30k-Mile Survivor: 1969 Chevrolet Caprice
The Chevy Caprice followed shortly after Ford introduced the LTD, an upgrade to the Galaxie 500. With a higher trim level, the Caprice was an Impala at heart and could be equipped with the same engines, although a V8 was standard. This 1969 edition as a Custom Coupe is in beautiful original condition and the seller doesn’t use the word “restored” anywhere in the description. Located in Roseville, California, this sweet survivor is available here on Craigslist for $43,000. Kudos to T.J. for this show’s winning find!
The 1965-70 generation of the full-size Chevrolets were the best-selling of the brand, beginning with more than one million copies in ’65. The 1969 editions were perhaps the most stately looking, including the Caprice, when hidden headlights (like on this car) were ordered. I don’t recall Chevy making any claims that the Caprice was quieter than a Rolls-Royce, which is how Ford promoted the LTD in 1965. The seller’s example is fairly well-equipped but not overly laden with options like power windows.
Under the hood lies a 350 cubic inch V8 (2-barrel?) with a TH-350 automatic transmission. If the mileage is true, then it’s unlikely this car has ever needed any major mechanical work (and none is mentioned).
The choice of triple green on the paint, vinyl top, and cloth interior is a classy one. Everything we see seems to be in near perfect condition, and the automobile comes with a build sheet to verify its authenticity.
It’s said to be a Concours winner, and one photo includes a trophy or two being passed from one set of hands to another. Most of the pictures are of the glamour variety, which tends to support its relatively sheltered life over the past 55 years. If you’re a fan of these automobiles, it might be hard to find a nicer one – if you can get past the asking price.
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Comments
Impressive – that picture from the golf course could pass for a press shot from 1969 – could have been the brouchure cover!
Power drum brakes. I would have guessed disc, but still an option in ’69. I would like to see the build sheet.
A nice set of ralleys like on the one in the above picture would look great, too (I missed out on that one on eBay because I thought I wanted Hideaway headlights).
You could hide the rallys under those heavy finned wheelcovers for a quick change.
If one wasn’t concerned about a big block, and wanted one of the best out there, well, this is probably it.
Here’s that picture I should have attached…
THIS was my first decent car. Same colors, but a 4 door. It was 1972 when I got it, bad time to get a car with a 396 and the doubling gas prices AND a job 50 miles from home.
That was my first car with a blk top !!
NORMA…What about your Isotta Frascini? LOL to the GREATEST STAR 🌟 of them ALL! But With One Look, I’d swear I was looking at Elizabeth Taylor! 💐 💐 💐
RICK W: I love Norma & I love Elizabeth. As for the Fraschini, Joe snuck out with it, noodled around with Betty in the backseat & Max couldn’t get the stench of her perfume out of the upholstery so I sold it to Cal Worthington.
NORMA! Your Return to all of the Wonderful People Out There In The DARK shows you are indeed ready for your CLOSE 😉 up! I actually had long term correspondence with Dame Elizabeth until her passing! LOL! 💎 🏰 💐. Elizabeth, like you, truly loved her fans!
That interior shot isn’t the highest resolution, which makes me feel lile I’m flipping through a sales brochure. It’s perfect.
Excellent specimen. Of that generation B-bodies, the 1969 was the cleanest, the best proportioned. Deleting the 1965-68 Coke-bottle hips was an unmitigated plus.
And I’m an exception in that I LIKE that hoop front bumper. It’s unfortunate it didn’t stick around longer.
Even the hidden headlights, which don’t always work in terms of styling, are perfect for this setup. Set in the grille, you don’t see obvious cutouts – you just see the Face of Death rolling up on you. Sinister, but in a comic manner.
The 1968 Ford full-size won the beauty contest that year, but failed the following year, in a botched refresh, against this accidentally-perfect competitor.
Hideaway 69 is the best Impala front end ever.
I’m starting to think that there is some truth to the ‘most survivors are green’ belief. Certainly seems a higher percentage of original cars are painted a shade of green. Sharp Caprice. Probably as close as someone can get to finding a car near what it looked like on a dealership floor in the fall of 1968.
The power of green preserves!
It’s a beauty. Too bad it doesn’t have power windows. It needs to be fully optioned for what is being asked price wise.
Nice Chevy but a little steep on the price IMO.
Mopar Madness has become viral
Yeah the ask is 454 money & all options to me but it is nice no doubt
427 was the big engine in 69… not the 454 until 1970!!!
I had one of these with a factory 396.Nice looking car but, I piece of junk. Rode bad, handled bad and the performance want that impressive.
Yes the 73 caprice classic with 454 and power everything was a classic.
I loved these cars when they were new. Yes, the price is high, but where would you find a nicer one?
Good luck to the seller, and the fortunate new owner!
I know a Chevrolet mechanic who has a 1969 Impala Custom Coupe. Same color combination but without the vinyl top. Has rallye wheels, bucket seats, electric rear window defroster, air conditioning, power locks, power windows, posi-trac rear end, AM/FM stereo radio. Car built in Oshawa, Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 on October 11th, 1968. Sold by Dueck Chevrolet, Oldsmobile in Vancouver, British Columbia on December 11th, 1968. Car spent its life in Western Canada and purchased from the original owner could not drive anymore.
Oh my, what a beauty. To answer Russ’ carb question, most likely the 350 ci-300 hp which would be the 4-bbl premium gas required version. Std. motor was 327 ci 235 hp 2bbl
My uncle bought a new ’69 coupe, dark brown w/ dark brown vinyl roof, probably a gold or green brocade interior, can’t remember for sure. Not much else besides p/s, p/b, radio. That was the inspiration for my first car, a ’70
Caprice.
I’ve always loved the hideaway lights and you could get headlight washers with them if you wanted.
I really like the finned wheel covers; they along with the skirts, add to the stately look and class of this car. And the original 2- stripe spare in the trunk. While there was a 2-stripe tire in ’70, the stripes on this spare are wider than those. My Dad’s ’70 Impala had General Belted Jumbo 780s with the 1/8 or 1/4″ stripes. I’d say these approached 3/8 or 1/2″ each.
I’d love to have this, but way too pricey for me.
Mine had the headlight washers too and was four door with the 427 and 400 turbo transmission
Man that’s some total recall. I thought I was obsessive with details of cars my parents owned. But Everytime I see an old Falcon or Fairlane on these pages, the memories come back. Thanks Jon. BTW, I was not a fan of the hide away headlights on those big cars, like the sixty nine Thunderbird I think? Too much real estate in that maw. Big that’s just my opinion.
You’re correct on the 300/350. Note the fuel line going to the carb. It goes to the side of the carb as the Q-jet has a side entry fuel line. If it were for a 2 bbl, it would be more centered.
Actually the smaller 350/255 was a small 4 barrel carburetor. It was tuned for regular gas.
My dad had a ’70 Impala coupe just like this white/blue ’69, even the Rallye wheels. Honestly didn’t like it after his ’66 Catalina coupe. Now, I’d take either one.
Love aspirational names like CAPRICE. I had a 72 CAPRICE. 👍. Cadillac Luxury at a Chevy price.
Hey Rick,
Just got a text from Archie Bunker.
He says, ” Ah sheesh, can’t Normadesmond & yous take it upstahs huh?”
Lol!
You made Carol roll over 🤌🤌
Actually there is a post of Carroll O’CONNOR singing the closing song Remembering You. On the show it was an instrumental.
Geeeeze, Jon! Don’t be a meat head! Archie would never text. LOL, but STIFFLE yourself! STIFFLE! STIFFLE! STIFFLE! 👍
Geeeeze Jon, don’t be another Meathead. Edith thinks you got your feelings hurt when I told you to STIFFLE. You know I don’t go for those PDAs, and I ain’t about to kiss ya. So here I am tellin ya come on back. And
please don’t tell me you’re goin through that disgusting phase Edith went through when her false eye lash fell in the soup. Are YOU hookin up with Beverly LaSalle? You know I haven’t been the same since Sammy kissed me!
For Rick W. Reply to a later post below. Not to worry buddy. Pretty hard to stiffle me. lol! Just haven’t seen anything new from BF lately. Went to the first big outdoor show today sponsored by the Buick Club. Gorgeous day.
Hi Jon, happy to hear about your event. This Vintage Rolls Can ardly is finding it harder to keep going. My social calendar is full of Dr. APPTS. Saturday we laid to rest yet another one of my closest friends. I’m afraid my days of visiting Car shows have had their not so grand finale! The Golden Years are here at last! The Golden Years can kiss my…..! Always enjoy your posts and appreciate the banter! Enjoy EVERY minute. Guess it’s time to STIFLE myself, put the pieces together, and Go Off to See the Wonderful 🤔 Wizard of Ahhhs! As always LOL! 🏆 👍 Keep those cards and letters rolling in, folks! 😄 😁 🤣 😂
We had a 69 Caprice Kingswood estate wagon when I was young it had a 350 4bbl quadrajet and it was the 255 HP version, or so that’s what it said on the air cleaner.
That was the 350 4-bbl regular fuel engine. (8.5:1 compression)
I looked this up. There was a 265 hp and 300 hp version of the 350. I also just saw on Wikipedia where they said 255 hp so apparently some confusion there. I couldn’t verify the carburetor for the 265 (or 255) versions but I know the 300 hp was 4bbl and premium fuel.
Actually the 265 horsepower version was a regular fuel big block 396.
Actually there is a post of Carroll O’CONNOR singing the closing song Remembering You. On the show it was an instrumental.
I once had the same car way back when gas prices went sky high. Mine was a 427 with all creature features, triple green (same as pictured). Had to sell it because of gas prices. Had a hard time selling it for $400.00. If I only knew!
Was your car a non badge SS??
No the SS was a 427 engine only. It was available on the Impala sport coupe, custom coupe and convertible.
Crickets 🤷🦗🦗🦗
I love your car!!! I will always hate these new plastic cars!!! I am a retired automotive mechanic with over 50 years under my belt!!! All I use is Snap On tools to repair my cars!!! That’s why I’ve got the nickname Carshield!!! I am interested in the car!!!!
I’m with KC way steep on the price… Is it even a tru Caprice ? When I was a kid we had Two 69’s one was an Impala and the other was a Caprice with the hide away headlights. The Caprice had the headlights, Power windows and also came with a Tilt column… I don’t see any of that here. I’m thinking more like $20,000
P/w & tilt both were options.
$43,000? too expensive for a 1969 Caprice. a 65 Impala SS big block is in that range.
Why do people say 4 door like it was something good ?That had to have been the ugliest looking thing that Chevy ever built.
Because if it was a wagon with a big block in it why not!!🤷
With due respect, Have you looked at what Chevrolet (and all manufacturers) now produce? Total FUBAR POS! Not to mention Corvair, Vega, Bolt, et al. This is by comparison a work of art, although not my personal preference.
I haven’t bought a GM Vehicle since a woman took over as CEO!! No need to remind me !! I’m a baby boomer!! BTW my mom’s first car was a Corvair and I got my license in a 73 VegaGT!!
No, I think that the ugliest award goes to the 1973-1977 Malibu 4 door. The full sized Chevrolet’s were not bad.
what a sweet ride. Had 1 in high school and boy I miss it. if i had stupid money i would be a player. good luck to the seller. doubt you will find another as nice.
I had one of these with a factory 396.Nice looking car but, a piece of junk. Rode bad, handled bad and the performance want that impressive.
My first car was 69 impala it had a 396 that I paid $100 for in 1980. I always registered selling it. If I only knew!
The ’69 Turbojet 396 (L65) in Chevy’s big cars were 2bl., reg. fuel, single exhaust cars w/a sad 265hp.
This in triple black would have been my driver’s ed car my sophomore years in high school.
Learned to drive in Dad’s ‘64 Bonneville and a ‘69 Caprice was like a spaceship in comparison.
My driver’s ed group had the only two door car too…
J. Smedley pulled out in front of a concrete mixer truck and our teacher stuck a leg over the hump, floored the car and yanked the wheel hard to the right…
We went across four lanes of traffic and into a parking lot across the street and lived to tell about it.
I think Smedly flunked. I hope.
This was my first car after college. It was an impala with a blue body, white top and white bucket seat interior with a center U shaped shifter. Loved that car!
Is that a pair of vice grips under the dash on the hood pull?
Perhaps the Astro Ventilation handle…?
Can’t tell trying to blow the picture up
I see a pull knob
No vice grips, they were optional that year
I don’t know why the first thought that came to mind when I saw the picture was “bumper jack”. Maybe those low back wheel fenders. The second was high beam switch. Fun stuff for us older folks
That was in the trunk next to the tire!!
Why would it have black seat belts. And it also looks like someone popped the ignition switch. Is it still $43,000 I really think I was spot on at $20,000. I have a 1968 el Camino. That I would no way in hell trade for that car And I know that my Elco is only worth $20,000 maybe
Black belts were std. equipment. Color keyed, as they were called, were an option.
Seat belts were black unless you specified the custom deluxe seat belt option.
The best feature of the GM cars of this era, were the crotch vents. Love them in the summer!
“Crotch vents? I once had an old car, one of many, with the seat upholstery completely gone, I sat on springs, actually did get a little “ventilation on the backside” lol
Call them what you like. I actually had a Bonneville Brougham with vents on both sides under dash. A great sensation 😉, especially on a hot day wearing shorts! LOL 🏆
I don’t hate the skirts but could live without them if it was mine. I basically love everything the car has to offer except the price. I guess the market will decide if that’s a fair price or a pipe dream. Beautiful car nonetheless.
This is nice real nice but the 68’ caprice with skirts and hideaways is the car. I’ve always been for big cars 98, Cadillac, Bonneville but I’d probably take something like this with the biggest engine and loaded. Had a 67’ Caprice Classic but it didn’t have hideaways or skirts. Still nice black with black bucket seats with console and wood throughout
The 1969 full sized Chevrolet is my favorite of all time. A family in the town where I grew up had a 4 door 1969 Caprice in this color combination. It was absolutely loaded and had the 390 horsepower 427 engine. Their teenage son took it to the drag strip and apparently it beat out almost everything else that raced that day. I sure loved that car. It had the rally wheels and the pin stripe white wall tires. It was so sharp!
Now that’s a beautiful car when GM actually built CARS. Like mentioned here by another guy, most of the survivors I see are Frost Green with green cloth interior. I detailed a similar car for a customer 20 years ago that had a 396 in it, Rally wheels and had hideaways, the last year they were available on a big Chevy.
I was a car-loving adolescent in ’69, and we lived in a GM town (Dayton, OH), so I always saw plenty of Impalas & Caprices running around. It did indeed seem that a large percentage were a shade of green, that ‘Frost Green’ shade, in fact.
My mom had a ’72 Impala Custom, kind of a half-a-notch below a Caprice. The interior looks almost identical, right down to the crank windows. A/C yes, FM radio no, LOL.
Beautiful color, body and those wheel covers are simply more beautiful than wires
Nice car….had one just like it with the hideaways but with a 396 2 barrel.
I met a guy that has a car like this that is a survivor he bought new, except his is yellow and has the 427 engine.
I like the 350 with the 2 bbl carb!!! Nowadays withe the cost of gasoline this is my preference!!! Just throw a Pertronix stage 2 high performance combo ignition kit in it and it will PURR like a kitten!!!!!
I love the styling of this Caprice much more than the styling of that ‘70 LTD mentioned elsewhere. But I would still get that LTD because of the better price and that 429; if this Caprice had a 396 or 427 I would take a closer look at it. The 350 obviously is a good engine but for this asking price, size matters.