1970 Chevrolet Caprice 2 Door Hardtop

The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-sized automobile produced for the 1965 to 1996 model years.  Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965 with over a million sold and it was the most popular American car in the sixties and early seventies, which, during its lifetime, included the Biscayne, Bel Air, and Impala.  Introduced in mid-1965 as a luxury trim package for the Impala four-door hardtop, Chevrolet offered a full line of Caprice models for the 1966 and subsequent model years, including a "formal hardtop" coupe and an Estate station wagon.  The Caprice name was coined by Bob Lund, (Chevrolet's General Sales Manager), after a classy restaurant he frequented in New York City. Some say the car was named after Caprice Chapman, daughter of auto executive and influential Indy-car official James P. Chapman.

This 2 owner 98,963 title verified Caprice right out of 1970 is a bit of a project, but is all there with a combination that mixes 400 cubes of V8 power with an overall original presentation.  The original owner, who clearly loved this car, purchased it new and kept it in the garage until our consignor purchased it about 8 years ago.  So, not unlike the consignor, and the original owner, if you're looking for a cool classic that's road ready but in need of some TLC, this is the entry level way to satisfy the classic car bug that has bitten you.

Exterior
The main difference between the Impala and a Caprice is some various trimmings on the exterior, standard power front disc brakes, and some interior dress up. But the first thing that draws your eyes with this car is the near vertical rear window and luscious roofline.  Two doors with nice gaps abound, as do fairly shiny body trimmings, which include a full length trim spear, and roof B-pillar trimmings.  All of this is drenched in Green Mist paint which is suffering from heavy fading on nearly every surface.  We note heavy bubbling in the body especially around the wheel arches and some invasive rust is peeking through on the arch of the driver's front fender.  In keeping with tradition, the trio of taillights has migrated into the rear bumper, which is finished in silver, more akin to a Bel Air or Biscayne.  A long hood and trunk panels make this an excellent boulevard cruiser with plenty of room to spare.  All correct badging and a beautiful grille are present and accounted for.  15-inch steel wheels are covered by standard Chevrolet wheel covers and are shod in thin whitewall radials that are old enough to be needing replacement.  A shout out to the large and in charge trunk, which shows well with its speckle painted finish and carpeted liner.

Interior
Mostly original and slightly worn sums it up!  Medium green square panels with button centers for the door panels that have a horizontal band of wood appliqué and the Caprice logo in your grandmother's script, all materials on these doors are straight as arrows save for the lightly faded carpeted lowers.  Slipping inside I can sink into the split back front bench and full rear bench, both wrapped in marbled green velour broadcloth.  Dark green vinyl bolsters accentuate the velour nicely and we cannot help but notice the Caprice specific chrome on the seat tubs.  A few cracks are to be seen in the padded green topper for the dash.  Just below in front of the driver and within a shrouded eyebrow is the wonderful instrument panel, and another wood appliqué panel below housing the climate controls, and radio.  The original steering wheel fronts this fine example of preservation and noted on the odometer is 98,963 original miles!  Slightly faded fluffy green carpet and clean tight black headliner finished off the beauty of an interior.

Drivetrain
Resting in a patinaed and dusty engine bay is the original 400ci V8 finished in its faded orange/red glory.  This mill is fed by a 2-barrel carburetor under the single snout black air cleaner and a TH350 3-speed automatic is bolted to the back.  On the back for the axle is a 12 bolt unit.

Undercarriage
More patina graces the black floor pans and surface rusted frame.  Everything else is all buttoned up with surface rust on the usual suspects, however we do note invasive rust in the flooring in a few areas.  A single exhaust with a glasspack style muffler is on to handle spent fossils, and power disc brakes are upfront and power drums on back.  Keeping this large car handling and gripping the road is independent coil spring front suspension and a 4 link with coil springs brings up the rear.

Drive-Ability
When some people think of a Caprice they think of a muscle car, however this car is a refreshing retreat from that genre and is a mild mannered family cruiser.  However while it does run, stop ride and shift, the engine has a notable miss that hampers acceleration to a degree, as well as the turn signals not flashing, the the clock not keeping time and the AC while blowing cool, does not blow icy cold.  Those issues aside, this car is a looker and has great potential.

A great example in this 1970 Caprice which will need some TLC overall but it's all there ready for the next owner to take it to the next level.  Go ahead, make its a day!

166470T225985

1-Chevrolet
66-Caprice V8
47-2 Door Hardtop
0-1970
T-Tarrytown, NY Assy Plant
225985-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.