396 Power: 1968 Chevrolet Caprice
Here’s one that will probably stir up the old “two doors too many” debate, but sometimes there are cars that you just can’t overlook. While this one may not be special to some, it was Chevrolet’s top of the line Caprice. Here is a 1968 Chevrolet Caprice Sedan. Yes, that is what Chevrolet called it in its brochure for 1968. It is actually what we car lovers refer to as a 4 door hardtop. Oddly enough, in the same brochure, the Impala version of the 4 door hardtop is referred to as a Sport Sedan, while the post sedan is not even included. It is for sale here on eBay in Pueblo, Colorado.
This Caprice has been in a barn for a long time, just look at the dust on the front part of the hood. Even though it has a lot of grime on it, it looks like it might be one of those cars that cleans up better than you think. There appears to be no body damage and the seller says it’s 98% rust free. That is actually a two-tone combination in blue with a white top, but not vinyl covered. The car rolls for easy transport, so that means the car doesn’t run.
Unfortunately, inside we see that mice have made this Caprice a quite comfy home at some point. Believe it or not, the seats seem to be in pretty good shape. There are no rips, but there will be some stains to deal with. The rear seat looks like it has been used as storage for quite some time and there is a big oil stain that most likely even Dawn dish detergent won’t get out. The dash is in good condition. This car has air conditioning, cruise control, automatic transmission, and driver’s remote control mirror.
Under the hood is something that makes this Caprice a little more special. As mentioned previously, the car is not running. But it is equipped with a 396 cubic inch V-8 engine with 4 barrel carburetor. Besides getting it started, it’s going to need a bit of cleaning up. The car has been driven 111,000 miles. As of this writing, the car has been bid to $3,800 with no mention of a reserve. Are you ready to tackle a project like this?
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Comments
When we hear “396”, images of wheel standing, tire burning Chevelles come to mind, but here’s proof, most 396’s were just workaday slugs, like this car. I suppose the car is pretty nice if you have a thing for 4 door ’68 Chevy’s, but the 396 claim is highly overstated, even though it has one, not much appeal.Now if it was a wagon, people are going gonzo on this vintage wagon, but a sedan, not so much.
Nice option list and color combo. If I had the funds I’d give it a full resto just to piss off the snobs. No matter what the auction shows say, people made memories in and even loved some 4-door rides.
Potentially nice except for the mice. If you’re gonna put the hubcaps on, how bout washing and vacuuming it? We only need a couple of photos in as-dragged condition. I wouldn’t want to deal with rodent damage, but someone will.
The 396 makes the car much more desirable to me than say a 327 car. Neat car.
The sedans can be a fun alternative . Personally I prefer the added strength from the center post and framed windows of the lesser models.
That will clean up . I don’t see anything too discouraging in the photos…Even the front seat looks good under the debris from something shredded by the mice . I like 4 door sedans. I have had many coupes . Not an issue to me…I see that bidding has topped $5000.00 so there is a market for this neglected unit…
Great lines, regardless of how many doors it has. Proof that not all big block chevys were destined for the drag strip but still plenty strong for normal driving, or towing. Like it.
1968 was first year hideaway lights were offered and only on Caprice models. Hard to tell from pictures if this one is so equiped. That option is worth big $$ when used ones are offered for sale today.
If given the choice of this for 5K or the ’68 Ford Galaxie for 9K, I will take the Galaxie.
You won’t get this car into the shape the Galaxie is in for 4K.
The first thing I thought of when seeing that interior shot was the horrid stench that must be present. Anyone who has stuck their head in a car like this will know what I mean.
Change the oil dump some gas down the carb and itll run . Wash it, fabreeze the interior after a good cleaning and drive it ! Ill bet it cleans up nice and ill take this over the galaxie any day and have 4g in my pocket !