1973-1975 Chevrolet Caprice Convertible's Swan Song
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- For Chevrolet the final retirement of the full-size convertible was at the end of 1975 model year when 1975 Caprice Classic Convertible production ended. The 1973-1975 Caprice Classic Convertible was the swan song of this breed of full-size Chevrolet convertible models which had been produced for decades.
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Brings back memories of being a kid, mom loved her convertibles. We would have the top down when ever the sun was out. Didn't really matter what time of year it was, that top was down. RIP Mom. I'm certain she's cruising with the top down and a smile on her face.
I am the 2nd owner of a 1975 Caprice Classic Convertible that my father purchased new kept all these years. What a great car with tons of summer memories. It's a keeper.
My dream car is a 1973 Chevy Caprice Classic Convertible with a 454 big block.
My grandfather finally gave in a passed his 75 Caprice convertible to me. He can't drive anymore and decided I should take it. 66,000 original miles garage kept. He bought the car brand new and pampered it. Only really driving it in the summer. I tried for years trying to get it he wouldn't cave. Even offered to buy it from him he still wouldn't let it go. Finally last month he told me take it gave me the title and the keys.
Great video. I saved my money from work and bought a 74 in my first year of college. LOVED that car, all the girls wanted to ride in it. That didn't bother me a bit.
I had a 74 four door with a vinyl hardtop. It’s still one of the cars I miss the most.
Who?............. cares
@@Jackpots936 🗽
@@Jackpots936 You cared enough to comment.
I had a '90 9C1 retired police car. God I miss that car!
@@chumbawaumbacumpa either way size plus convertible aka cars like this aren't really sold anymore so 2015-up what choices do American buyers have ? add in 4-door/sueaside-door's and it's nothing as company's like ford are choosing to manufacture small crossover's or thing's like the F150 lighting body style wise
so people like me are left with odd choice's as i proffer for now regular cab and 8-12ft box pickups or car's like challenger's/mustang's or classic's like this as for now im not looking for a momma mobile 4-door full size, 2-full size and 2 haft-size back door's will do 👍
One of the best cars EVER!
Well done. Well done. Love driving my Chevy full size.
This was when GM was on top , such a smooth ride . We had a 1972 2 door with a 2 barrel carb . The car had so much power and torque . What a gem you were
My father always had Caprice Classics in the 60's and 70's. I grew up driving the last one a 1974 coupe, which we kept in the family for over 30 years. Great car and one of the best looking American cars of its time.
Omar Sarhan sweet bro my dad has a 74 Caprice coupe
The Caprice convertibles and wagons had Impala interior trim to meet a certain price point to keep them lower priced than the 88 Royales and Buick LeSabre Customs.
The 65 Caprices actually had less exterior chrome than Impala. The Impala had full rocker panel and lower rear fender chrome moldings. The 65 Caprice had wheel lip moldings and a single lower molding between the front and rear fender. It shared the spinner wheel covers that were also standard on the 65 Impala SS.
What a beautiful beautiful car!
This brings back memories for me, because my buddy had one (a '73) when we were in our early 20's. The 400 ran like a watch, but the car was over 20 years old at the time, and still had it's original top. I'll never forget when we drove it down the freeway for the first time with the top up, and the fabric peeled back like a tuna fish can. He put a new top on it, but didn't do it right--it looked bad.
I'VE NEVER COMMENTED ON ONE OF THESE SIGHTS BEFORE, BUT IN THE FALL OF 1973 I BOUGHT THE CHEVY DLR'S PERSONAL DEMO '73 CAPRICE CONV, EVERY OPTION, 19.000 MILES FOR 3995.00/ 454, OF COURSE, MIDNIGHT BLUE, WHITE TOP AND INTERIOR. I WAS 22 AT THE TIME. THE CAR HAD BAD METAL, PAINT WOULD JUST FLAKE OFF AND IT LOOKED LIKE THERE WAS A BB UNDER THE RUST BLISTER, GREAT RUNNING CAR, GAS MILLAGE? WHO CARED BACK THEN, WISH I HAD IT NOW! TRADED IT FOR AN ELDO!
jerry crawford Thanks for sharing Jerry! It's inspiring to see you so passionately reminiscing about such a beautiful car. Gorgeous Color as well. Did you pick up any chicks in it or go on any major road trips?
Also, quality control processes in the U.S auto industry weren't that great at the time which might explain the "bad metal and BB" aspects of your car. You see our top leading quality control process man of that time, W Edwards Deming, was sent to Japan to help them produce war equipment we could use for the Korean War.
He was way ahead of his time, revolutionary even, and was the biggest reason for why Japanese cars started to become known as more reliable, less expensive, and had less quality control issues.
One of his theories eventually put into place everywhere was not to try and make fit, modify, or use badly fitting or poorly constructed parts when assembling a vehicle (as was being done at the time)...his process was just to throw away those parts, use only the proper ones, and that this ended up cheaper in the long run for a variety of reasons.
If he had been in America, the builders of your car would have probably never used the "bad metal" in your car, and probably would have also made sure the car was perfect for paint. O well.
Hope you're doing well and in good spirits these days sir.
At least you didn’t trade it for a microphone.
One of my dad's best friends from the mid-'70's owned the small town of Dequincy, LA's Chevrolet dealership and had a '75 red convertible with a off-white interior. Man, was that a pretty car. He hardly ever drove it...almost in anticipation of the discontinuation of the convertible. Too, I think it was the Caprice model! Definitely a collector today.
Hi
From the land of oz
We over here are going crazy for the old classics, even today.
Love the cuda..one of my favourites
I have seven old cars in my small fleet of collector vehicles, one of which just happens to be a 1975 Caprice Classic convertible, baby blue color (GM called it medium blue). I looked nationwide for several years to find the right example - factory stock, low mileage, all original, loaded with options. Of all places, found it on a craigslist posting right here in my backyard. It was owned by another avid collector who bought it new in '75 for his wife who never liked driving the car because it was too large for her. It was used sparingly for occasional weekend drives and for some parade duty. It was, and continues to be, stored and maintained in a dry climate controlled environment. This beautiful car is a perfect example of one of the last great full size convertibles of the era and I believe that it remains as one of the lowest mileage 1975 Caprice Classics in the country with just over 2,200 original documented ticks on it's odometer. It is an amazing piece of lavish American automobilia and I'm confident it will continue to rise to the same values and iconic status that tri-five bowtie convertibles enjoy today
A classic!!!👍
I currently own a 1974 Chevy Caprice 2 door vinyl top with a 454 and a 89 Chevy Caprice 4 door with a 305, these cars are my pride and joy!
This channel rocks!
BrownBagSB - Yes, I'm so glad I found it :)
Same here Jeremias
Yes. The best car channel. It is the most informative and factfilled channel on UA-cam. Videos well done and no electronic voice!
I had a '75 Caprice 2 door hardtop. White with red interior. 400 small block. I wish I could buy another one now. It was a work of art! Loved that sled!
Very beautiful looking car beautiful colour thanks friend have a very nice day
That 73 was the best looking one to me my uncle had one and he use to baby that car to death....lol....It was a convertible too.
Just beautiful. I remember that Mike Brady on “The Brady Bunch” drove a red one with a white interior. I wanted it, even at 10 years old.
These are so cool ! Thanks for covering the Caprice.
Take one of the big blocks....rebuild it today and it should be a 500hp monster. Many states don't even require smog on cars older than 30 years
You can straight pipe a car in Ohio if it’s 25 years old.
Fear and loathing in Las Vegas! Hunter S Thompson loved big loaded American convertibles.reminds me of the movie.
My mother bought a new Caprice wagon in early 1974. That was a nice car with a 454 to match. Man, I wish I had it now.
I was teen and early twenties during the muscle car era and enjoy the memories this channel brings back. Great car and was popular as could be when this model was new.
Still driving my 75 Olds Delta 88, got it before it was even an antique.
I had a 1973 Caprice convertible, black with a white interior and an original 454 back in the 90's and early 2000's when I was in my late 20's and early 30's. I completely restored it and it was a real head turner, I loved driving it. My intention was to keep it, however I was getting married and needed the money. Too bad because I was divorced a year later! Anyway I have much more money and a very large garage so I am in the market for another one. I have also been collecting NOS parts all this time so I should be ready for whatever I find. Wish me luck!
Where did you find 73 Caprice seat cover interior? It seems impossible to find.
Loved riding this car - because driving is the wrong word. It felt like it floated like a cloud, so much power and so smooth... 1975 Caprice Classic.
Amazing Find if you can get one. 100% AMERICA Red White and Blue.
I drove a ‘79 Caprice Brougham in college ... it was a nice beer and people hauler
My favorite years for Chevy Impala was 1955-58 and then again 1965-72... And same for Caprice in the years 1965-72. My neighbor had a new 1965 Caprice. They only came in 4 door hardtop that first year.
I just wanted to say I have been watching your videos for a long time and I love them more than any of the other car videos they are simple and to the point and I like the sound of the narrator lol I'd love to see you do one on the Cadillac El Dorado beretz's and the 1st and 2nd generation Chevrolet Monte Carlos thank you
I'm waiting for a video about the GrandVille :)
How about a 70's B body Pontiac video? Grandville, Bonneville, Catalina, Safari,...etc. Thanks, love your vids.
I grew up in a few of these classics as a kid.
Had 1974 impala 400-ci. Drove a few times from Duluth MN to San Diego and back..Nice ride- could sleep fully extended on back seat( I am 6'2").
Not true. Seats not that wide or long.
Can you imagine people 30 years from now looking at Honda Civics and Toyota Camries like this?...Yeh...me either.
Florida first love and still till this day🌴
I had a 1974 Caprice Classic convertible medium metallic red white top red interior I love that car
Taught my wife to drive in a '74. Bought it for $75 Canadian in '90, drove it HARD for two years. Abandoned it on the street in Vancouver, as there was no market for it. Hindsight.
A lot of talk about the engines, but not a word about the unique scissor top!
Bill Prince I was wondering why no one had mentioned that point.
The scissor top was the worst design they could have come up with. My summer car, for 22 years, was a 1975 Buick LaSabre Custom rage top. Great car. It was used in movies and music videos. My only complaint was the poor design of the top. I sold it in 2004, for four times what it was worth brand new. Not bad aye? I replaced it with a new Mustang GT convertible, which I still drive and it’s now 2018.
John- PLUS ONE on that being one of GMs lousiest designs.
That top frame would hang up on itself at the most innoportune times... Didn't help that they built it with cheesy potmetal components.
But I guess it was UNIQUE.
I got me a car, it's as big as a whale, and I'm heading on down the Atlantic high way.
I got a custom Continental, I got a El-do-rado tooooo...
I got me a Chysler and seats about 20 so come on bring your jukebox money! 😉😄
I feel like having a Lobster.
I like your Chevy Duster
Let me guess, you’re going to roam?
I remember them well. Miss the 70s.
Half my high school parking lot was full of them. I miss them.
Bought a 1970 Chevy Caprice 400 2 barrel 20,000 miles on it for $1200 in 1977 one of the best cars I ever had
For those who don't know, the Caprice, Impala, and Bel Air were basically different trim levels of the same car.
and Biscayne
I miss my 1973caprice classic with V back two door this is car all way 75
I had a 71 impala. It was a total beast and I loved it.
Thank you for the info , I didn’t know much about them apart that any impala /Caprice are precious , there was a 1975 Caprice classic convertible for sale here in Australia where I live for $ 18.000 , a very good for them as I saw them for over $ 40.000 before , I didn’t know they were rare ... I didn’t liked the 75 front when I saw it , as I really loved the 1971 front but know after watching this video I am already in love for the preciousness of the 75 model .
Thank you from Australia
I had a 1971 donk ,,, what a beautiful car I hate I sold it to this day
I love Chevrolet.
That black one is GORGEOUS.
We had a 1976 Chevrolet Impala 4 door sedan with a 350 cid V8 and an automatic transmission and steering.
I have a 73 Caprice convertible FOR SALE! FOR SALE! 38k original miles, 454 a/c. Just pulled out of storage after 30 years. Solid southern car. Needs restoration, complete original car.
In 1973 I bought a Buick and my wife's cousin bought a Chevrolet. Sitting out on the front porch, the cousin said his Chevrolet was getting 14 mpg, I said my Buick was getting 16.6 might. He said how is that possible, we have the same engine, but his is a 2 barrel and mine a 4 barrel. I had to explain how 2 vs 4 barrels work, and a 4 barrel driven correctly would get better milage. What really pissed him off was when I told him Buick parts that didn't met specs were made into Chevrolet engines. I told him he should have spent the extra $47 and bought a Buick. Then I told him his grill was plastic and mine was metal.
Great video!.Love this series!.
Thank you for making this video.
"Plenty of headroom for interior passengers." Prompts the question... Are there exterior passengers?
hydorah just the hooker in the trunk lol
There were exterior passengers in the trunk so they didn't have to pay admission at the drive-in movies. What year were you born?!
Interior for when the top is up. Exterior when the top is down.
I’ve been one. It’s more comfortable on the inside.
a work of art
Last of an ancient breed
Nice cars for sure my dad owned a 67 Impala very roomy.
O.M.G. I miss my 72 hard top 2 door, 400/400
In my senior year of school, I had only 2 classes. If you pay your $2 lunch money, you could skip school. I was the driver. We crammed a lot of kids, skipping school in my 1971 Impala.
I thought it was ironic that this video opened with a long gaze on the '57, when the real story here is the '75. It's not the first time those two years have been seen together, as I ought to know. I was born in the first, graduated from high school in the latter, and now it looks like the '75 is beginning to take off as a classic with value$ to match. For me personally, I like the looks of the equivalent Delta 88 better. As far as Chevy goes, I really would have preferred seeing that convertible option on the sexy Monte Carlo! (They would have had to add quarter windows.)
I also like the Olds Delta 88 much more then the Chevy Caprice.
Pleased to read that, Chillkoot. Nothing against the Caprice, but the 88 had beauty the Chevy just didn't. Neither did the Pontiac Grandville for that matter either. Next to the Delta 88, I think is the Buick LeSabre. I like both of these better than even the Eldorado----but it's a lot closer.
Well, one of my main reason to like the Delta 88 more is because I sorta grew up with it. Sam Reimi's movies like Evil Dead1,2 and 3(Army of Darkness). That's what kick started my love for 1973 Olds Delta 88s.
i use to drool over Flo Henderson on the BRADY BUNCH, when i was not drooling over there vert chevy's! there is one hard top I love love love more than a vert, and that is 58 impala..
I'm still driving my 75 delta 88 I got for $2200 back in 1998, it was just going to be a fun car to hit the bars with at the time. Hardly did anything to it other than rebuild the top end with a modern cam in 2009. Love most of the big cars from this era.
The 74 was beautiful!!!
Ronaldo Susa so was the,1966 california caprice i brought back east !!!
I so wanted my mom to buy a 1974 Caprice, white with light blue top and matching upholstery, but she got a Monte Carlo.
Ahhh the perfect car to watch sun go down
I drove several of these converts when they were new. They had the structual rigigity of a wet cardboard box.
Not true.
I have a 1975 with a 4bbl 400 Small block V8 engine. I have a single exhaust hard top it has a nasty brown coffee color. But it has AC. I’m the fourth pen in the family to have this car.
Although not one of these beautiful cars, I owned a 1972 Ford LTD Convertible, red, white top, white interior with the low-output 351. It was a dog performance-wise, but gee whiz do I miss that car. I had to sell it when I moved to Hawaii, where cars like these don't survive.
Excellent!
Very interesting car
What a Boat! Put a few sails on this baby! But boy....do I like it.
fantastic video!!!! keep 'em coming like this one!
I never was that crazy about them.
My Dad's neighbor had a 76, cranberry with white interior.
It looked like a awesome car
Oh boy , I missed these cars a lo
thefreebird49 I remember touring the Chevy factory in Janesville Wisconsin in those days and watching some Chevy cars and pickups being built. One line made the cars and the other line assembled the trucks. Was in 1972.
Love These my.. my my... NICE
That guitar lick is so sick!
Had a 72 Caprice Classic, wasn't convertible unfortunately, but it was truly a boat and got about 12mpg. Was fun to drive until the transmission gave out, sold it for $1, which was $99 less than I paid for it two years earlier.
Son una belleza estos autos
I always said the 89s 2 Dr caprice was a sharp looking car
I serviced an pdied these cars when
They were new an test drove.
The cars were huge and comfortable,,but the jack to change a tire,were suicidal lol
love em
too bad people are putting twenny fo's on them now and some stupid theme painted on them. everytime I see one done that way I want to buy it and have the owner watch me put it back stock...lol
WILNEL not to mention the lowriders with all the hydraulics... too many people confuse tackiness with "culture".
WILNEL I hear what you are saying but please try to understand something here, people bring oldschool cars back to life and back into the lime light in their own way with style and waaaaayyyyy more horse power. Now it may not be to your liking but its paying homage to Chevrolet for giving us such classic cars that will stand the test of time and that paved the way for newer generation cars and owners.
seebee077 If they are being pulled out of the junkyard then it's fair game; however, if it's original, leave it that way.
Mark O just like ugly chopped rat rods YUCK!
@Randy Jackson I read every comment and I must admit everyone made great points.
I was just wondering how long would it be before someone goes to far. Your comment is by far the worst and mindless.
I have the Pontiac version of this car, the Grand Ville. the top on these cars (same mechanism shared between all 5 GM makes from 71-75, even the Eldorado) is the truly unique 'scissor' top, which folds inwards on itself and then flops the folded side rails behind the rear seat instead of to the side, giving a graceful look to the top when up and a full width rear seat - perfect for parades. the only drawback to the tops is that they couldn't be lined, so the top mechanism is exposed. It is really strange looking going down...look like its out of alignment, as one side folds up behind the other. This top is what makes these some of the best 'verts ever made.
The period from 1975 to 1984 was a dismal decade for Detroit. 145hp 350 V-8's, 85 mph speedos and a 55 mph national speed limit.
Running my modded '70 Chally RT440 on 87 octane sucked, requiring octane booster with each 10 gallons.
1975 cars were nothing like 1984’s.
A classic
I eloped in a 1971 caprice fun car.
You should have a show on the History Channel.
Cool car actually- great video
I so wished they'd bring back affordable full-size convertibles back...
Mr. Grumpy Grumpy I wish they would bring affordable full size cars back!
Those torque figures were huge. 250 hp but nearly 400 lb feet of torque.
Love the Caprice! Could you do a video on the late 60’s - early 70’s Buick Electra 225 or better known as the Buick Duece and a Quarter ? They also had a convertible model I believe. I owned one when I was 18. It was a 1971 hardtop and that had a 455 I believe. Beautiful huge car.. owned it in 1986..
The Buick Electra 225 had the convertible option from 1959 to 1970. I personally bought a 1968 model. Great 🚗, but if you ever become one of the fortunate few to buy one, be ready for the inevitable question of, "How much do you want for it?" It will happen, but those asking may not have the first clue of what having a classic 🚗 will eventually entail, like insurance and parts. Let them stay on the outside looking in.
Cornell: parts and insurance are inexpensive for classics.
Could you make a video about the 1972 chevrolet impala convertible please?
Anyway, i liked the video and i feel emotioned because, those full-size chevrolet convertibles were fun, unique, beautiful and represented the freedom, were gone and they never returned after the malaise era, even i don't drive cars.
I like it.😃
75 vert with a built 454 Id be happy.
The base was a 350 c.i.d (5.7L) & this body style was from 1971-1976.