Muscle Meets Luxury: 1966 Chevrolet Caprice
Chevrolet introduced the Caprice in 1965. It was an upscale Impala designed to compete with the new Ford LTD, a snappy version of the Galaxie 500. Both cars sold extremely well and would be a part of the automotive landscape for many years to come. This 1966 Caprice is said to have been “redone” more than a decade ago, which we assume is when it gained a later V8 – and a 4-speed manual transmission!
Back in the 1960s, you could get an Impala or Caprice with just about any engine/transmission combination that the General Motors division had to offer. But given the fancy nature of the Caprice, it doesn’t seem likely that this car had a 4-speed manual from the factory (though it could have). The fender script says “327” on it, so we’re betting this Chevy had a Powerglide tied to a 327 cubic-inch V8 some 58 years ago.
When the engine was replaced, a 400 small-block V8 seemed like an interesting choice. Why not go with a big-block 396 or 454 if speed was your game? Or maybe it wasn’t, the then-owner just wanting a little more gusto, that’s all – but that’s just a guess. And maybe the machine was lowered just a bit. The blue paint looks great, and the interior is nice and tidy, though the upholstery doesn’t strike me as period-correct and it might be a bit dirty after being in the car for 11 years.
Overall, this presents as a very solid vehicle that probably runs great (too bad the seller doesn’t opt for any under-the-hood photos). Located in Carver, Minnesota, this modernized Chevy is available here on craigslist where $17,000 is the asking price. And trades will be considered, but we don’t know what might strike the seller’s fancy. Our thanks to Rocco B. for turning us on to this tip!
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Comments
Must’ve got a good deal on a 400. The 400/4sp combo probably moves this comfortable Caprice🏁 along nicely.
Potentially a nice car at a reasonable price. Needs more pictures included the engine and rust prone areas. With the market softening sellers need to put more effort into their ads.
As a potential buyer, now is the time to look at everything that sparks your interest, many will be wild goose chases, but anyone with cash set aside, has a wide list of preferences and is willing to put in the work will likely find a good car at a reasonable price.
Steve R
It’s not enough that everything is blue,he painted the wheels blue too I hope somebody likes a lot of blue,I think it’s an over kill!
Thats easily changed with a $5 can of Rust o Leum silver , but that velour interior …
It’s not enough that everything is blue on this car they painted the rally wheels blue too,somebody must be crazy over blue to buy it!
From Minnesota? Check the frame. Carefully.
Nice car. I Love the 4 spd and color
put some springs in it and get up off the ground. paint the wheels argent and do factory style brocade interior and it would be sweet.
A ’66 Caprice with a factory 4 speed isn’t all that rare, (but it is still cool)
Back in the day and down the block was such new a car. ‘66 Caprice same blue with vinyl top. Flagged 396 badges on the front fenders and that Muncie chrome 4spd poking through the console looked odd with that fancy cloth interior. But is was Beautiful!
If sellers of classics like this don’t even spend the time to post some decent engine bay pics, I’m not wasting my time looking at it, or getting that interested.