Trivia: What was the first model year that Chevrolet offered concealed headlights in three series? Nineteen sixty-eight. Did you get the correct answer? The Corvette had them standard, and the Camaro and Caprice had them optional. Our Pick of the Day, a 1968 Chevrolet Caprice Estate Wagon, is the first of two instances that a full-size Chevrolet could have hidden headlights. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Quebec, Canada.
Chevrolet’s wagons fluctuated in the 1950-60s—for example, in the exalted model year of 1955, the wagons were tied to the traditional trim levels of 150, 210, and Bel Air, with the unique Nomad being a special Bel Air model beyond the Bel Air wagon. Starting in 1956, the wagons became the 150 Handyman and 210 Handyman (both two-doors), 210 Townsman, and 210 Beauville and Bel Air Beauville.
For 1959, when Chevrolet settled with Biscayne, Bel Air, and Impala models within its full-size series, the corresponding wagons became Brookwood, Parkwood and Kingswood, and Nomad, respectively. Starting in 1961, the mid-level Kingswood was discontinued, leaving the Parkwood among the Brookwood and Nomad wagons. And then, for 1962, wagons lost their specific names, instead returning to conventional series names like Biscayne, Bel Air, and Impala. When the Caprice became a full-line model and top trim level for 1966 (after its 1965 introduction as a four-door hardtop), a Caprice wagon joined the lineup.
Starting in 1969, full-size wagon models returned to using unique names. In this case, Brookwood, Townsman, Kingswood, and Kingswood Estate reflected the respective Biscayne, Bel Air, Impala, and Caprice trim levels.
Of course, 1969 was the second and last instance a full-size Chevy could have hidden headlights—in fact, a 1969 Caprice appeared as our Pick of the Day earlier this week. The 1969s with this option are much more familiar than the ’68, though neither model year with hidden headlights is rare—for 1968, 14,929 Caprices were built with option “T83” compared to 23,797 built for 1969.
This Capri Cream 1968 Chevrolet Caprice Estate Wagon looks fabulous with its hidden headlights, but there’s more than meets the eye thanks to the big-block 427 backed by a four-speed manual. Seller claims the engine is not original, and he’s unsure about the transmission, but we can recognize that this is a fun family hauler with “mild choppy cam, Edelbrock Performer intake, [and] Holley 750cfm carburetor” to give more than the 385 horsepower that an original 427 may offer. Rally wheels with hubcaps ride on BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. Inside, the tan interior features a full bench seat, column-mounted aftermarket tachometer, clock, and rear-facing third seat.
Yes, this Bow Tie is located near Montreal—somewhat far for many of you—but the dealership has experience with importation and transportation, so there shouldn’t be an issue. But wouldn’t you rather fly your family to Quebec and drive back home in this? For 35,995 American dollars, it would be the trip of a lifetime.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com