Chev Caprice Classic
ENGINE 5001cc/V8/OHV POWER 170bhp@4400rpm TORQUE 250lb ft@2800rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 117mph 0-60MPH 10.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 18-25mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed auto MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 59,951 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The 5.0-litre V8 fires easily and idles smoothly and quietly. The transmission and rear axle are quiet and don’t give any indication of wear and the relaxing, pillowy ride soaks up every bump, but acceleration sounds more impressive than it is; the car picks up speed comfortably but you’ll do it for the soundtrack rather than the rush to the horizon. The automatic gearbox changes smoothly and kicks down when needed. Despite being smaller than the previous-generation Caprice, it’s almost double the weight of a Sierra and feels big on the road, but visibility is excellent and it’s easy to manoeuvre. The steering is well assisted and the wheel is light to turn, with no feeling of wear in the system. The brakes are sharp and stop the car well.
BODYWORK CHECK
The metallic maroon paint is in good condition with no scratches and chips restricted to one on the nearside corner of the front bumper and a couple on the edge of the driver’s door. The panels all look straight and are free of dents or corrosion, Good paint No rust or dents Seats, carpet and dash all in good shape All works as it should Engine feels good bar the bonnet, which has a tiny ding in it. The bumper chrome is very presentable with only minor micro-pitting. A previous owner has added aftermarket rear parking sensors, suggesting that they cared about the car. All four wheels have Hercules whitewall tyres with good tread, and faux wire wheel hubcaps.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The maroon interior is in very good overall shape. The velour seat fabric has no wear, bar the driver’s seat, whose squab foam is slightly flattened at the edge and has a half-centimetre hole in the back corner. They are very comfortable and have electric adjustment: six-way for the driver and four-way for the passenger. There are electric windows all round, factory air conditioning and manual remotely adjustable door mirrors. The tan carpets are in good condition and the dashtop is free of cracks, its fascia trimmed in the most 1980s fake wood you’ve ever seen. It also has a vintage Pioneer radio/ cassette player and amplifier, which may be original or period accessories. A couple of extra temperature dials and a fog light switch have been added, likely when it arrived in the UK.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay has a film of honest grime, but there’s no sign of accident damage, leaks or anything having been disturbed beyond routine maintenance. Some wires remain from what looks like a long-departed aftermarket alarm.
THE CCW VIEW
The angular, squared-off styling, fake wood and wire wheels are as Eighties as a Sinclair C5 and mirrored sunglasses and very cool. These are simple, tough and reliable machines and this low-miler looks like it’s been well cared-for. A great buy.