1975 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Convertible
I have always been a fan of the Pontiac and Chevrolet Full-Size vehicles of the 1960's and 1970's, even before I learned to drive. My interest started in 1968 when my parents bought a 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix from one of my father's coworkers. It was gold with a black vinyl top and was the newest vehicle at that time my parents had owned. I received my learner's permit in mid-1972 and my license in January, 1973. My parents had a lot of confidence to place a 400 cubic inch 350HP engine in the hands of an 18 year old! Later that year my uncle bought a brand new 1973 Chevrolet Impala and I always enjoyed driving it when given the opportunity. In 1974 my family moved to the suburbs and the need arose for a second vehicle. My parents chose a 1971 Impala that was an unusual bronze color. So I have always been around these vehicles. In 1975, I was still in college when the new models were introduced. The Chevrolet Caprice immediately caught my eye. The reworked front end was especially pleasing and the wraparound taillights were certainly an indicator of things to come 20 to 30 years later.
Fast forward to 2002. I decided (with support from my family) to pursue that 1975 Caprice that I was not able to buy brand new. Since 1975 was the last year for the convertible and we live in sunny Texas, it seemed a natural choice. I found one for sale 1000 miles away and made plans to go see it. Even though the owner had received many inquiries he held the car until I could fly to see it. I bought it on the spot and for the past 6 years I have been working to restore it to its former glory. This included a 3 month stay at the local Chevrolet dealer collision center where it was stripped to the bare metal and repainted its original Dark Red metallic color. A new convertible top was also installed that same year.
Today we enjoy drives with the top down and I remember fondly a different era and generation of vehicles.
Tag Cloud
 |
English |