What type of car is a Chevy Caprice?
The Chevy Caprice is a full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan produced by Chevrolet. It has long served as the brand’s flagship large car and has appeared in multiple generations with varying body styles, including a wagon variant early on and, in later years, police-focused versions.
Over the decades, the Caprice has evolved from a premium Impala trim to a standalone model and, more recently, to a police-patrol vehicle built for fleet use. This article traces its identity, major generations, and current status in a shifting market.
Definition and classification
In automotive terms, "full-size" describes a large, spacious sedan that prioritizes interior room and comfort over compact maneuverability. The Caprice has consistently been Chevrolet's largest, most comfortable passenger car, designed to compete with other full-size American sedans.
Generations and body styles
The Caprice’s form has changed with each generation, but its core role as Chevrolet’s flagship large car remained constant. Here is a simplified timeline of major milestones.
- 1965–1969: Caprice appears as the top-line trim of the Impala, offering upscale features and extra chrome; not yet a separate model in all markets.
- 1970–1980: Caprice becomes its own full-size model and remains one of Chevrolet’s largest sedans; wagon variants known as Caprice Estate were offered in several years.
- 1980s–1990s: The Caprice name continues as a premium full-size sedan (and related Classic variants) as GM updates its large-car lineup.
- 1991–1996: Civilian Caprice continues in the United States as a large sedan; the model remains a traditional family car with generous interior space.
- 2011–2017: Caprice returns in the United States as a police patrol vehicle (Caprice PPV) based on Holden’s large sedan architecture; civilian sales are not offered in the U.S.
In summary, the Caprice's identity shifted from Impala’s top trim to a standalone flagship, and later to a law-enforcement-focused variant. It remains a symbol of Chevrolet’s traditional large-car lineage, though civilian versions are no longer produced in the U.S.
Current status and market presence
As of the mid-2020s, Chevrolet does not offer a civilian Caprice in the U.S. market. The Caprice name survives primarily in historical reference and in the Caprice PPV used by police fleets, derived from Holden’s large sedan platform. In some markets outside the United States, similar-looking Caprice models continue as part of local branding, but the Chevrolet Caprice as a consumer car is not in active production here.
Summary
The Chevy Caprice is a long-running full-size sedan that has served Chevrolet as a flagship model, a premium Impala variant, a standalone large sedan, and, briefly, a police-focused vehicle. Its civilian U.S. market presence ended in the 1990s, and today the Caprice exists mainly in fleet usage and historical context, representing a key chapter in the story of American full-size cars.
What kind of car is a Caprice?
The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 through 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965, with over a million units sold.
How much is a 1988 Chevy Caprice worth today?
A 1988 Chevy Caprice's value varies widely, with common models in average condition potentially selling for a few thousand dollars, while well-maintained or modified versions can range from approximately $8,000 to over $20,000. Factors like condition, mileage, originality, and features heavily influence the final price.
- Average condition: Expect to pay a few thousand dollars, potentially $1,450 to $2,175 on average, especially for models with higher mileage or needing work.
- Good to excellent condition: Good condition examples can be found in the $5,000-$8,000 range. A well-preserved, low-mileage car with excellent original paint and interior could sell for around $8,000 to $12,000 or more.
- High-end and modified: Extremely well-maintained or highly customized 1988 Caprices can command a much higher price. For example, a custom model with large wheels sold for $27,000 on eBay, while a pristine wagon sold for $19,500 at auction, notes Classic.com.
To get a more accurate value, consider these factors:
- Condition: Assess the body, paint, interior, and mechanical state.
- Mileage: Lower mileage cars are generally worth more.
- Originality: Vehicles with original parts and features are often more valuable to collectors.
- Modifications: Customized cars can be worth more or less depending on the quality of the modifications and their appeal to potential buyers.
- Trim level: Higher trim levels like the Classic Brougham may be more desirable.
How much is a 1970 Chevy Caprice worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $12,650 for a 1970 Chevrolet Caprice in good condition with average spec.
What is the Caprice known for?
The Caprice, Chevy's full-sized flagship car, exemplifies what is referred to as a land yacht, a luxury car known for its large size; long, boxy body; comfortable interior; and amazing riding comfort–land yachts were designed to float down the road much like a boat in water.
