Impressive Survivor: 1968 Chevrolet Caprice Estate Wagon
Some classic wagons can tend to blend into the background and attract little attention. Then you have wagons like this 1968 Caprice Estate. It stands out for all of the right reasons because it is clean enough to attract plenty of attention and admiring glances wherever it goes. It has now been listed for sale, and for any person who might be on the hunt for a clean wagon, it is certainly worth a look. Located in Chatsworth, California, you can find the Caprice listed for sale here on eBay. The BIN has been set at $19,995, but the option is available to submit an offer. I think that the fact that there are currently 215 people watching the listing is probably a pretty fair indication of just how popular these classic wagons really are.
Some colors suit these classic wagons better than others, and Tripoli Turquoise has to rate as a good one. The paint on this Caprice is said to be largely original, with only a couple of very minor touch-ups in evidence. The woodgrain on the Estate is generally in good condition, although there are some very small flaws. This is hardly unusual in woodgrain of this age, but it doesn’t seem to be enough to detract from the vehicle’s overall appearance. Of course, if the next owner is seeking perfection, then having it replaced is certainly possible. The edge trim is beginning to show its age in a few spots, so it will probably require attention at some point. There are companies that can restore these pieces, and given how well the rest of the vehicle presents, this would certainly be worth investigating. Another flaw of note is a bend in the front bumper. This is noticeable, but not particularly bad. The choice would be between having the existing bumper repaired, and sourcing a replacement. This would be a hard call because a replacement generally seems to sell for around the $700 mark. The remaining chrome, trim, and the glass, all look good. The owner notes that the wheels aren’t original, but they do suit the Caprice nicely and add a tough edge to its appearance.
Lifting the hood of the Caprice reveals a nicely presented engine bay. Snuggled in there is a 327ci V8, producing 275hp. The Estate also features a Turbo Hydramatic transmission, along with power steering and power brakes. The inclusion of a factory dual exhaust is something that should impart a rather nice engine note that would be well matched to the slightly tougher look that the wheels provide. One quite impressive aspect of this engine and transmission package is the fact that even though the Caprice weighs in at 4,378lbs, this combination is capable of pushing it through the ¼ mile in around 17.4 seconds. Those are not bad numbers for such a big and relatively heavy family wagon from this era. The good news is that this is a vehicle that is in very good mechanical health. The owner says that it runs, starts, and drives very nicely. In fact, he actually goes so far as to describe it as a joy to drive.
The Turquoise theme continues when we take a look inside the Caprice. There is a small split in the dash pad just above the steering wheel, but I believe that this could be repaired fairly easily. The carpet shows some very slight fading, but for what is a 52-year-old family wagon, the interior presentation is very good. The seats are free of tears and splits, and even stretching seems to be quite minimal. The dash is original, with no aftermarket additions. One absolute tell-tale as to the sort of life a wagon like this has led is to have a look around the cargo area. This is the most-damage-prone area of the interior, as luggage, groceries, etc. are loaded in and out. There is a photo of this area of the Estate included below, and the presentation is on par with the rest of the interior. It would be fair to say that the Caprice isn’t weighed down with luxury appointments, but a tilt wheel, power rear window, tinted glass, and an AM radio would all make life more pleasant. One option that the Caprice doesn’t feature is air conditioning. This isn’t the end of the world, because the owner actually has a complete genuine GM air conditioning system that is brand new and still in the box. It appears that everything that could possibly be needed is present, and this will be included in the sale.
For someone who is searching for a classic wagon that is in good condition, and is eye-catching into the bargain, this 1968 Caprice Estate looks like it could be a pretty good option. it isn’t perfect, but the point that I keep returning to is the fact that it is a largely original and unmolested 52-year-old family wagon. With that fact in mind, its condition would have to be considered to be well above average. With so many people watching the listing, I suspect that this is a vehicle that will be finding its way to a new home fairly soon.
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Comments
Man I like the blue on blue with woodgrain. I would drive this car every chance I could get. A Big block would be better but I could live with it.
That 327 should be more than enough guts to make that beauty track straight and swift. My Dad had a ’62 Impala sport coup (same color) with a 327 4 barrel and a hydromatic trans. It was a riot to drive.
Another once common sight, basking in its’ enhanced beauty as a nowadays rarely seen survivor! I think I’d be more happy w/ this, than some bland “CUV”!
A REAL beauty!! GLWTA!! :-)
That engine bay warms my heart – especially to see a steel fuel filter. Good work!
The nicest wagon I’ve seen in years! There is something special with this light thick trim outlining all of the vinyl dark wood. After this treatment stopped the fake wood looked more cheesy. Did any maker use the all around light trim after’68?
This one is real treasure.
Mom had a ’67 Caprice wagon with this powertrain and it felt faster than 17.4 sec. Once it got going it certainly was a joy to drive.
Seems a little pricey but this car should be driven – a lot. SO much nicer than the current crop of whatever those fat ugly vehicles (FUVs?) that people drive now.
Same car from September…
https://barnfinds.com/ready-to-enjoy-1968-chevrolet-caprice-estate-wagon/
Looks like the BIN went down a bit. Interesting.
Good eye, Super! I thought that one looked familiar.
The addition of the whitewalls this time around makes it look more classy! :-)
Question: Does anyone know what the knob below the glovebox is for?
We had a ’68 Impala and it didn’t have that knob
I am guessing those are for the outside vents…this must be an early model, as they had “astro ventilation” on later models..
Astro Ventilation was standard on Caprice Coupes with a pressurized venting system; it was available on other Caprices and Impalas without the pressure relief system.
http://paintref.com/cgi-bin/brochuredisplay.cgi?year=1968&manuf=GM&model=Chevrolet&smod=&page=12&scan=12
A guess would be, no AC, a vent at the passenger feet that was easily to open as needed would be a good option. I recall having a 67′ Dodge truck that also had a mechanical vent on the passenger side. I also remember when opening it, dirt would fly all over the truck, so I kept it open most of the time in order to not let the dirt build up at the door opening.
How can one add a/c when the dash vents are missing?
I believe it opened/closed the vent.
Paper work hard to read but says Astro Vent option.
Nice car.
What really grabs me us that 275 HP 327. Thats just fabulous.
Close to 20 Gs but reserve not met.
As far as wagons go you may not find a nicer one.
For 1969 they bumped the standard engine to the 350 I believe… my 1969 Kingswood wagon had the 300 hp 4bbl 350. The trick then was to take off the air cleaner lid and flip it over, which seemed to enable the 4 barrel to breathe a lot better. And made a big ‘hoooot’ sound when you jumped on it. Sadly my ’69 though it was a Kingswood with air conditioning only had non power drum brakes. The WORST brakes I have ever had on a car. I always figured there must have been a strike or something that they didn’t have enough brake boosters to go around.
327 standard engine before Jan. 1, 1969; after Jan. 1 it was the 350. I had a high school teacher who had the 327 in her early ’69.
Our ’69 Kingswood estate had an enemic 327 and it was loaded otherwise. When you floored it nothing happened but a huge rush of air out of the exhaust. It really was a victim of the strike with so many things wrong. My parents gave it to me with 30k miles on it and on my maiden voyage to school in it the water pump failed and the overheat light didn’t work. I smelled the antifreeze and glid into a service that replaced the water pump. It was never ran the same after that. Did I mention the motor mount recall which chained the motor in? I’m sure this beauty is no problem.
I see this wagon is going to need at least a tailpipe and probably more exhaust work. Most here won’t remember the days, but you used to be able to pick up your big Sears catalog and choose exhaust system pieces for your car off its own diagram. “Let’s see, I need a front left pipe, left muffler, and both tailpipes…” they were all in the catalog and you could order them. Of course that is when 95% of America drove American cars and they could actually cover most recent models in the catalog.
Very nice car and the color is terrific. Seems to have had a careful life.
Dislike the that the current seller has gone nuts with flat black (incorrect) paint, under the hood, on the firewall and under the car. What is he hiding? If trying to dress it up, visit an automotive paint store and get the correct sheen paint.
Also, unless there are more boxes of A/C parts, what is shown is not going to get it done. I see no compressor and no condenser. It’s a start but more will be needed to A/C this wagon.
Most buyers won’t mind these shortcomings though, as the overall car looks very sharp and will turn heads wherever it is driven. I wish today’s cars were as cleanly designed as this Caprice.
Parents had a 1967 wagon 396. It was the 9 passenger verson. Dad said to make sure the 2 back seats were up and the gas tank full when I brought it back home. This was the car I took my driving test in. Try to parallel park that boat. I did do though. Rick
Took my driving test and parallel parking in a 1970 Pontiac Catalina station wagon…Big as a barge..
Most definitely of uses as a wintertime daily driver semi beater new shocks on do little detail work and you’re good to go…. except the $20,000… that would eliminate the daily beater category!
Beautiful old wagon! Too bad she doesn’t have air.
No, perfect the way it is.
My second car was a wagon. Ahhh the moonlit nights. High atop the mountain, overlooking the valley, arm around my girl, rear seats down, seeping bag, a pillow and, fill in the blanks y’all…
Needs A/C or with all that glass , it’s gonna be a burner all summer long, and that’s when your gonna drive this Puppy, 396 would’ve been nice too
Well if we’re specifying options…….
Power windows, locks, tilt, seats, now we’re talking w a 396, A/C of course
Like RS accurately detailed my Mom and Dad bought a 69 Kingswood estate and it had a 350 with a turbo 350 trans it was a red car with all the wood on it to. Of course in the summer we had to flip the air cleaner top so you could hear that Rochester sucking air better. I do remember it was kind of a fancy car for our family in the day!
I have a ‘66 Chevy Impala s/w, 396-400trans-12bolt diff-a/c-p/s-pb with added disc. All number matching drivetrain. It will surprise many people how fast this big dog is. SO MUCH FUN!
I’m sure the AC set up is for under dash vents, like the Dodge Darts had.
Or swap the dash from a A/C car, all according to how bad you want, myself it’s a deal breaker
Is it me or does the front end set up a bit higher then the back end. Might it need shocks, or maybe springs? Just saying.
Whatcha, shocks don’t give a car height, springs do, some coil and some leaf. You are right, the car seems to sag in the rear and my experience with wagons and vans (had both my whole life) is they will sag if used often in hauling heavy items. Wagons I have used booster springs or air shocks (not your standard shock) and the vans I upgraded a size set of springs (from your local junk yard) to give it the extra rear lift. I guest what I’m saying is, the springs do wear out if over loaded.
I got a 396 from a wrecked 67 caprice that would fit right in there but a 327 is no slouch!!!
This engine has fuelie heads on it. Was that standard?
If it had 275 HP, I would think it would be a double hump head (low CC). Dodge did the same with their trucks and vans by putting “J” heads (late 340 heads) on their 360’s in 71′ and I think 72’s. Just had to install 2.02 intake valves and they would be the same head as the early 340 “X” head. Both had the 1.60 exhaust valves.