1987 Caprice Classic Specs

The Chevrolet Caprice was introduced in 1965 as the upscale trim package on the Impala, Chevy's full-size, hardtop four-door sedan. Because the market responded to the Caprice with strong sales, Chevy made the Caprice into its own line in 1966. The car was renamed the Caprice Classic in 1973, becoming Chevy's top-of-the-line model while the Impala was downgraded. The Caprice Classic began experiencing poor sales in the 1990s because of outdated styling and technology; production eventually ceased in 1996. A third generation Caprice, the 1987 Caprice Classic was manufactured in coupe, sedan and wagon body styles.

Engine and Transmission

The standard engine on the 1987 Caprice Classic coupe and sedan was a 4.3-liter V-6 with 140 horsepower and 210 foot-pounds of torque. Available on the station wagon was a 5.0-liter V-8 with 170 horsepower and 250 foot-pounds of torque. Both engines had a 3.74-inch bore, a 3.48-inch stroke and a compression ratio of 9.5-to-1. A three-speed turbo Hydramatic transmission was standard on the Caprice Classic, with the option of a four-speed overdrive automatic transmission.

Steering, Suspension and Brakes

The 1987 Caprice Classic featured recirculating ball steering. Its front suspension included unequal-length control arms with coil springs and a stabilizer bar. The rear suspension had a four-link rigid axle, control arms, coil springs and an optional stabilizer bar. A sports suspension with reinforced springs and shocks was optional on the coupe and sedan models. The brake system consisted of power front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

The 1987 Caprice Classic was known for its boxy shape and large size. It underwent only minor styling changes in 1987, including the return of its stand-up hood ornament and new composite headlights, which combined the high and low beams into one unit. The car had P205/75R15 tires on the coupe and sedan models and P225/75R15 tires on the wagon. The Caprice's exterior dimensions consisted of a 116-inch wheelbase and a length of 212.8 inches on the coupe, 212.2 inches on the sedan and 215.1 inches on the wagon. The height was 56.4 inches on the coupe/sedan and 58.2 inches on the wagon. Its width measured 75.4 inches on the coupe/sedan and 79.3 inches on the wagon. On the coupe and sedan, the front tread was 61.7 inches while the back tread was 60.7 inches. The front tread on the wagon measured 62.2 inches and the rear tread was 64.1 inches.