1971 Chevrolet Caprice

Description

If you grew up in the '70s, you definitely remember cars like this 1971 Chevrolet Caprice hardtop, but did you ever expect to see one this well-preserved more than four decades later? Well, get ready to be amazed, because this impressive survivor shows just 62,040 original miles and has probably lived a better life than most of us who grew up alongside it.

We've gone over this car pretty carefully, and aside from a few touch-ups, we believe it's factory paint. Now you might be squinting at the photos trying to get a better look, but let me assure you that it really is as nice as it looks and there's absolutely no evidence of a repaint. It has that soft shine that only vintage factory enamel can generate and while the light beige color isn't terribly exciting, you'll be amazed by the attention a survivor like this can generate. Everyone will have a story to tell about one they knew and they'll want to know where you found this one. The truth is, they're not easy to find and even fewer will be this amazingly well preserved. Heck, even the brown vinyl top is in outstanding condition with no fading, no popped seams, and no signs of bubbling underneath. And who could remember that chrome was this nice in 1971? No pitting, no scuffing, and a brilliant shine that makes this car look a few months old, not a few decades.

If you're a fan of the early '70s, then you know the interiors are always a special treat with wild brocade fabrics and plenty of luxury features. To be honest, it looks great and has aged well, and given the condition of this one, it's a fine tribute to the period. The front bench is power-actuated, but oddly enough, the windows and locks are manual. The AM/FM/cassette stereo is obviously not vintage-1971 but is much-appreciated in a car that's built for long road trips and with A/C and that incomparable ride, you'll definitely be spending quite a bit of time behind the wheel. The dash pad, carpets, door panels, and headliner are in remarkable shape, and even the burled walnut appliques are still firmly affixed to their various parts. I don't know where this car lived its life, but it was dark, dry, and had full-time help to keep things in top shape. The trunk is downright massive and carries a period spare Pirelli tire on the original wheel.

A big 400 cubic inch V8 provides power for moving the car and all those power accessories, so everything feels downright effortless. It starts quickly and idles smoothly, because this isn't a muscle car, but it moves like it weighs 1000 pounds less than it does. A smooth-shifting TH350 3-speed automatic helps make it feel light on its feet, and aside from the usual belts, hoses, plugs, and other tune-up items, this one is completely as the factory built it. Even the undercarriage is shockingly clean, adding more credence to the ideal storage conditions theory. Recent 225/75/15 whitewall radials on the original wheels and hubcaps mean it's also ready to go.

Just imagine the crowd that'll form when you show up at the next cruise night in this big land yacht. They don't build them like this anymore, so get a good one and start having fun. Call now!