Although Europeans seem to love wagons a hell of a lot more than most Americans do, things on this side of the pond seem to be changing for the better. Here at GM Authority, we’d like to believe that the Cadillac CTS-V Wagon has had something to do with the change in the winds… but not everyone can afford one of these monster Caddies, so there are are few budget options available — such as a 1987Â Chevy Caprice Wagon.
Someone in Europe had the same idea as us. But before us, it seems. A matte black Chevy Caprice Estate was found in Finland by Road & Track, and we’re willing to bet the owners enjoy Scandinavian death metal. But how did it get there? In Finland, the vast majority of Caprice models were imported using a loophole in the import-tax system of the 1980s. This means that the Caprices were converted to “commercial vehicle” status by pulling the rear seat and making a load floor with a wooden board. Crafty.
This RWD V8 boat was selling for a mere 1,000 Euros, and for good reason. It had its fair share of problems, but then again, beggars can’t be choosers. Though if you’re in the market for a V8 Chevy wagon here in American, you might just get your wish. Mark Reuss has the details.
Comments
Nice car, & it’s a wagon 😉
You would be surprised there are more American cars there than you think. We sell tons of parts to many in Finland, Sweden and Norway with American cars including Chevy wagons.
Never seen a B body with headlamp washers before.
Pretty sure those aren’t headlight washers. I’m thinking they are the brackets for deer whistles, just minus the whistles.
those are headlight washers as they were required by Finnish law , in the 80’s each vehicle had to have them minimum, most vehicles also had wipers . Usually they were retrofitted with other (silly) modifications, like a removal of back seat, so that the vehicle can be registered in Finland. Like the writer mentions these station wagons were licensed as a truck, and they can only be driven 80kmh (50mph) on the roads. Main idea was to avoid insane vehicle import taxes (+ 150%)
We had a export 4th gen Camaro at work and it even had the required swing away mirrors and yellow turn signals in the rear.
Speaking of wagons, a friend decided to take his Vista Cruiser out for a winter cruise. Not a cloud in the sky, the roads clear of any snow, and a brisk -10*C.
His was an amazing two tone, cream-wood exterior, 455 Rocket V8. Restored and modernized tastefully.
Civic Si T-boned him, straight into the rear wheel drivers side. He was unhurt for the most part, said he sat in the car and weeped, didn’t want to get out and see how bad it really was. Apparently the ‘kid’ (young twenties) was bloodied and had a broken face, and soon to be broken bank account from the chargers and insurance rape.
The car rarely sees rain in the summer, so with all the salt on the road I don’t know why he took it out, and I doubt anyone will ever ask him why.