Caprice
Classic Brougham 1987.
The Chevrolet Caprice (later called Caprice Classic)
was a series name of automobile produced by Chevrolet, a division of
General Motors, in the United States from the 1965 through 1996 model
years.
Throughout its life, the Caprice designated the most-expensive (and most
luxurious) model of the Chevrolet full-size car range, which during its
lifetime also included the Biscayne, Bel Air and Impala. Its exit without
replacement would leave the Ford Crown Victoria as the last traditional
full-size American sedan
The Caprice began life in 1965 as a luxury trim package for the Impala
four-door hardtop sedan, in response to the successful Ford LTD series.
This included a stiffer suspension, higher-grade cloth and vinyl seat and
door trim (as well as thicker, higher-grade carpeting), walnut trim on
the dashboard and door panels, pull straps on the doors, extra convenience
lights, special full wheel covers and a vinyl top. The name for the Chevrolet
Caprice was coined by Bob Lund (Chevrolet's General Sales Manager) after
a classy restaurant he frequented in New York City.
The package was very well received, and was expanded in 1966 to include
a two-door hardtop and a station wagon. A V8 engine was installed in every
Caprice. While features such as an automatic transmission, power steering,
white sidewall tires, and vinyl top were extra-cost options, virtually
every Caprice was sold with them. It is interesting to note, however, that
a very few Caprices were ordered with the optional 4-speed manual transmission,
few or no power accessories, and the big-block Mark IV V8. Also, customers
frequently ordered luxury options such as air conditioning, power windows,
power seats and stereo radios; several automotive history books noted that
a fully-optioned Caprice rivaled the appearance, comfort and convenience
of the Cadillac DeVille (which ironically was based off of the Chevrolet
Caprice).