Images: Online Motorsports, LLC

The Chevrolet Caprice was introduced mid-year for the 1965 model year to do battle with Ford’s LTD. Essentially a luxury version of the Impala, it was only available as a hardtop sedan until 1966, where its roster was expanded to include a hardtop coupe and two versions of the Caprice Custom wagon. So when we stumbled upon this car on eBay, we knew this wasn’t a run-of-the-mill Caprice.

For 1966, Chevrolet touted its regal Caprice series as being as elegant as the high-priced cars but but at Chevrolet prices. On the outside, a special roofline with decorative twin exhaust ports under the rear window was the most notable distinction from lesser Chevrolets.

Ditto for the taillights, which were ribbed instead of segmented. Dual color-keyed body striping, deluxe wheelcovers, and bright moldings left no doubt that the Caprice was a special Chevrolet.

The special treatment continued inside with contour-padded seats (although the wagons made due with a less elegant treatment), walnut inlay on the dashboard, and bright metal interior trim.

At the same moment, Chevrolet introduced its Mark IV motor in 1965 in two versions in one size: 396cui with 325 (L35) or 425 horsepower (L78). For 1966, Chevrolet offered a bigger Mark IV, again two versions in one size: 427cui with 390 (L36) or 425 horsepower (L72, replacing the L78). The L35 396 soldiered on as the sole 396 offering.

So when you find a Caprice that’s equipped with a Mark IV motor, it’s enough to catch our attention. Although this one has the L35 396, which is barely muscle car material, it does have a 4-speed – instant drool material!

If it was a regular Impala Super Sport, it wouldn’t be so unusual, but the Caprice’s target market was more interested in being coddled. On the other hand, we could see a Caprice attracting those who would otherwise consider a sporty Pontiac Grand Prix, so maybe they were more popular than first impressions would suggest?

Originally ordered by James Bradley of South Carolina, this Madeira Maroon example is also equipped with Positraction, suspension upgrade, buckets and console, gauges, and wire wheelcovers, among others.