1973 Chevrolet Caprice Classic

All of Chevrolet's full-size models, including the Bel Air, Impala, and Caprice Classic, were given all new styling for 1973, retaining the wheelbase size of 125 inches but its length growing slightly from 219.9-inches to 221.9-inches. The Bel Air came standard with a 250 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine, the Impala had a 350 cubic-inch V8 with overhead valves, and the Caprice used a 400 CID Turbo-Fire V8 with five main bearings, a two-barrel carburetor, overhead valves, hydraulic valve lifters, and 6.5:1 compression. It produced 150 (SAE) horsepower at 3,200 RPM and was paired with an automatic transmission. The Bel Air was priced from $3,250 to $4,000, the Impala ranged from $3,750 to $4,230, and the Caprice Classic ranged from $4,060 to $4,500. Chevrolet built a total of 941,104 full-size models in 1973.

The Chevrolet Caprice was renamed Caprice Classic for 1973 and the Kingswood Estate that wore simulated wood-grain body side trim was now named the Caprice Estate. The convertible, which had previously resided with the Impala, was now a part of the Caprice lineup.

The 1973 Caprice Classic wore a 5 mph energy-absorbing front bumper for 1973 along with a new cross-hatch grille and square taillights that continued to reside within the bumper. Both the six- and nine-passenger station wagons had single-unit taillights in the fenders and the Dual-Action tailgate feature. The license plate of all body styles now resided in the center of the bumper. On the interior, the front seats were moved which resulted in additional legroom which was ideal for those with longer legs but an issue for those with shorter legs.

Standard equipment included power steering and power front disc brakes. New items added to the options list included a 50/50 bench seat with recliner on the passenger side.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2022