1968 Chevrolet Caprice Series

The Caprice Series was at the top of Chevrolet's 1968 full-size line. It was bestowed with all the features found on the Impala and added a Caprice signature script, fender lights, full wheel covers, unique side molding, and an electric clock. On the inside, the front seat had a center armrest seat. They had courtesy and ashtray lamps and the coupe body styles were given the Astro Ventilation System. Body styles included a 4-door hardtop sedan, a 2-door Formal-Top coupe (also known as the custom coupe), and a 6- and 9-passenger station wagon. The base engine was an overhead-valve 307 CID V8 which offered 200 horsepower and 300 lbs.-ft of torque.

The Caprice made its debut in mid-1965 and was a trim upgrade for the Impala. It included a sedan, formal hardtop coupe and Estate Wagon. The addition of the Caprice Trim Package added a minimum of $400 or more to the price of the Impala. They added many luxurious amenities include additional sound-deadening materials, more supportive seats, softer sprung suspensions, and other upgrades.

Many believe it was a direct response to GM corporate directive ordering division executives to drive cars from their division. Another reason was that Ford had introduced the Galaxie 500 LTD, which many compared with the Rolls-Royce. Thus, Chevrolet created an upscale, premium Impala and dubbed it the Caprice.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2018