Stick Shift: 1969 Chevrolet Caprice 427 Four-Speed – SOLD!

March 18, 2022, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Muscle Cars were reaching their height of popularity by the 1969 model year, yet not everyone wanted a big engine in an intermediate-size body.  Apparently, the original owner of this 1969 Chevrolet Capriceoriginally listed in March 2022 on Criagslist on Canoga Park, California (San Francisco) preferred his performance car cloaked in a full-size body.  Other than the give-away “427” fender badges, this Two-Door hardtop could easily be mistaken for a lowly 327-powered example featured at most rental car outlets back in the day.

Currently offered for $35,000 or best offer, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Caprice priced well above this guide’s #1 “Concours” appraisal of $18,500, however, we note Hagerty does not provide specific values for models equipped with the 427 big block.   More accurately, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the asking price falls between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $28,175 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $43,838 after factoring in a seventy-five percent premium for the factory-equipped 427, air conditioning, four-speed, manual, and bucket seats with console.

The 1969 Caprice and other full-sized Chevrolets were restyled with new body lines and front bumpers that wrapped around the grille (again with optional concealed headlamps, for which washers could be added as a new “one year only” option) along with ventless front windows on all models. The 119-inch (3,023 mm) wheelbase, inner bodyshell, and framework were carried over from the 1965 model. The station wagon was renamed the Kingswood Estate and continued to use exterior wood grain trim along with the interior trim of the Caprice sedans and coupes. Front-seat headrests were now standard equipment to meet federal safety standards and the ignition switch moved from the dashboard to the steering column and also locked the steering wheel when the key was removed. This was part of a Federal mandate for the 1970 models but introduced a year earlier on all General Motors cars except the Corvair.

The 1969 Caprice also offered a new GM-designed variable-ratio power steering unit as optional equipment along with a seldom-ordered “Liquid Tire Chain” option, which was a vacuum-activated button that would spray ice melt on the rear tires (UPC option code is “V75”). The standard engine was enlarged to a 235 hp (175 kW) 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 with optional engine choices including a new 350 cu in (5.7 L) Turbo Fire V8 in 255 or 300 hp (220 kW) versions, a 265 hp (198 kW) 396 cu in (6.5 L) cubic-inch Turbo-Jet V8, as well as a 427 cu in (7.0 L) cubic-inch Turbo Jet V8s rated at 335 hp (250 kW) or 390 hp (291 kW). All V8 engines were now available with the three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission for the first time though the two-speed Powerglide was still offered with the 327 and 350 V8s.

The Cars & Stripes YouTube Channel features this 1969 Chevrolet Caprice commercial:

The seller doesn’t mention it, but with only 77K original miles, a Los Angeles production VIN, and California black plates, it’s very likely this is a nicely optioned survivor example.  When you connect, please remember to mention you saw Caprice featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Do you have a 1969 Chevrolet Caprice story to share?  If so, comment below and let us know!