The 1989 Chevrolet Caprice station wagon recently sold on eBay had unusually low mileage and no immediate needs. It presented a chance to get into the car hobby, expand a collection with a practical and affordable classic, or use as an everyday driver that’ll hold up to eight people.
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Before There Were SUVs
Station wagons were the SUVs of their day. They had similar virtues: plenty of room for families, extra cargo space, and added towing capacity. A dwindling number of wagon models have made them increasingly popular with collectors.
Unlike most collectibles, station wagons were used hard with little thought of long-term preservation. That made this 1989 Caprice wagon a rare find. It’s a one-family car with just 32,000 miles and had an attractive Buy-It-Now price of $19,500.
The Caprice wagon was a long-running sales success. It’s part of a generation of full-size Chevrolets, first launched in 1977, that were smaller than their predecessors. The new design removed more than 600 pounds compared to the previous model and was 14 inches shorter in overall length. This downsizing resulted in increased sales and numerous awards.
Wood-Grain Panels
The wagon is finished in period-appropriate Dark Mesa Brown with the requisite wood-grain appliqués on its sides and tailgate. There’s also a luggage rack on the roof. Its paint is fading, and there are a couple of minor scrapes, but the structure is solid. All body trim is in place and the panel fit is good.
The low-mileage Caprice’s matching brown cloth interior is in very good shape with minimal wear. Photos show no tears, stains, or remnants of juice boxes or Cheerio crumbs. The optional rear-facing third row looks like it has never carried a passenger. The fully carpeted cargo area is large enough to accommodate a full sheet of plywood with the rear seats folded.
Flagship Wagon
The Caprice was Chevrolet’s flagship model and was well-equipped from the factory. This wagon has a long list of standard and optional features, including:
- Factory air conditioning
- Power front disc brakes
- Cruise control
- Power steering
- Power windows, seats, and outside mirrors
- Delco-Bose AM/FM stereo - opens in new window or tab. with cassette deck
- Rear defroster
The wagon’s tidy engine compartment houses an RPO LV2 307-cubic-inch Chevrolet V-8 - opens in new window or tab. topped by a four-barrel carburetor - opens in new window or tab.. Behind the engine is a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission. A nearly new set of Cooper Cobra Radial GT tires - opens in new window or tab. is mounted on steel wheels with wire wheel covers - opens in new window or tab..
Fine Example
The seller, located in St. Louis, Mo., had this to say about the wagon:
This is a fine example of a late 20th-century family cruiser, able to take large chunks of interstate highway in a single bite while hauling eight people. If you’re looking for a third vehicle to do chores on your farm or estate or a third car to run errands, haul cargo, and more, this may be a finalist.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.