Which came first, Caprice or Impala?
The Impala came first, debuting in 1958 as Chevrolet’s top‑trim full‑size model. The Caprice name appeared later in the mid‑1960s, initially as a premium version of the Impala, and soon as its own model line.
Historical timeline
Key milestones show how the Caprice emerged from the long-running Impala lineage and then established its own identity.
- 1958: Chevrolet introduces the Impala as the top-trim within the full-size lineup.
- 1965: The Caprice name debuts as a premium version of the Impala, marking Caprice as a luxury option within the lineup.
- 1966: Caprice is expanded into its own model line, distinct from the Impala, while sharing many components.
These milestones demonstrate that the Impala predates the Caprice by several years, with Caprice evolving from an upscale Impala trim into a separate model line.
Beyond the basics
What collectors should know
For enthusiasts, the badge and era matter because they signal different levels of equipment and intended luxury. Early Caprice models—starting in the mid-1960s and into the late-1960s—are often sought after for their luxury appointments on the full‑size Chevrolet platform, while Impala evolution continued as the broader lineup.
Summary
In short, the Impala came first. The Caprice followed several years later, initially as a premium Impala trim in the mid-1960s and then as its own distinct model line, continuing to appear in various generations within Chevrolet’s full-size family for decades.
