Photo: Maple Motors | YouTube
It goes boom and bang and all that. Don't worry, it's not a storm sweeping the West Coast. It's the 1969 Chevrolet Caprice with a subwoofer in the trunk. Painted candy red, the restored car struts its classic silhouette down the road as if it just rolled off the assembly line. But that's about all the “classic” it has.
This car is crying out for trouble. It's a red-on-red 1969 Chevy Caprice that's been completely customized. It's got the sleek classic silhouette, but that's all that's left classic about it. It's got aftermarket everything, everywhere you look.
The 1969 model arrived completely redesigned. The design division proposed a redesigned grille and bumpers, while customers could opt for the optional hidden headlights with washers.
Optional extras included GM's new variable-ratio power steering and the “Liquid Tire Chain” option, which was essentially a vacuum-activated button that sprayed de-icer onto the rear tires on demand.
This restored first-generation Caprice has power steering, power disc brakes, power windows, all electric. And the power to turn heads while some of its siblings are rotting in barns. A few paint chips and dents on the body won't steal its glory. It rides on custom five-spoke wheels with disc brakes.
Photo: Maple Motors | YouTube
The model is powered by a 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) Goodwrench V8 engine, mated to an automatic transmission. A dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers churns out all the drama of the V8's loud soundtrack.
However, the loudest noise does not come from under the hood, but from under the trunk lid. That's where the four custom Kicker subwoofers reside.
The interior has some flaws. The red vinyl is peeling off on the left side of the dash, as is the paint on the upper side, right next to the windshield.
The odometer reads 65,291 miles, but we can't say how accurate it is. The numbers aren't aligned properly and look like someone shook them a bit. Everything on board is red: seats, headliner, door panels, dash, steering wheel.
An infotainment display and three digital gauges have appeared on board. The air conditioning does not seem to work, but the windshield wipers are working. However, they do not blow cold air into the cabin, no matter how much they swipe left and right. Meanwhile, the glove compartment door seems to be stuck closed. Who knows what secret treasure it might be hiding? Its new owner will surely find a way to open it.
On the move, steering feedback is clear.Straight as an arrow,” says the reviewer of the restored Caprice, while the brakes are reliable.
This car sold in a heartbeat. Someone fell in love with it, paid $26,900 and drove it home. There are some niggles here and there, but the overall package is attractive.
