1969 Chevrolet Caprice

Description

Neatly bridging practicality and performance, this unassuming 1969 Chevrolet Caprice sedan is the car you hoped your dad would buy back in 1969. You knew he needed four doors for the family, but with 427 cubic inches under the hood, it was more than just a transportation appliance.

The Caprice took over as the top-of-the-line from the Impala and was only offered in 2- and 4-door hardtop (called the sport sedan) models in 1969. As a result, this bright Dover White sedan has a long, low, sporting look that is similar enough to the 2-door to be indistinguishable at first glance. Hailing from the long-time collection of an avid full-sized Chevrolet fan, this handsome car neatly does double duty as comfortable and luxurious daily driver and surprisingly potent muscle car. It was refinished a few years ago in its original code 68 Dover White and still looks good, although as a popular car with its owner, it does have some signs of use. All four doors fit well and there are no indications of rust or accident damage, and you already know the survival rate of sedans like this is quite low, so you probably won't see another one at local shows. The chrome and stainless trim is probably original, from the wrap-around front bumper to the rocker moldings, to the rear bumper which features the Impala's triple taillights, and it's in good condition for being more than 45 years old.

The Caprice's top-of-the-line status is most evident inside, where you get room for six and big, comfortable seats that could be the sofas in your grandmother's living room. Actually, it's not that bad, with black button-tufted upholstery that looks rather handsome and brightly contrasting faux wood on the door panels and steering wheel. This sucker's loaded with options, including power windows and locks, A/C, power front seat, and a tilt steering column, so luxury was definitely standard with the Caprice. Most of the interior appears to be original, although the carpets are just too nice to be that old. The gauges cover the basics in a wide, linear instrument panel, and that might be where this car needs a little TLC, as the fuel gauge and original AM radio aren't working. On the other hand, you get incredible stretch-out space in back, which is perfect for road trips, plus a gargantuan trunk that includes what might be the original bias-ply spare tire.

The number '427' is magic to Chevy fans, and putting 427 cubic inches of big block V8 in a full-sized sedan makes some interesting things happen. With 335 horsepower, it's potent enough to surprise other drivers on the street, but it's also smooth and unobtrusive when you just want to cruise. It happily eats up hundreds of miles of interstate at a stretch, and at shows, watch the crowd form when you unveil the bright Chevy Orange engine. It runs beautifully and looks good in the all-business engine bay, with an original air cleaner and accessories that help maintain the luxury car persona. It's backed by a heavy-duty TH400 3-speed automatic transmission and 12-bolt rear end, so the hardware is there, and the fresh dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers adds a throaty V8 sound. Standard steel wheels with wire wheelcovers and 215/70/15 whitewall radials enhance the luxury car look and keep the local constabulary from looking too hard at you.

Anything with a 427 is cool, but a luxury car with 4-doors and that kind of muscle is our kind of fun. Call today!