole, but it’s a shame our country doesn’t have more love for the long roof.

If I have my facts straight, the V8 was the only option for the wagon models, and by 1989, fuel injection was also standard. The 305 came with 170 b.h.p. and a heap of torque, rated at 255 lb.-ft. While the power wasn’t overly generous for such a large vehicle, the fuel injection did wonders for refinement and things like cold starting, which were previously noted as issues with the carbureted engines. Overall, this Caprice wagon looks like a very solid driver and the respray hopefully addressed the majority of any dings and scrapes incurred over years of family hauling. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the find.

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Comments

  1. Stan StanMember

    Thanks Lavery. And another thumbs 👍 up for Rocco.

    Like 4
  2. Frank Drackman

    Had an 89′ 9C1 Sedan, so much better with the 350. The 9C1 Police Package included the wheels from the Station Wagon, which I thought was cool for some reason

    Like 4
    • Danno

      I love this model of Caprice/Impala with the 9C1 package. I’ve often wondered how it would look on a wagon.

      Like 1
  3. Chris

    The Caprice was outstanding in both comfort and durability-so much so that cab companies up north continued to scout the south for replacements. When the supply ran out, they switched to Ford Crown Vics.

    Like 3
  4. Joe

    I believe Caprice had one more redesign after this. I remember them looking like a bar of lifebuoy soap.

    Like 3
    • Jon Rukavina

      Joe, your belief is not misplaced. From ’91- 96 Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Buick all had their wagons. Not sure if Chevrolet or Olds went as far as ’96, but Buick did. I personally like the Buick the best with their skyroof and the wagon front was much sleeker than the Roadmaster sedan.
      I like the color of the one in & out with the wood grain applique that was on BF yesterday better than this one. Jmo

      Like 0
  5. Jim Helmer

    The rear facing far back seat goes back a ways, my father had a 61 Chevy wagon with the seat in the far back looking out the back window.I remember as a kid having state downs with the car behind us.

    Like 0
  6. Jim Helmer

    The rear facing far back seat goes back a ways, my father had a 61 Chevy wagon with the seat in the far back looking out the back window.I remember as a kid having stare downs with the car behind us.

    Like 0
  7. ken

    it has a 307 y did they build motor in it. a true slug of a motor as bad as 260. would have been better with a 305 with fi.

    Like 0

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