- A luxurious look all its own
- Two different 427s offered
- This one owner car made a fantastic project
A look all its own and set the standard
First released as an up-level trim option during the 1965 model year run on Impala 4-door hardtops, the Caprice model was the most luxurious Chevrolet offered. For 1966, Caprice became a full-fledged series and was extended to 2 and 3-seat station wagon models plus as a 2-door “Custom Coupe,” which featured a brand-new and distinctive formal roofline.
Full-sized Chevrolets rode on a 119-inch wheelbase with coil spring suspension front and rear. The Caprice models featured additional sound insulation as compared to Impalas plus were fitted with special fender-to-cowl insulation that wasn’t equipped on any other full-sized Chevrolet models.
Big bucks in 1966!
The heavily–optioned car was ordered early in the model and has a build date of 3rd week of November, 1965.
With a starting price of $3000.00 for the Model 16647 and then specified;
- A/C $365.00
- 390-hp V8 Turbojet $316.00
- Turbo Hydra-Matic Transmission $226.45
- Astro Bucket Seats $200.15
- Push Button AM/FM Radio $133.80
- Stereo Speakers $105.35
- Power Windows $100.10
- Power Steering $94.80
- Tilt Telescopic Steering Wheel $79.00
- Vinyl Roof $79.00
- Transistor Ignition $73.75)
- Four Way Power Seats $69.55
- A/C Control Equalizer $63.20
- Simulated Mag Wheel Covers $52.70
- Tachometer$47.40
- Vacuum Power Brake $42.15
- Positraction Axle 2.73 $42.15
- Tinted Glass $36.90
- Superlift Air-Adjustable Rear Shocks $36.90
- 8.25x14 WSW tires $35.50
- Front Bumper Guards $15.30
- Tri-Volume Horn $13.70
- Deluxe F&R Seat Belts $10.55
- Rear Bumper Guards $9.50
- Positive Crankcase Ventilation System $5.25
- AIR Injection Reactor $44.75, required of California regulations
All this added up to $2295.70, with a grand total of $5437.45. Big bucks in 1966!
Two different 427s offered during the 1966 model year run, the L36 plus a L72 425-hp version that featured a stronger four-bolt main block, stronger connecting rods and caps, special camshaft with solid lifters, higher compression (11.0:1 as compared to 10.25:1 for the L36) and an aluminum intake manifold with Holley 4-bbl. carburetor. While the L72 made more 35 more horsepower, torque rating was the same for both engines: 460 lbs.-ft.
When a Caprice Custom Coupe was ordered with Strato-bucket seat option for $200.15, it came with center console, special instrumentation, and lower instrument panel padding. Interiors of Caprice coupe and sedan models were inlaid with the rich look, simulated, of hand-rubbed walnut on doors, instrument panel, glove compartment and horn ring, with other higher-quality appointments, including color-keyed tufted pattern cloth and padded vinyl upholstery and thick, deep-twist carpeting.
“The location of the instruments included with the buckets and console isn’t likely to bring raves from purists,” said Motor Trend Magazine’s tester. “Located vertically between dash and console, they’re not in the driver’s line of sight. But they have the saving graces of being complete, legible and well lighted, as well as being most tastefully laid out.” In reality, where else could have all these gauges been located? The instrument panel was already pretty well filled up, the factory had to put them somewhere!
Available at extra cost of $79.00 the tilt and telescopic steering wheel provided greater driver comfort, easier entry and exit. Each adjustment can be made independently and performed while driving. Tilting is accomplished with a lever located below the turn signal control. There are two “up” positions and three “down” positions, in 6-degree increments from the normal driving setting. The locking ring below the horn button permits telescoping, with any desired in-out position possible within an approximate 3-inch range. Combined, the tilt and telescoping feature allows the wheel to be moved some 5-inches horizontally and 6.5-inches vertically.
When the original owner left his prized brand-new to his nephew, who apparently wasn’t too keen on keeping the car for himself but rather drove to the Swap Meet where he offered it up for sale. The car had 81K on the odometer and was in great “survivor” condition, and as a one owner car it could be a fantastic restoration project.
