I recently wrote about an unusual American car I found in a small city in Argentina. That car was Chevrolet’s fanciest model, a near-luxury vehicle whose strengths and distinctions were found on the inside. Our Pick of the Day is another one of these vehicles, a 1967 Chevrolet Caprice Custom Coupe listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Sioux City, Iowa.
The Caprice was a mid-year introduction for Chevrolet, introduced around the same time in 1965 that the Mark IV big-block (aka L35 and L78 396) replaced the 409. Even if you’re number one like Chevrolet, that doesn’t mean you’re always first, and this was true about the Caprice, a response to Ford’s Galaxie 500 LTD. That sub-model (soon to shed its Galaxie 500 trappings and be its own model for 1966) introduced luxury to the “Low-Priced Three.” Plymouth would introduce the Fury-based VIP in 1966, and Rambler (an honorary fourth member of the Low-Priced Three) would introduce the Ambassador DPL. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?
The initial 1965 Caprice was only available as a four-door hardtop (“Custom Sedan”), a V-8 Impala Sport Sedan with option code Z18. The Caprice was available with any V-8 in Chevrolet’s roster. (In fact, the GM Heritage Center’s records show that five Caprices were built with the L78 396/425 and a four-speed — quite an unusual combination!) Starting in 1966, a Custom Coupe two-door hardtop and four-door wagon was added to the Caprice’s roster. The Custom Coupe was unique in that it featured a unique formal roofline not available on any other Chevrolet model though, for 1968, Chevrolet began offering an Impala two-door hardtop with the Caprice roofline and called it the Impala Custom Coupe.
The full-size Chevrolet was redesigned for 1967. Considering the strength of the 1965-66 models, it was a tough act to follow, but Chevrolet could never be accused of having a “sophomore slump” with its 1967 full-size series. Longer, lower, and wider per market trends, the big Chevy featured jutting front fenders with the option for “front fender lights” on the far ends of both headlight clusters — unusual for the segment. “You first take in the sweep and sculptured styling of new fenders, hood, deck lid and roofline … Out back, you’ll notice the new fenders skirts you can order on Custom Coupe and Custom Sedan and the exclusive triple taillight clusters with bumper-mounted backup lights.” Indeed, starting in 1966, the Caprice received distinctive taillight lenses that distinguished it from lesser full-size Chevrolets. This was a time when Chevrolet was playing with the design of its signature taillights (traditionally two per side for Biscayne and Bel Air, three for Impala), though Chevrolet would revert back to tradition for 1968.
Powerplants were similar to 1966. The Caprice was not available with a six-cylinder — only V-8s were suitable for Chevrolet’s most prestigious car. A 195-horsepower 283 was standard, with the availability of a 275-horse 327, L35 325-horse 396, or 385-horse 427 (down five from ’66). Strangely, the L72 427/425 took a respite for 1967.
This Royal Plum 1967 Chevrolet Caprice Custom Coupe is claimed to have 64,000 original miles and has been with the same owner since 1973. The restored engine compartment houses the numbers-matching L35 396 backed by a TH400 automatic engine. Other features include air conditioning, power windows, power steering and brakes, Rally wheels (a new option for ’67, the only year for the flat center cap). “All-original interior, panels, carpet, and mats. Correct factory multiplex AM/FM stereo.”
In sum, this Caprice is a Chevrolet that thinks it’s an Oldsmobile: upscale airs with a classic Chevy big-block in a fantastic color. Sounds like your jam? For $44,900, we have to salute your taste in cars!
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
