Chevrolet has been a member of the traditional “Low-Priced Three” since 1928 but, starting in 1955, Chevrolet gave its customers aspirational hopes that allowed them to dress up a Chevy to appear more sophisticated than what it was. Chevrolet took it a step further a decade later with the advent of the Caprice, with our Pick of the Day demonstrating how fancy Chevrolet could go. This big-block 1969 Chevrolet Caprice Sedan is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Morgantown, Pennsylvania.
The 1955 Chevrolet was notable for its styling and the introduction of the small-block, but one thing that often is overlooked is how the issue of looks and performance was often restricted to more prestigious marques. With the advent of the 1955 Chevy, that was no longer true.
A decade later, Ford felt it could offer a luxurious version of the Galaxie 500 so it developed the LTD—bully on Ford but Chevrolet, ever swift on its feet, introduced the Caprice Custom Sedan in January 1965. This four-door hardtop was touted as having “luxurious surround dings meant for driving enjoyment” with elegantly comfortable interior, handsomely appointed door panels, and luxuriously quiet ride. Standard V8 power (195-horsepower 283, with options up to a 425-horsepower 396) was a special feature compared to lesser Chevys. For 1966, the series was expanded to include a Custom Coupe and a pair of Caprice Custom wagons.
By the end of the decade, the Caprice had made its mark at Chevrolet, even allowing the marque to borrow its formal roofline for use on the Impala (1968’s Impala Custom Coupe). For 1969, Chevrolet’s full-size series was redesigned, losing the sleekness from 1967-68 but not a big loss considering the industry had been moving towards the longer/lower/wider credo. In the case of full-size Chevys, a massive loop bumper was the most noticeable change, and the grille could be graced with hidden headlights for the Caprice. Out back, recessed taillights in a full wrap-around bumper was touted as an angle of luxury. Perhaps most significant was the elegant body sculpting that looked like teardrops surrounding the wheel arches. The overall effect was massive, but not in the way Plymouth’s “Fuselage” cars were.
Chevrolet offered many luxurious options in 1969 that belied its low-cost origins (never mind the fact that the Caprice was not lacking in luxury pretensions). Aside of the usual power windows, door locks, air conditioning, and other options more commonly associated with prestigious brands, Chevrolet offered headlight washers that would, at the press of a button, shoot a jet of washer-solvent, with the optional concealed headlights including them as part of the package. For Rust Belt dwellers, Liquid Tire Chain sprayed a fluid on rear tires for better traction on ice. And the Light Monitoring System on the front fenders used fiber optics to give the driver indication that all lights were in proper operation.
This Garnet Red 1969 Chevrolet Caprice Sedan (yes, Chevrolet called it a Sedan despite the lack of B-pillar) flaunts several items that help the model mix in well with 98s and Electras, but it also is hiding a trump card. You’ll note the hidden headlights, and if you take a closer look, the fiber-optic light monitors are perched atop the front fenders. However, the most intriguing thing about this car is that it’s a four-door 427 Caprice with 390 horsepower on tap. Look inside and you’ll find a tachometer, power windows and locks, rear window defogger, and AM/FM/8-track, plus a black cloth and vinyl split-bench interior.
The seller states that this 93,996-mile Caprice features a 12-bolt rear with 2.73 gears “with added Positraction.” With lazy gears like that, this Caprice may not be able to fake being a performance car, but it certainly can fake being a Buick. For $32,500, you Bow Tie guys won’t need to defect from your favorite brand to enjoy upmarket charms.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com.