Chevrolet Caprice

The Chevrolet Caprice (later called Caprice Classic) was a series name of automobile produced by Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, in the United States from the 1965 through 1996 model years. It was first produced as a hardtop 4-door sedan based on the Chevrolet Impala to compete with Ford's LTD. The Caprice was the most expensive model of the Chevrolet full-size car range which at times included the Del Ray (1958 only), Biscayne (1958-1972), Bel Air (1950-1975), and Impala (1958-1985, 1994-1996(SS only) and 2000 to present).

Two other model lines carried the Chevrolet Caprice name. In the 1970s, General Motors of South Africa sold the Australian Holden Statesman as the Chevrolet Caprice and Caprice Classic. Holden has also named its in-house-developed full-size car the Caprice (more precisely the Holden Statesman Caprice) and exports it to the Middle East where they are sold as Chevrolet Caprices. Model changes of these Caprices follow their Australian counterpart.

Many of the US Caprice models were based on the Impala, with additional trim and features. The 1976 model weighed approximately 4800 pounds (2180 kg) and was about 19½ ft (5.9 m) long—longer even than many modern full-size pickup trucks. The 1977s were downsized, two years before Ford could respond with its smaller LTD. It was this platform that was retained until 1990.

The 1991 model had a substantial restyle, replacing the 1977-based squared-off design with swoopier, more aerodynamic sheetmetal. In 1994 the interior had a redesign to level with the Impala's re-introduction, which featured a Camaro steering wheel, digital speedometer and a new console. The rear quarter windows was redesigned to the Impala style in 1995. The car was not well received by critics, and eventually the car's production was stopped in 1996. Although throughout the Caprice's production run, its 9C1 package was a popular police vehicle, the 1996 model with LT1 engine is regarded by many as the best police vehicle ever produced.

The Caprice began life in 1965 as a luxury trim package for the Impala four-door hardtop sedan, in response to Ford's successful LTD series. Basically, this included a stiffer suspension, higher-grade cloth and vinyl seat and door trim (as well as thicker, higher-grade carpeting), walnut trim on the dashboard and door panels, pull straps on the doors, extra convenience lights, special full wheel covers and a vinyl top. The package was very well received, and was expanded in 1966 to include a two-door hardtop and a station wagon. The V-8 engine was installed in every Caprice; while features such as automatic transmission, power steering, white sidewall tires, and vinyl top were extra-cost options, virtually every Caprice was sold with them. Also, customers frequently ordered luxury options such as air conditioning, power windows, power seats and stereo radios; several automotive history books noted that a fully-optioned Caprice rivaled the appearance, comfort and convenience of the Cadillac De Ville.

As the Caprice became the new top-line full-sized Chevrolet, the Impala (formerly the top model, which also included a Super Sport version) was demoted to second-best, with the Bel Air and Biscayne handling the lower part of the lineup.

The Caprice was twice honored with the Motor Trend Car of the Year award, in 1977 and 1991. The Caprice Classic was also on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1983.

US engines:

• 1965-1996 350 5.7 L (350 in³) V8
• 1970-1976 454 7.4 L (454 in³) V8
• 1985 4.3 L (262 in³) V6
• 1987-1990 4.3 L (262 in³) V6
• 1976-1993 5.0 5.0 L (305 in³) V8
• 1992-1993 4.3 L (262 in³) V6
• 1994-1996 4.3 L (262 in³) V8
• 1994-1996 5.7L LT1 5.7 L (350 in³) V8

External links

A Caprice restoration (http://popularmechanics.com/automotive/project_cars/2002/2/recreated_caprice/)