Chevrolet first used the Caprice name on the 1965 Chevrolet Impala four-door, where it appeared as part of the ‘Caprice Custom Sedan’ option package. The automaker then took the name and applied it to a new series of full-size cars for the 1966 model year, with the vehicle subsequently becoming one of the hottest-selling Chevys of the lates 1960s and early 1970s.
The first-generation Caprice was offered as a sedan and a wagon, but not surprisingly, the two-door coupe variant is the most desirable body style in the modern-day. One of these early two-door Caprices is currently sitting in Texas classic car dealership AE Classic Cars’ showroom, looking for a new owner ahead of the upcoming spring/summer season.
This Caprice is a 1966 model, so it is from the very first model year the car became its own series. According to the listing, it features a 396 cubic inch Big Block V8 engine with a Quadrajet four-barrel carb, along with a Flowmaster dual exhaust, Hooker headers and billet valve covers. The engine is paired with a GM automatic transmission and a 12-bolt rear end. It also features front disc brakes, power steering and an aftermarket air conditioning system.
The exterior is this restored coupe is painted a deep blue, while the interior is upholstered in a tan velour/vinyl mix and features Woodgrain accents. The car also comes with a Panasonic head unit and Clarion rear tray speakers.
AE Classic Cars is asking $28,900 for this very blue 1966 Chevrolet Caprice. That is a bit above its market value, according to Hagerty’s valuation tool, which places the value of a ‘concourse’ quality example at just over $27,000 and the value of a ‘good’ example at around $19,000.
Check out the listing for the car at this link for some additional information and photos.
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Comments
The first year was 1965. Mid year introduction.
The Impala and Caprice big block 396 for the 1966 model year, with the 325 HP rating had two different carbs offered depending on when and where the car was built. The 3 speed Turbohydramatic auto trans was the other option. Both the Holly and the Quadrajet carbs were installed for that same HP rated engine. My buddy ordered his 396 to spec and got a Muncie wide ratio 4 speed, in a two door fastback roof with bucket seats. It was about $300 cheaper to order the extra options on the Impala than to order the SS Impala which included the buckets. Both the 425 HP 427 and the 435 HP 427 were also offered for the Impala that year. You could only get the 425 HP with a four speed trans. You could get a wide ratio 2:52 first gear ratio or the close ratio 2:20 first gear 4 speed trans. The Impala had a much different roof line than the Caprice in the 2 door models. After my bud got a company car, i bought it off of him after about 7 or 8 years. We added the 360 HP camshaft which had the exact same specs as the 390 HP cam as used in the 427 engine. It was also an option for the same car and the 390 HP had a hydraulic cam like the 325 HP. The 360 HP 396 engine( above the 325 HP option ) was only offered in the Malibu, not the full size Impala or Caprice.
First Model Year for the Caprice was the year BEFORE – 1965