Brazilian Bow-Tie: 1988 Chevrolet Caravan Diplomata
Have you ever heard of this car? Probably not as it was produced in Brazil and was never sold in the U.S. As a variant of the Opala (you probably haven’t heard of that either), it was a larger, luxury car that was considered quite reliable with its 6-cylinder engine. Somehow, this one owner Caravan Diplomata has made it to the U.S., and it’s quite likely you’re not going to see another one anytime soon. Located in Davenport, Florida, this different dose of Chevrolet is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $22,900, if you dare. This interesting tip comes to us via Barn Finder Bruce N!
Sources indicate the Caravan Diplomata competed in the executive car segment on its home turf. But, from the photos provided, it doesn’t seem to be any fancier than a Chevy Impala. So perhaps the definition of “luxury” differs greatly from one continent to another. The Diplomata was offered as either a 4-door sedan or a station wagon like the edition the seller has from the 1988 model year. The car was sold on its home turf from 1979 to 1992, with a second generation appearing in 1987. Its 4.1-liter engine was only rated at 135 hp.
Here’s what we know about the seller’s car. It has a 4-speed manual transmission (what, no automatic for a luxury car?). The indicated mileage is 45,000 which is rather low for a 36-year-old vehicle. We suspect the grey paint is original and what little we see of the black interior seems to be rather tidy. This car sports Hankook tires (how old?) and we’re told there is no rust, leaks, or any issues worth mentioning.
The seller says he/she is liquidating a collection, so perhaps other oddities may be in it that would be of interest. We’re told “My loss is your win” which implies the seller has more in the car than its asking price. If you’re in the market for something no one else in your circle has, this Chevy could be it. Assuming the Diplomata shares little with its U.S. brethren, how hard would it be to source parts or get a mechanic to work on it?
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Comments
Very cool rig. I’d be a buyer…but not at that price. Sounds/looks like some mods have been done to up the power at little.
In Brazil, it is likely that mileage is Kilometers?
OK
Wow, never seen one, or heard of them for that matter. Its not the 4.1 Cadillac motor. Big inline six here, nice w the 4sp. Under 3000lbs too. Must be a pretty fun driver. Cool find. 😎
Definitely a novelty model to own in the US. Stick shift always a bonus on any car these days… the Jurassic-age cast-iron push-rod six ? hmmm, a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how you look at it. 135 bhp is lame, but presumably the torque is more impressive. bear in mind, Ford did offer their ancient 300-six motor in the F150 right up to 1996, I had one in a 1990 truck and really loved it. peak torque at 1,800 rpm !
as for the price – way over in my humble opinion. there’s some appeal to having something “completely different” and unique, but not $21k appeal. I can think of many more fun and interesting cars I’d buy instead for that money.
Judging by the carburetor, probably a Weber 40, and the modified tire sizes, I believe the owner intended it to be used for sport rather than luxury.
It is a “child” of the Opel Commodore.
I owned two, but with automatic transmission.
At that time, we had few options.
Too cool, but again, it’s on the wrong coast for me!
The Chevrolet Opala is based on the European Opel Rekord and was manufactured in Brazil from 1969 to 1992. The SW Caravan was launched in 1975 and produced until 1991. They were not considered luxury cars, but rather for the middle class. They were available in 4 and 6 cylinder versions. These engines are based on old North American Chevrolets. So maintenance is easy there. In Brazil, the average price of the Caravan is equivalent to about US$ 10,000.