Chevy Caprice Classic
The Chevy Caprice was introduced in 1965 as part of an all new Chevrolet lineup for GM. It would
become one of GM's best asset's as many years went on. Competition especially for Fords Crown Victoria, and the
Police Interceptor.
The Chevrolet Caprice and Caprice Classic are full-sized automobiles produced by General Motors in
the United States and Canada from 1965 through 1996 model years and in Mexico from 1977 through 1983.
Throughout its life, the Caprice Classic was the most expensive and luxurious model in the Chevrolet
full-size car range, which during its lifetime also included the Biscayne, Bel Air and Impala. The Chevy Caprice
Classic will return to North America as a full-size, rear wheel drive police vehicle in 2011.
The Caprice began life in mid-1965 as a luxury trim package for the Impala four-door hardtop sedan (16639), in
response to the successful Ford LTD series. This included a stiffer suspension, higher-grade cloth and vinyl seat
and door trim (as well as thicker, higher-grade carpeting), walnut trim on the dashboard and door panels, pull
straps on the doors, extra convenience lights, special full wheel covers and an optional vinyl top. The name for
the Chevrolet Caprice was coined by Bob Lund (Chevrolet's General Sales Manager) after a classy restaurant he
frequented in New York City. However, some say the Caprice was named after Caprice Chapman, daughter of auto
executive and influential Indy-car official James P. Chapman.
The Caprice was very well received during its abbreviated first year in 1965. For 1966, the Caprice was expanded
into a full top-line series to also include a two-door hardtop with a squared-off formal roofline (in contrast to
the Impala/SS coupe's fastback roof) and a station wagon with simulated woodgrain exterior trim – the first Chevy
"woodie" wagon since 1954. A V8 engine was installed in every Caprice. While features such as an automatic
transmission, power steering, white sidewall tires, and vinyl top were extra-cost options, virtually every Caprice
was sold with them.
The Caprice was truly Chevy's cream of the crop, Even today the Caprice is making a comeback as a true winner
for GM.
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