In 1967, a Chevy Caprice was feted as the 100-millionth GM vehicle built in America. Today's Nice Price or Crack Pipe Caprice wagon wasn't that car, but you'll still need to decide if the rarity of its specs will make its price one for the record books too.
Considering his weird cult-like religion, legendary Oprah Show antics, and his portrayal of Les Grossman in the brilliant Tropic Thunder, you might just think that Tom Cruise is insane. He's probably not, but that doesn't mean that the seller of yesterday's 1993 Mercedes 300CE isn't for trying to move that car - claimed to have appeared in the Tom Cruise led The Firm - for just shy of twenty eight grand. That at least was the opinion of fully 90% of you who voted that deal to be a double feature of Crack and Pipe.
Obviously, without the provenance, 300CEs are common enough to command a lot less, as many of you noted. But what about a car that possesses a rare combination of specs, would you assign a greater value based on those? Would you, even if the car itself was in need of some significant spit and polish?
Well, if the idea of a rare bird needing release from its cage of deterioration appeals to you, let me introduce you to this 1967 Chevrolet Caprice wagon, a car that just so happens to be kitted out with more desirable bits than a bowl of Lucky Charms - which by the way are magically delicious.
Now it must be stated up front that this classic longroof is a project car, and the ad states that it is in need of a total restoration. That means that, should you get out of breath simply by moving from the cute cats subreddit to the Spacedicks subreddit, or if you're one of those vilified takers rather than the sainted makers, then you should probably just keep walking. That's right, nothing to see here, shoo, shoo!
Okay, for the rest of us, let's roll up our sleeves, pour another cup of black, and have a look at just what this wagon has to offer. The ad says that this is one of one Caprice wagons built with its particular specs in Canada for the U.S. market. Now, I have no idea of either the veracity of that claim, nor its importance, but I do know that a 6-seater with GM's awesome sixties Coke bottle styling, rocking a 327 V8, and a 4-speed stick is something that's of interest.
At the time, the Caprice was the top of the heap when it came to full-sized Chevys. Nearly half a foot longer than the mid-sized Chevy II the Impala-based Caprice came in coupe, convertible, sedan and wagon body styles. The top engine available in '67 was the mighty 427 V8, however this one happens to be a mamma bear like 327. That Turbo-Fire mill pumped out 275-bhp that year, and while optionally backed up with either a Powerglide or Turbo Hydramatic, it could also be had with a 4-speed stick from Muncie.
That's how this wagon is fitted, with a 327, 4-speed, along with power steering, and disc brakes in front. It also has the full gauge package and trigger lockout for reverse on its cueball-topped shifter, all factory. There is a lot to like here.
There's also a lot of work ahead for the car's new owner, as its present condition is such that restoration of it would be more of an advocation than a hobby. Still, it seems to be an excellent foundation for such an effort. The seller claims it to be mostly solid, with just minor rust, and to come with a new tail gate to replace the rhino'd one currently on the car.
There's also a good bit of dirt on the floorboards indicating that the car may have spent some time out of doors prior to its past three years in 'climate controlled storage.' Also there's the various trim and upholstery items that will need attention. Like I said, this is a project.
But does a numbers-matching classic Caprice with a 327 and a 4-speed stick make for a good start? If so, what about this car's $6,499 price tag, is that also a good start, or does that finish your interest?
You decide!
Chicago Craigslist, or go here if the ad disappears.
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For $6,499, Have Some Caprice Fun