1975 Chevrolet Caprice Classic

Description

This is it, the end of the line for Chevy's full-sized convertibles. The Caprice Classic defined the era: big, comfortable, and flashy, and today they're very collectable and probably a safe place to park some cash for the next few years. This 1975 Caprice ragtop is a nice combination of original and restored components that isn't perfect, but makes for a fun summertime driver.

Repainted using the original Medium Blue paint as a guide, the big Caprice is a handsome car with clean lines and a commanding presence on the road. Convertibles like this typically lived easy lives and weren't daily drivers in most cases, so it shouldn't be a surprise that the sheetmetal was straight and easy to finish in preparation for fresh paint. Gaps are pretty good all around and you can see even in photos that they spent the time to properly block and smooth the bodywork before spraying the paint. Things like the rubber filler panels behind the bumpers and under the taillights are always problematic on these '70s cars, but they're in good condition here save for a missing piece on the passenger side in back. Contrasting white rub stripes are a purely '70s design element, but it works here, tying in nicely with the white top. The chrome is impressive and may have been restored at some point and the ornate grille looks great.

When a convertible's interior is this nice and still original, you know it hasn't been neglected. The sun is harsh, but the seats are in great shape, the door panels aren't cracked in the usual spots, and the blue carpets have only a slight bit of fading to show for the past four decades of fun in the sun. Options include power windows and locks, A/C (the blower motor needs to be repaired), and a tilt steering column, giving it a very luxurious feel, even for a Chevy (it was the top-of-the-line, after all). The white power convertible top is quite possibly original, too, and may be showing signs of age, but it's only for emergencies anyway and will probably spend most of its time tucked under the matching white boot. And there's nothing like a long-distance road trip in a full-sized American ragtop, and this Caprice has the trunk to accommodate it, including a full-sized spare and jack assembly.

Chevy's 400 cubic inch V8 delivers the kind of effortless torque that was the entire point of a car like this. Given that the 79,403 miles shown on the odometer are authentic, it is unlikely that the engine has ever been opened. It starts easily and runs quite well, with a smooth V8 hum from the recent dual exhaust system, which also ditches the power-robbing catalytic converter. The engine bay isn't' detailed but it is quite stock, right down to the Chevy Orange paint and factory air cleaner. The transmission is a 3-speed TH350 automatic driving a set of highway-friendly gears out back, so it just loafs along on the open road. The entire suspension has been recently refreshed and upgraded, so it rides and handles extremely well and sits right without sagging. Factory Rally wheels and proper 235/75/15 whitewall radials help with the plush luxury car ride.

These Caprice convertibles will always be collectable and this one has a lot to offer for not a lot of cash. Call today!