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Photo of a Chevrolet Caprice

Chevrolet Caprice

From a $200 Impala luxury upgrade to a 355-hp police sedan.12

Researched November 2, 2026 from 32 sources

Also called

  • DonkFor customized 1971–76 Caprices and Impalas. The origin is uncertain; one explanation links it to the Impala emblem resembling a donkey.3

At a glance

01,2502,500
1,738–2,041 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.517

Engine
1977–90: I6/V6, gas/diesel V8s; 1996: 4.3 L L99/5.7 L LT1; PPV: 3.6 V6/6.0 V811121314
Layout
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive115
Gearbox
Early: 3/4-speed manual, 2/3-speed auto; later: 4-speed auto; PPV: 6-speed auto11416
Built at
Arlington, Texas, USA (1977–90); Elizabeth assembly plant, Australia (PPV)1114
Units built
About 2.9 million (1977–90 generation)11

The story

Born in 1965 as the Impala's luxury package to challenge the Ford LTD, Caprice became a separate model in 1966. The name later returned to North America on Holden-built, rear-drive police sedans.14

1965: Impala gets a $200 luxury upgrade19651966: Caprice becomes a full model series19661971: Chevrolet's biggest cars arrive19711973: Classic name and the final convertible19731977: Project 77 sheds about 318 kg19771991: Aero body cuts drag to 0.33 Cd19911996: American production ends19961999: Holden brings Caprice to the Middle East19992011: Police-only return with 355 hp2011 Chevrolet Bel Air: 1950–1981Chevrolet Bel AirChevrolet Impala (fourth generation) (B-body): 1965–1970Chevrolet Caprice (first generation) (B-body): 1966–1970Chevrolet Caprice (second generation) (B-body): 1971–1976 19501960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones15222324
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1950–1981Chevrolet Bel Air
1965–1970Chevrolet Impala (fourth generation) (B-body)
1966–1970Chevrolet Caprice (first generation) (B-body)
1971–1976Chevrolet Caprice (second generation) (B-body)
1965Impala gets a $200 luxury upgrade
1966Caprice becomes a full model series
1971Chevrolet's biggest cars arrive
1973Classic name and the final convertible
1977Project 77 sheds about 318 kg
1991Aero body cuts drag to 0.33 Cd
1996American production ends
1999Holden brings Caprice to the Middle East
2011Police-only return with 355 hp
  1. 1965

    Impala gets a $200 luxury upgrade

    Caprice debuts as a $200 luxury package for the Impala four-door hardtop, aimed at rivals including Ford's LTD.1

  2. 1966

    Caprice becomes a full model series

    Caprice becomes Chevrolet's top full-size series, adding a formal-roof two-door hardtop and a woodgrain Custom Estate wagon.1

  3. 1971

    Chevrolet's biggest cars arrive

    Redesigned for 1971 on a 121.5-inch wheelbase, this generation runs through 1976 as the largest Chevrolets built.1

  4. 1973

    Classic name and the final convertible

    Renamed Caprice Classic for 1973, it gains the convertible from Impala. The 1975 model year ends Chevrolet's full-size convertible line.5

  5. 1977

    Project 77 sheds about 318 kg

    Project 77 sheds about 318 kg and nearly a foot of length from the full-size Chevys; a taller body helps cabin space. Caprice Classic wins Motor Trend's award.6

  6. 1991

    Aero body cuts drag to 0.33 Cd

    The rounded 1991 redesign cuts Cd from 0.41 to 0.33 and divides opinion; the Classic LTZ wins Motor Trend's Car of the Year.47

  7. 1996

    American production ends

    North American Caprice production ends, with the Impala SS also bowing out during 1996.18

  8. 1999

    Holden brings Caprice to the Middle East

    Holden-built Statesman/Caprice sedans revive the name in the Middle East. The all-new 2007 model offers a 3.6 L V6 or 6.0 L V8.19

  9. 2011

    Police-only return with 355 hp

    Returning to North America for 2011–2017 as an Australian import, the PPV later clocks 5.7 seconds to 60 mph with its 355-hp 6.0 L V8.1210

Every generation

  • Chevrolet Bel Air
    Chevrolet Bel Air1950–1981
  • Chevrolet Impala (fourth generation)
    B-body1965–1970
  • Chevrolet Caprice (first generation)
    B-body1966–1970
  • Chevrolet Caprice (second generation)
    B-body1971–1976

Power over the years

From 325 hp to 390 hp in 4 years.

0100200300400 19701980199020002010 hp 1966 · 325 hp · 396 Turbo Jet V81969 · 235 hp · 327 V8, standard1970 · 390 hp · 454 Turbo Jet V8, high-output option1977 · 170 hp · 350 V8, top engine1982 · 145 hp · 305 V81991 · 170 hp · V8, throttle-body injection1993 · 180 hp · LTZ 5.7 L V81994 · 260 hp · 1994–96 LT1 350 V81996 · 200 hp · 4.3 L SFI V8, standard sedan2011 · 355 hp · PPV 6.0 L V82012 · 301 hp · PPV 3.6 L direct-injection V6 390 hp 454 Turbo Jet V8, high-output op… 325 hp 396 Turbo Jet V8
16781214161819
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1966325396 Turbo Jet V8
1969235327 V8, standard
1970390454 Turbo Jet V8, high-output option
1977170350 V8, top engine
1982145305 V8
1991170V8, throttle-body injection
1993180LTZ 5.7 L V8
19942601994–96 LT1 350 V8
19962004.3 L SFI V8, standard sedan
2011355PPV 6.0 L V8
2012301PPV 3.6 L direct-injection V6

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Caprice / Caprice Classic / LS

    Standard

    Caprice / Caprice Classic / LS

    1991–1996

  • Caprice Custom Coupe / four-door hardtop

    Standard

    Caprice Custom Coupe / four-door hardtop

    1966

  • Caprice Custom Estate / Kingswood Estate

    Standard

    Caprice Custom Estate / Kingswood Estate

    1966–1970

  • Caprice Wagon

    Standard

    Caprice Wagon

    1991–1996

  • Caprice Classic Brougham / Brougham LS

    Standard

    Caprice Classic Brougham / Brougham LS

    1986–1990

  • Standard

    Caprice LS / LTZ / SS / Royale (Middle East)

    2007

  • Performance

    Caprice Classic LT1

    1996

    260 hp

  • Special

    Caprice 9C1 LT1

    1994–1996

    260 hp
  • Caprice PPV 9C1 Patrol / 9C3 Detective

    Special

    Caprice PPV 9C1 Patrol / 9C3 Detective

    2011–2017

  • Caprice Classic Convertible

    Standard

    Caprice Classic Convertible

    1973–1975

  • Performance

    Caprice 427 L72

    1966, 1968

    425 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • 1966: wide ribbed sill moldings and twin pinstripes identify the Caprice trim.20
  • 1971: egg-crate grille with a Caprice emblem in the middle.1
  • 1977 coupes: a distinctive folded-glass rear window.6
  • 1991 Classic: rounded bodywork and an upright hood ornament.7
  • 2011 PPV: 18-inch steel wheels with center caps and wheel covers.19

Year by year

  1. 1968

    A new grille, bumper-mounted taillights and optional hidden headlights arrived; coupes lost front vent windows.1

  2. 1973–1975

    The full-size convertible moved from Impala to Caprice Classic for 1973; 1975 was its last model year.5

  3. 1980; 1986

    1980 brought more upright rear roof pillars, clearest on coupes; 1986 changed the grille and taillights.411

  4. 1993

    Sedans traded partly covered rear wheels for rounded openings; rear lamps and trim changed too.8

  5. 1995

    Sedans adopted the Impala SS rear roof-pillar shape; Classic Custom also gained revised rear-quarter panels and window styling.48

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Chevrolet Caprice
    Caprice
    Photo of a Chevrolet Impala SS
    Chevrolet Impala SS

    Chevrolet Impala SS

    On 1994 cars, the SS has the newer rear roof-pillar shape; Caprice sedans adopted it for 1995.8

  • Photo of a Chevrolet Caprice
    Caprice
    Photo of a Pontiac G8
    Pontiac G8

    Pontiac G8

    Look for the PPV's stretched proportions: it is longer overall and between the wheels than the G8.10

Against its rivals

  • Dodge Charger Pursuit (2012)

    Caprice vs Dodge Charger Pursuit (2012)

    Quarter-mile lower is better

    Caprice14.2 s
    Dodge Charger Pursuit (2012)14.1 s
    2
  • Ford Police Interceptor Sedan (2013)

    Caprice vs Ford Police Interceptor Sedan (2013)

    Figure eight lower is better

    Caprice26.8 s
    Ford Police Interceptor Sedan (2013)26.3 s
    2

Prices

Value today $15.0K–$62.5K2728

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K$80K 197019801990200020102020 Value today: $15,000–$62,500 1966 · $3,000 · US Custom Coupe base1982 · $8,827 · US Classic sedan base1982 · $12,260 · US Classic sedan, as tested1991 · $17,370 · US Classic sedan base1991 · $21,124 · US Classic sedan, as tested2012 · $31,745 · US PPV base2012 · $32,205 · US 9C3 V8, as tested 1966 · $3000.00 · US Custom Coupe base, 1966 model year 2024 · $45,750 · 1966 427 coupe, 91k miles shown, BaT2024 · $66,000 · 1975 Classic convertible, 1,900 miles shown, BaT2024 · $10,600 · 1996 Classic, 32k miles, BaT2025 · $58,000 · 1975 Classic convertible, BaT2025 · $33,000 · 1968 396 wagon, 64k miles shown (TMU), BaT2026 · $16,250 · 1996 Classic LT1/B4U, 20k miles, BaT2026 · $62,500 · 1975 Classic 454 convertible, 9k miles shown, BaT2026 · $15,000 · 1983 Classic sedan, 64k miles shown, BaT $66.0K BaT, 2024
2710162021272829303132
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1966Launch price$3,000US Custom Coupe base, 1966 model year
1966Price when new$3,000US Custom Coupe base
1982Price when new$8,827US Classic sedan base
1982Price when new$12,260US Classic sedan, as tested
1991Price when new$17,370US Classic sedan base
1991Price when new$21,124US Classic sedan, as tested
2012Price when new$31,745US PPV base
2012Price when new$32,205US 9C3 V8, as tested
2024Auction sale$45,7501966 427 coupe, 91k miles shown, BaT
2024Auction sale$66,0001975 Classic convertible, 1,900 miles shown, BaT
2024Auction sale$10,6001996 Classic, 32k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$58,0001975 Classic convertible, BaT
2025Auction sale$33,0001968 396 wagon, 64k miles shown (TMU), BaT
2026Auction sale$16,2501996 Classic LT1/B4U, 20k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$62,5001975 Classic 454 convertible, 9k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,0001983 Classic sedan, 64k miles shown, BaT
2026Value today$15,000–$62,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “Donkmaster's eight-second, 26-inch racers”
    • “Three 1971 Caprices in The Crew Motorfest”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 4 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 32 sources
  1. Chevrolet Caprice - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Chevy 9C3 Detective Caprice vs. Dodge Charger Pursuit vs. Ford Police Interceptor motortrend.com
  3. What is a donk and how do I build one? autoweek.com
  4. 1996 Caprice/Impala - History capriceclassic.com
  5. 1973-1975 Chevrolet Caprice Classic - Chevy's Last Full-Size Convertible - Old Car Memories oldcarmemories.com
  6. Downsizing the Bow Tie: 1977 Chevrolet Impala and Caprice - Mac's Motor City GarageMac's Motor City Garage macsmotorcitygarage.com
  7. Tested: 1991 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Is a Radical Reinvention caranddriver.com
  8. 1991-96 Chevy Caprice/Impala SS Review | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  9. 2007 Model Year Chevrolet Caprice and Lumina Service and Pre-Delivery Guide. Chevrolet Lumina Export 2007 gm.saturn.team
  10. 2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV Police Car Review caranddriver.com
  11. Chevrolet Caprice (1977–90) - Autocade autocade.net
  12. 1996 Caprice/Impala Specifications - (continued) capriceclassic.com
  13. Ford vs. Chevy: Cop-Car Showdown - Hot Rod Magazine hotrod.com
  14. 2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV First Drive - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  15. Holden Caprice - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  16. 1982 Chevrolet Caprice Classic: Can't Get Enough caranddriver.com
  17. Kaufberatung: Chevrolet Caprice Classic - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  18. The then-new New Chevrolet – Steve Prestegard.com: The Presteblog steveprestegard.com
  19. Chevrolet Prepares 2011 Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle for Duty prnewswire.com
  20. USA Car World usacarworld.com
  21. 20k-Mile 1996 Chevrolet Caprice Classic LT1 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,250 on March 22, 2026 (Lot #234,494) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  22. Chevrolet Bel Air - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. Chevrolet Impala - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. Chevrolet Impala (fourth generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  25. Industry Insights: Sage “Donkmaster” ThomasPerformance Racing Industry performanceracing.com
  26. THE CREW MOTORFEST SEASON 4 VEHICLE LINEUP ubisoft.com
  27. No Reserve: 1983 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Sedan for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,000 on June 2, 2026 (Lot #245,624) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. 1975 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Convertible 454 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $62,500 on April 28, 2026 (Lot #239,874) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 1966 Chevrolet Caprice Coupe 427 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $45,750 on November 24, 2024 (Lot #171,883) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 32k-Mile 1996 Chevrolet Caprice Classic for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,600 on March 8, 2024 (Lot #138,898) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 1,900-Mile 1975 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Convertible for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $66,000 on September 18, 2024 (Lot #163,256) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 1968 Chevrolet Caprice Wagon 396 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $33,000 on February 17, 2025 (Lot #180,638) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • motortrend.com
  • autoweek.com
  • capriceclassic.com
  • oldcarmemories.com
  • macsmotorcitygarage.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • gm.saturn.team
  • autocade.net
  • hotrod.com
  • autobild.de
  • steveprestegard.com
  • prnewswire.com

Photo credits

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