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Saved From the Crusher: 1977 Chevy Caprice Parked for 35 Years Flexes 50K Miles

1977 Chevrolet Caprice 24 photos
Photo: Craigslist
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The downsized Caprice debuted in 1977 as part of the third-generation series, bringing several changes that, in many ways, marked a new beginning for this model.
Chevrolet substantially reduced the car's weight, and despite the aggressive downsizing, the Caprice offered more interior space. The headroom and the legroom for the rear passengers were increased to make the Caprice more comfortable.

The reduced weight allowed Chevrolet to give up on the most powerful engines in the lineup, as the car was lighter and therefore obtained better performance figures. The 400 and 454 waved goodbye to the Caprice, so the top engine choice was now the 350 four-barrel, rated at 170 horsepower.

A 1977 Caprice landed on Craigslist earlier this week after it was previously saved from the crusher. The seller doesn't share many specifics, so it's unclear how the Caprice was this close to the final goodbye, but it seems to check almost every box for a restoration candidate.

First, it comes in a really good shape. The body is straight and doesn't exhibit any significant issues, while the interior looks clean and has all parts still in place. The seats are almost spotless, and I wouldn't expect a thorough cabin inspection to reveal any concerning problems.

The rust didn't get a chance to wreak havoc on the floors and in the trunk, but you should still put the Caprice on a lift and inspect its undersides. The owner says the car has been sitting for 35 years, and such a long time typically produces undercarriage issues that should urgently be addressed by the buyer.

The Caprice spent its entire life with a single owner, and this explains the unexpected reading on the odometer. The car has just 50K miles on the clock, and it's believed they are all original.

The engine under the hood is a 305 paired with an automatic transmission. It starts with gas poured into the carburetor. The 305 was the first optional engine in the 1977 Caprice lineup, developing 145 horsepower thanks to a two-barrel carburetor.

Everything on this Caprice suggests the car doesn't deserve to be thrown into the crusher, so it's now looking for a new owner online. The seller is willing to let it go for $3,000, which is a fair price, considering the 1977 Caprice isn't a highly desirable classic. However, restoring this Caprice should be an easy project, so for just $3K, you could end up with a gorgeous daily driver that retains its original setup.

The Caprice has no brakes, so if you want to take it home, putting it on a trailer is the only option. You can find it in Foley, Minneapolis, and the owner says they only accept cash.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
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Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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