Ford had introduced a luxury series called the LTD and in response, Chevrolet introduced the luxury trim package, Caprice, in 1965. It was available on the four-door Impala models with the name being chosen by Bob Lund, the General Sales Manager, after a New York City restaurant. The package included full wheel covers, a vinyl top, and a upgraded suspension. On the interior the cloth and vinyl seats, and carpeting were of better quality. The dashboard and door panels featured walnut trim. Pull straps were added to the doors to make it a little more luxurious and easier when closing the door. Additional convenience lights completed the package.
The market rewarded Chevrolet for this new offering with strong sales. The following year Chevrolet made the package available on more of its body-styles such as the two-door hardtop and a station wagon. The list of amenities that the Caprice trim offered was expanded to include a standard V8 engine. Other items were offered as optional equipment but most of the Caprice were purchased with the options. The list of popular options included power steering, white sidewall tires, automatic transmission, and vinyl top. Additional items such as power seats, stereo radio, power windows, and air conditioning was also available.
This numbers matching 396 Caprice was originally purchased in 1966 in California where it remained until very recently. The single owner, Mr. Magniez traded in his 1962 hard top T-bird and then kept the Caprice in beautiful shape for over 40 years.
The car was ordered with the following options:
- Tinted Glass
- Seat Belts
- Vinyl Roof Cover
- 4 Season Air Conditioner
- GM Reactor
- C vent
- 325 HP 396 V8 engine
- Turbo Hydromatic Transmission
- Dual Exhaust
- Power Steering
- 14 inch Wheel Equipment
- Push Button Radio
The car is in fine condition and has been preserved for years in sunny California. The Caprice is totally rust free and also very original. It has had only one repaint in its original color and the interior is also original and mint. Only the carpeting has been replaced. There is one very small tear in the head liner between the two sunshades. It is unlikely that one would be able to find a more original and straight Caprice on the market. Since the car has never been, or has never needed to be complete stripped apart and restored, the original lines are still as they came from the factory. Beautiful.
This car can be picked up and driven anywhere with confidence. It drives just like it did when it was new with no exceptions.
