Rare Wagon: 1992 Chevrolet Caravan Diplomata
It was just a few days ago that we featured an identical model to this imported wagon shown here. Known as the Chevrolet Caravan Diplomata, this Brazilian market Chevy is like a Volvo 240 that spent some time in the gym, with a full-figured shape and very European-like face. With an unusual two-door body (that is quite common for Brazil) and a manual gearbox, it’s safe to say we don’t often see a wagon like this in the states – but with two for sale in about two weeks, is there a burgeoning market for these imported long-roofs? Find this Diplomata here on Facebook Marketplace for $19,000 in Malden, Massachusetts.
Here is the listing that Barn Finds writer Russ Dixon shared a few days ago. Now, if you see an oddball like this once in a great while, it’s not exactly breaking news. But to see two of these Brazilian-market wagons actively for sale at the same time – and it’s not the first time we’ve seen these Diplomatas pop up – it starts to make you wonder if someone has decided that there’s an audience for such a car. Given wagons are not exactly popular in the states (with the exception of guys like me who pine for the days of European long-roofs to enjoy a revival), it’s an unusual choice of going through the motions and challenges to import. This particular Diplomata appears to have excellent paint quality, with a video in the listing showing deep shine.
Plus, it’s a manual! I totally dig the setup, which continues to give off the Volvo vibes while still being quite distinctive. That being said, this is not a sporting vehicle. It has a massive 4.1L six-cylinder engine but that only translates to about 140 horsepower, so don’t expect to surprise any other imported wagons should you find yourself in a stoplight showdown. The interior of this Diplomata appears to be in nice shape overall, with bucket seats in good shape, a crack-free dash, and rubber floor mats that look like an OEM fitment. Mileage is said to be very low, with just 36,000 miles noted in the listing.
The two-door bodystyle means you’ll want to make sure that the handles on the seat that pivot the backrest forward work, as getting into the backseat will quickly become tiresome if they don’t. The asking price is $19,000, which seems like a tall ask – but it’s actually cheaper than the one Russ posted last week. One of the more intriguing aspects of imported vehicles, regardless of country of origin, is how sellers set the price: what’s an appropriate premium over the cost to import said car or truck? Some JDM vehicles have become ridiculously cheap to import, but I’m not sure what it costs to bring a Diplomata into the states. Do you think the asking price makes sense for such an intriguing long roof? Thanks to Barn Finds reader Yargbull for the find.
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Comments
Frankly, for this price, the market offers better options.
Much better.
And it’s still not automatic.
Not being an auto is a selling point, at least to me.