Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
7,293 Actual Mile, Loaded, One Owner Caprice Classic
1996 was the end of the line for General Motors and their full-sized rear-wheel-drive sedans like this Caprice Classic. In typical GM fashion, just about the time they had perfected the recipe, they canceled the program, because these are great cars. With just 7293 original, one-owner miles, its the equivalent of an Impala SS, but much more unusual. And, of course, theres always the fun involved in driving a car that can easily be mistaken for a police cruiser
Ordered new by an 86-year-old lady and maintained until her recent death at age 102, this car carries all of the important options, including the 5.7-liter V8. Apparently she wanted an Impala SS, but didnt want bucket seats and a console, so she scanned the order form and built her own version. Aside from the bench seat and a few trim differences, the only substantial difference between this car and an Impala SS is the wheel and tire package. There are no details anywhere on how many cars like this were built, but you can bet it wasnt many and the survival numbers must be extremely low. By 1996, the Caprice was an extremely nice car, and with hundreds of thousands built, it was one of the best-built vehicles in America. They survived millions of abusive miles at the hands of police officers and taxicab drivers, and still came back for more.
As with all the low-mileage cars RK Motors Charlotte features, the highest praise we can give this one is that it is as-new in virtually every way. When we talk about restorations, they are inevitably better than new in every way, but original cars are special. Theres no bodywork required, no fresh paint on any of the panels, and everything fits the way it did when the guys at the factory put it together. The paint is amazingly nice, and white looks pretty darned good on the big cars body, contrasting nicely with the black window treatments and chrome grille. And before you dismiss this one as a little old lady special that has been parked by feel for years, take a look at the bumpershardly a mark to be found except for a few specs of road rash. Heck, the front bumper wasnt even drilled for a front license plate. And hailing from sunny, warm Knoxville, Tennessee, this car has never seen snow or salt and is as spotless underneath as it is up top.
The Caprice Classic was available with a V6, but the top motor was the Corvette-derived 5.7 liter LT1, which, in this application made 260 horsepower. One look under the hood is all youll need to be convinced that this is a low-mileage original car. All the original equipment is intact, including the engine cover up top, which is often the first thing unscrupulous mechanics toss while doing maintenance work. The bottles for the radiator and windshield washer fluid (which is HUGE, by the way) are still clear and white, not yellowed and discolored by age and heat. The belts, hoses, plugs and wires are most likely still the original equipment. And theres simply nothing more reliable than a small block Chevy, and these routinely last longer than 250,000 miles before needing major service. In the case of this time capsule of a car, if it continues at the same rate it has been accumulating miles, will probably run for another 514 years.
The transmission is GMs rugged and dependable 4L60E 4-speed automatic, and it works perfectly. Out back a set of 2.93 gears on a limited slip differential help the Caprice deliver on its EPA estimated 26 MPG on the highway and make it a highly relaxed cruiser. Like the engine bay, everything is original and in remarkably good condition, from the floors and frame, to the suspension and brakes, which all feel like brand new. The original exhaust system has no leaks and has a healthy, albeit subdued, rumble that suggests some pretty serious blasting powder is available under the hood. This car does carry the optional $550 Sport Suspension, which upgraded the standard Caprice to Impala SS specifications for a little more precision on the road. The wheels are aluminum alloy that were standard with the Special Value Caprice Sedan Package 3, and currently wear 235/70/15 Goodyear Eagle GA blackwall radials for a real police cruiser look.
The main reason this car is a Caprice Classic and not an Impala SS is inside, where the original owner insisted on a leather-lined bench instead of the Impalas standard buckets. Nicely preserved and showing wear thats appropriate for the age and mileage, the Caprice has legroom galore. If youre the sort of guy who complains about new cars being too small, well, heres your ride. And all the power goodies are included, like power windows, locks, seats, as well as A/C and a moderately good factory stereo system. The gauges are a combination of analog and digital instruments that were cool in the 90s and still function well today. Wood trim is reasonably realistic looking, and covers parts of the dash and door panels to give the Caprice an upscale feelthis was, after all, Chevys top-of-the-line sedan. In back, theres enough room for the starting front line of an NBA team to get comfortable, and it doesnt look like anyone has ever spent any time back thereits new in every way. The same holds true for the trunk, which still carries all the original mats, nets, covers and a full-sized spare tire.
Documentation is extensive, as the original owner wisely retained all the original paperwork. We have the original window sticker, 1996 Caprice brochure, order forms, invoice, receipts, owners manual, the folder with all the supplemental information from the dealer, including a cassette tape, the post-delivery satisfaction survey (never filled out), a thank-you letter from Beaty Chevrolet, the selling dealer, the GM Roadside Assistance plan booklet, and even the original temporary license tag. Wow!
Look aroundthese cars are incredibly hard to find and always in demand. In fact, I might be tempted to assign this one desirable will be gone in a week status, thats how nice it is and how strong the market is. With all the hardware that makes an Impala SS so cool, plus the updated quarter panels and windows that got rid of the odd Caprice styling, its a slam-dunk. One owner, low mileage, and perfectly preserved, its a brand new 1996 Caprice Classic. There will never again be cars like this built anywhere in the world, and the ones that do exist have pretty much been driven into the ground. Im confident that this one will go fast, so call today!
1996 Chevrolet Caprice Classic
1996 Chevrolet Caprice Classic
Specs
- Stock
- 132308
- Miles
- 7,293
- Vin
- 1G1BL52P2TR140941
- Body Style
- Sedan
- Engine Size
- 5.7 Liter V8
- Transmission Type
- 4 Speed Automatic
- Body Color
- Bright White
- Interior Color
- Gray
Description
1996 was the end of the line for General Motors and their full-sized rear-wheel-drive sedans like this Caprice Classic. In typical GM fashion, just about the time they had perfected the recipe, they canceled the program, because these are great cars. With just 7293 original, one-owner miles, its the equivalent of an Impala SS, but much more unusual. And, of course, theres always the fun involved in driving a car that can easily be mistaken for a police cruiser
Ordered new by an 86-year-old lady and maintained until her recent death at age 102, this car carries all of the important options, including the 5.7-liter V8. Apparently she wanted an Impala SS, but didnt want bucket seats and a console, so she scanned the order form and built her own version. Aside from the bench seat and a few trim differences, the only substantial difference between this car and an Impala SS is the wheel and tire package. There are no details anywhere on how many cars like this were built, but you can bet it wasnt many and the survival numbers must be extremely low. By 1996, the Caprice was an extremely nice car, and with hundreds of thousands built, it was one of the best-built vehicles in America. They survived millions of abusive miles at the hands of police officers and taxicab drivers, and still came back for more.
As with all the low-mileage cars RK Motors Charlotte features, the highest praise we can give this one is that it is as-new in virtually every way. When we talk about restorations, they are inevitably better than new in every way, but original cars are special. Theres no bodywork required, no fresh paint on any of the panels, and everything fits the way it did when the guys at the factory put it together. The paint is amazingly nice, and white looks pretty darned good on the big cars body, contrasting nicely with the black window treatments and chrome grille. And before you dismiss this one as a little old lady special that has been parked by feel for years, take a look at the bumpershardly a mark to be found except for a few specs of road rash. Heck, the front bumper wasnt even drilled for a front license plate. And hailing from sunny, warm Knoxville, Tennessee, this car has never seen snow or salt and is as spotless underneath as it is up top.
The Caprice Classic was available with a V6, but the top motor was the Corvette-derived 5.7 liter LT1, which, in this application made 260 horsepower. One look under the hood is all youll need to be convinced that this is a low-mileage original car. All the original equipment is intact, including the engine cover up top, which is often the first thing unscrupulous mechanics toss while doing maintenance work. The bottles for the radiator and windshield washer fluid (which is HUGE, by the way) are still clear and white, not yellowed and discolored by age and heat. The belts, hoses, plugs and wires are most likely still the original equipment. And theres simply nothing more reliable than a small block Chevy, and these routinely last longer than 250,000 miles before needing major service. In the case of this time capsule of a car, if it continues at the same rate it has been accumulating miles, will probably run for another 514 years.
The transmission is GMs rugged and dependable 4L60E 4-speed automatic, and it works perfectly. Out back a set of 2.93 gears on a limited slip differential help the Caprice deliver on its EPA estimated 26 MPG on the highway and make it a highly relaxed cruiser. Like the engine bay, everything is original and in remarkably good condition, from the floors and frame, to the suspension and brakes, which all feel like brand new. The original exhaust system has no leaks and has a healthy, albeit subdued, rumble that suggests some pretty serious blasting powder is available under the hood. This car does carry the optional $550 Sport Suspension, which upgraded the standard Caprice to Impala SS specifications for a little more precision on the road. The wheels are aluminum alloy that were standard with the Special Value Caprice Sedan Package 3, and currently wear 235/70/15 Goodyear Eagle GA blackwall radials for a real police cruiser look.
The main reason this car is a Caprice Classic and not an Impala SS is inside, where the original owner insisted on a leather-lined bench instead of the Impalas standard buckets. Nicely preserved and showing wear thats appropriate for the age and mileage, the Caprice has legroom galore. If youre the sort of guy who complains about new cars being too small, well, heres your ride. And all the power goodies are included, like power windows, locks, seats, as well as A/C and a moderately good factory stereo system. The gauges are a combination of analog and digital instruments that were cool in the 90s and still function well today. Wood trim is reasonably realistic looking, and covers parts of the dash and door panels to give the Caprice an upscale feelthis was, after all, Chevys top-of-the-line sedan. In back, theres enough room for the starting front line of an NBA team to get comfortable, and it doesnt look like anyone has ever spent any time back thereits new in every way. The same holds true for the trunk, which still carries all the original mats, nets, covers and a full-sized spare tire.
Documentation is extensive, as the original owner wisely retained all the original paperwork. We have the original window sticker, 1996 Caprice brochure, order forms, invoice, receipts, owners manual, the folder with all the supplemental information from the dealer, including a cassette tape, the post-delivery satisfaction survey (never filled out), a thank-you letter from Beaty Chevrolet, the selling dealer, the GM Roadside Assistance plan booklet, and even the original temporary license tag. Wow!
Look aroundthese cars are incredibly hard to find and always in demand. In fact, I might be tempted to assign this one desirable will be gone in a week status, thats how nice it is and how strong the market is. With all the hardware that makes an Impala SS so cool, plus the updated quarter panels and windows that got rid of the odd Caprice styling, its a slam-dunk. One owner, low mileage, and perfectly preserved, its a brand new 1996 Caprice Classic. There will never again be cars like this built anywhere in the world, and the ones that do exist have pretty much been driven into the ground. Im confident that this one will go fast, so call today!
$499.00 Dealer Administrative Charge is not included in advertised price. All prices and offers are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice, please confirm listings with dealer.
Please note: Your vehicle may require Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the Vehicle in the declared State of residence. In most States, such requirements are dependent on the age of the vehicle which varies State by State. We recommend as part of the buying process that you check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your declared State of residence’s titling and registration requirements.
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$499.00 Dealer Administrative Charge is not included in advertised price. All prices and offers are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice, please confirm listings with dealer.
Please note: Your vehicle may require Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the Vehicle in the declared State of residence. In most States, such requirements are dependent on the age of the vehicle which varies State by State. We recommend as part of the buying process that you check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your declared State of residence’s titling and registration requirements.