1970 Chevrolet Caprice

The full-size Chevrolet models for 1970 included the Biscayne, Bel Air, Impala, and the Caprice. The Biscayne was the entry-level model, followed by the Bel Air, then the Impala, and the range-topping Caprice. Prices for the full-size Chevrolet's ranged from $2,785 for the Biscayne and rose to $3,865 for the nine-passenger Caprice station wagon.

Chevrolet produced over 92,000 examples of the full-size Chevy Caprice in 1970. The base V8 engine was an overhead-valve unit that displaced 350 cubic inches. It had 250 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. They were well equipped with power front disc brakes, color-keyed wheel covers, unique body side moldings, and an electric clock. The sedans came with a center armrest seat. Station wagons had vinyl trim, a deluxe steering wheel, exterior wood-grain paneling, and window moldings. They had Dual-Action tailgates and a glove box light.

Styling was similar to the 1969 models, with the previous wrap-around grille and bumper unit replaced by a more conventional under the grille bumper. New triple vertical taillamps were located in the rear bumper, and fiberglass-belted tires on 15-inch wheels joined the standard equipment list, along with power front disc brakes. Optional eight-cylinder engines included a 350 CID V8 with 300 hp and a new 400 CID Turbo-Fire V8 with 265 hp. The top engine was the 454 CID Turbo-Jet V8 with either 345 or 390 hp depending on the configuration. The 350 Turbo Fire with 300 hp and the 454 Turbo Jet operated on premium fuel while the 250- and 265-hp Turbo Fire engines used regular gasoline. the standard transmission was a three-speed manual with column shift controls. The previous floor-mounted four-speed manual with Hurst shifter was no longer part of the options list, as were the center console and Strato bucket seats offered on coupes. The list of optional transmissions included the Turbo Hydra-Matic on all engines and the two-speed Powerglide on 350 V8s.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2018