Chevrolet Caprice, 1977–90
A big entry for a big car went on Autocade last night, which American readers might be interested in. The URL is http://www.autocade.net/index.php/Chevrolet_Caprice_%281977%E2%80%9390%29.
For each model, I’ve tried to get production estimates and manufacturing location(s). I am thinking, however, this article should be divided into 1977–9, 1980–5, then 1986–90, to mark the significant facelifts for the car, but it is hard to know where to draw the line due to annual model changes. Till I decide, it’s probably best as a single article.
Additions and corrections are welcome!
Chevrolet Caprice. 1977–90 (prod. 2,900,000 approx.). 2- and 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon. F/R, 229, 231, 262 in³ (V6), 250 in³ (6 cyl.), 267, 305, 307, 350 in³ petrol (V8), 350 in³ diesel (V8). Full-size Chevrolets downsized for 1977, carrying on in much the same form till 1990. Motor Trend Car of the Year for ’77. New grille and taillights for Caprice Classic in 1978; another new grille for 1979. Engine choices for these early models began with 250 in³ inline six, and 305 and 350 in³ V8s. Turn of the decade saw a more formal style for Caprice, with more upright C-pillar, especially noticeable on two-door; 229 in³ V6 replaces inline six except in California, where Buick 231 in³ unit offered. Of the V8s, 267 in³ offered (also base engine for wagons in 1980). Oldsmobile diesel added for 1980 model year, initially for station wagons only, expanded to sedans in 1981. Largest gasoline engine (350 in³) no longer offered. The 1981 model year saw greater changes, with a new gearbox and an emission control system, which helped the 305 in³ V8 achieve 26 mpg highway (EPA). Most two-doors apart from regular Sport Coupé deleted for 1982 model year. The 267 in³ V8 option also disappeared for 1983, a year that saw no two-doors. Two-door reinstated with slightly different styling in 1984, a year which reversed the decline in sales for the full-size Caprice line. New 4312 cm³ V6 for 1985, replacing 229 and 231 in³ units. Refresh for 1986 with new grille and tail lights, and Caprice Classic Brougham trim added to top of range to cater for buyers who might not like the downsized Oldsmobile Delta 88 and Buick Electra; diesel deleted along with Impala nameplate (for the time being). LS option and Landau vinyl roof available for Brougham from 1987; wagons had a 5030 cm³ V8 option. Two-door finally deleted for 1988. Fuel injection for sedans in 1989, while V6 deleted. Production dwindled for 1990, the final year for this shape.
Manufacturing locations: Arlington, Texas, USA
Marque: Chevrolet | Model: Chevrolet Caprice | Predecessor: Chevrolet Caprice (1971–6) | Successor: Chevrolet Caprice (1991–6)
