Chevrolet broke a fantastic record in 1965 when the Impala sold over 1 million units during the year, becoming the first car in the US to do so after World War II.
The strong sales continued the next year, but the GM brand also had another ace up its sleeve to maintain the solid demand for full-size cars. The Caprice, previously offered as a member of the Impala lineup, was now a stand-alone series, and man, what a great car it was.
The Caprice rapidly became the model everybody loved, though it didn’t necessarily sell in big numbers. Approximately 181,000 units rolled off the assembly lines in 1966 before a drop to 124,500 a year later.
The Caprice could be had with the same engines as the rest of the full-size cars in the Chevrolet lineup, including the 283, the 327, the 396, and the almighty 427 with 390 horsepower.
The Caprice in these photos spent its entire in Southern California, and because it’s a desert car, the rust hasn’t turned it into a big pile of useless metal. The owner says on eBay that they last started this car 30 years ago, and it has otherwise been sitting ever since. The Impala is fitted with a 327ci four-barrel engine, and its condition is currently unclear, especially as it spent the last three decades in storage.
eBay seller David and Bonnie’s Emporium says the car is unrestored and unaltered, so it’s a time capsule looking for a second chance in all-original condition. As I said, the rust is not a big concern, so the floors and the trunk are “in great shape” – I still believe it’s critical to put this car on a lift and check the undersides if you plan a complete restoration.
The body isn’t straight, and you’ll have to deal with a few dings and dents, but I absolutely dig the patina. The interior will require more attention, as the seats are wrecked, and I doubt you can use much of the cabin for a complete restoration. You might have to replace most of the interior, but this is why an in-person or third-party restoration is recommended.
The selling price is a bit high for a 1966 Caprice project, especially considering the uncertainty under the hood, so despite the starting bid set at $7,700, nobody entered the race to take this car home. People who want to secure the Caprice without a fight can trigger the Buy It Now price and pay $8,700.
The vehicle is located in Palm Desert, California, and you’ll need transportation to take it home, considering it’s a project and the engine hasn’t run in three decades, but contact the seller to discuss all the details.