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Contents 1 I was there... 2 Impala 3 Impala SS/SS–427 4 Caprice/Caprice Classic/Caprice Classic Brougham/Caprice Classic LS Brougham 5 Caprice LTZ 6 Caprice Landau 7 Impala Landau 8 Bel Air 9 Biscayne 10 Delray 11 150 and 210 12 Kingswood 13 Kingswood Estate 14 Nomad 15 Parkwood 16 Brookwood 17 Yeoman 18 Townsman 19 Body Styles 19.1 Related Links 19.2 Tag Cloud

Written by Scott Settlemire

This article discusses the various nameplates assigned to Chevrolet "full size" cars from the mid 1950s until present day. Included is a "timeline" explaining the various names and where they fell within the vehicle line-up. It can be used to ensure that as historic nameplates are recalled, they are true to their heritage.

The following quote best describes our duties as custodians of our brand names:

"For automakers, there is danger in resurrecting a hallowed nameplate. Do it wrong and you could tarnish the reputation of a time-honored classic and alienate the nostalgia buffs. But get it right — as Chevrolet has done with the head-turning Impala SS — and you’ll get orders for more cars than you can build." Orlando Sentinel, 1994

Names included are:

Impala

The Impala nameplate was first assigned to a production Chevrolet in the 1958 Model year. The nameplate came from the Impala Concept car unveiled at GM Motorama in 1956. Impala, in the 1958 model year was available as a Coupe or convertible – the coupe was a "hardtop*" and received a unique rear side window and roofline – the design of which was lifted from the concept car. Impala essentially "bumped" the Bel Air – previously the "top of the line" Chevrolet – one step down in trim and luxury.

In the 1959 Model year, the Impala model lineup was greatly expanded to include both a 4-door hardtop and a 4-door sedan—this in addition to the hardtop coupe and convertible models. The Nomad was the equivalent of Impala in terms of station wagon models.

In 1961 thru 1969, the Impala SS (Super Sport) was offered with additional "sporty" trim – more about that nameplate later in this paper.

The Impala nameplate was supplanted by the Caprice nameplate in March of 1965 as the "top of the line" Chevrolet. The Impala nameplate was used up until the end of the 1985 model year(dropped from station wagons after 1982). It reappeared as Impala SS for the 1994 thru 1996 model years as a sporty version of the Chevy Caprice. It disappeared once again until the 2000 model year when it returned as a front-wheel drive W-car. It remains in the lineup today with Impala LS, LT, LTZ and SS sub-models.

Impala SS/SS–427

The Impala Super Sport was first offered mid-year on the 1961 Impala – and was available on the Impala 4-door hardtop, 2-door hardtop, 2-door coupe, and Convertible as a dealer installed option. In 1962 and 1963, the Impala SS became a sub-series of the Impala lineup – available only on 2-door hardtop and convertible.

In 1964, the Impala SS became its own series – again only on 2-door hardtop and convertible - and remained so thru the 1967 model year.

In the 1968 and 1969 model years, the SS was available on the "sport coupe" – the "custom coupe" (a more formal roofline taken from the Caprice two door hardtop) and the convertible.

For the 1967 and 1968 model years, there was an additional SS available – the SS- 427. This option, in addition to adding a 427 cubic inch V8 engine and heavier suspension components – included a special hood (1967 and 1968) and front fender grills (1968).

In 1969, the Impala SS family became the Impala SS-427 – as no other engines were available other than one of two 427 cubic inch V8 engines.

From 1961 thru 1968, the Impala SS was available with various powertrains – including (in some years) an in-line 6 cylinder engine.

When the SS returned in the 1994 thru 1996 model years, it was only available as a sedan and with one engine – a 5.7 liter LT1 V8 engine.

The SS returned once again in the 2004 model – and remains in the lineup today.

Caprice/Caprice Classic/Caprice Classic Brougham/Caprice Classic LS Brougham

There are two major reasons why the Chevrolet Caprice was born:

• First, Chevrolet was blindsided by the 1965 Ford LTD sedan. Ford spent a substantial amount of money advertising that the new LTD was quieter than a new Rolls Royce – and they proved it.

• The second reason is that in 1964, General Motors passed a rule that executives within a Division would be required to drive only cars from that particular Division. Buick and Olds had their Electras and 98s - -but Chevy didn’t really have a true "luxury" sedan….so the Caprice was born in March of 1965 – as an "option" on the Impala 4-door hardtop. It included a much more luxurious interior as well as additional sound deadening – and Impala SS styling cues on the exterior.

In 1966, it became a separate series within the Chevy full-size lineup – and included a 4-door hardtop, a custom coupe (a hardtop with a more formal roofline than the Impala which offered a 2-door hardtop with fastback styling) and a Station wagon that included simulated wood-grain exterior body panels.

The Caprice lineup remained this way until 1969 when Caprice Wagons became "Kingswood Estate" wagons…the major difference between the Impala trim level "Kingswood" wagon and the "Kingswood Estate Wagon" being the simulated wood-grain paneling. The Kingswood Estate nameplate remained in the lineup thru the 1972 model year.

In 1973, it reverted to "Caprice Estate" – and remained so until the 1982 model year – when all full-size Chevrolet wagons were called "Caprice" – unless it was ordered with the simulated wood-grain paneling – then it received the "Caprice Estate" model designation.

The Caprice and Caprice Estate Wagons remained in the lineup thru the 1996 model year.

The Caprice nameplate remained in the lineup until 1973- when the Caprice became "Caprice Classic." Models included the coupe, the 4-door sedan, the 4-door hardtop, a convertible (Impala nameplate was used on all full-size convertibles from 1958 thru 1972) a Wagon, and an Estate Wagon. The Classic Nameplate remained on the Caprice thru the 1985 model year.

In 1986 the base "Caprice" nameplate replaced the Impala nameplate – and the uplevel Caprice became "Caprice Classic." The ultimate Caprice that year became the "Caprice Classic Brougham" – essentially putting Olds Delta 88 Brougham interior seats and door trim panels in a Caprice Classic.

In the 1987 model year, yet another Caprice nameplate was added – "Caprice Classic LS Brougham" – which added a rear roof cap to the sedan body-style – giving the roofline an even more formal roofline with a landau vinyl top and "Opera Lamps" on the B-pillar. The Brougham and LS Brougham nameplates were retired after the 1990 model year. The Caprice Classic convertible was dropped at the end of the 1975 model year.

Caprice LTZ

This model was introduced in the 1991 model year as the "Ultimate" Caprice. It included some of the heavier suspension components from the Caprice Police Package (such as oversized wheels/tires and heavier "sport" suspension). It also included a more luxurious leather interior trim and specific exterior trim pieces. It was retired after the 1993 model year. (replaced by the Impala SS and the Caprice LS)

Caprice Landau

Was first offered in the mid 1975 model year on a Caprice Classic Coupe. It included a landau vinyl top and color keyed wheel covers as well as miscellaneous interior and exterior trim pieces. It remained in the Caprice lineup thru the 1987 model year when the coupe was dropped from the Chevy full-sized lineup.

Impala Landau

Like the Caprice Landau, the Impala Landau was offered in the mid – 1975 model year. It was dropped after the 1981 model year – content was similar to the Caprice Landau with the exception being Impala Exterior and Interior trim.

Bel Air

The Bel Air nameplate was borne, some say, from the glamour of the California enclave of the stars……and was first produced for the 1950 model year. 1950 marked the first time that Chevrolet would produce a 2-door "hardtop" – meaning that there was no B—pillar - giving the car the look of a convertible with a "hard top." This body-style was pioneered by GM in the 1949 model year on Cadillac, Buick, and Oldsmobile C-cars. For 1950, the body style moved to both Pontiac and Chevrolet…and Chevy named their elegant entry the "Bel Air."

For 1953, the Bel Air became the "top of the line" Chevrolet – and was available on the 2-door hardtop, the 2-door sedan (sport coupe) the convertible, and 4-door sedan.

In 1956, a 4-door hardtop was offered in addition to the other body styles.

The Bel Air nameplate remained the "top of the line" Chevrolet until 1958 when the Impala nameplate was assigned to a 2-door hardtop and convertible. Bel Air remained in the lineup – dropping models along the way, until it was finally dropped at the end of the 1975 model year.

By the early 1970s, the Bel Air had become the low priced "value" full size sedan. In 1976, the Bel Air was replaced with an "Impala S" sedan – an Impala Sedan with exterior and interior trim deletes. Thus, the Bel Air represented glamour for the first several years of its life – only to be retired as a "stripped" Chevrolet at the end of its life. (Note: The Bel Air nameplate was continued for some years after the 1975 model year for the Canadian market.)

Biscayne

Some will tell you that this nameplate was borne of the glamour of the Florida "good life" – and of "Key Biscayne." It was first offered in the 1958 model year. It also came from a show car unveiled at the GM Motorama in the early 1950s. While the nameplate would have been glamorous, in reality, the Chevy Biscayne was a relatively stripped down model – to the point where the Biscayne for many of the early model years did not include features such as carpeting or door armrests (rather than carpeting, a rubber/vinyl floor covering was used) The Biscayne nameplate first appeared in the 1958 model year – it was below the topline Impala and mid-level Bel Air – yet one step up from the base "Delray." The nameplate remained in the Chevy Full-sized lineup from 1959 thru the 1972 model year as a base – primarily for fleet model…in fact, the Biscayne was not shown in the 1971 or 1972 retail sales brochures. (Note: the Biscayne nameplate was continued for sometime after the 1972 model year for the Canadian market.)

Delray

Once again, a nameplate was borne based on a geographic name. The Delray was first used in the 1954 model year – it offered "2-door hardtop" styling on the 210 series – rather than the Bel Air Series. Curiously, it disappeared after 1954 – returning in 1956 and 57 as similar model/trim – and then became the "base" – lowest priced -- full-sized Chevrolet model in the 1958 model year. It was dropped after the 1958 model run.

150 and 210

The 150 and 210 nameplates were lifted from the model numbers of full-sized Chevrolets – in the early 1950s. The 210 was a midlevel priced coupe or sedan – featuring a rather attractive all vinyl interior -- while the 150 was lower both in price and features. Both nameplates were retired after the 1957 model year.

Kingswood

The Kingswood wagon was borne in the 1959 model year – it , along with the Parkwood wagon essentially gave the customer a Bel-Air level of trim -- the differences being that the Parkwood offered seating for six – and the Kingswood offered seating for 9 (a third rear facing seat provided the additional seating) The Kingswood nameplate disappeared after the 1960 model year (the Bel Air nameplate taking its place) until it re-appeared in the 1969 to 1972 model years. In the 1969 model year, the Kingswood gave the consumer a station wagon with Impala Interior and Exterior trim level. It was discontinued after the 1972 model year. (See CAPRICE section.)

Kingswood Estate

The Kingswood Estate name was borne in the 1969 model year. When ordered it gave the customer a Caprice exterior trim level, but with the addition of simulated woodgrain side paneling. Interior trim remained Impala trim level. The Kingswood Estate was replace at the end of the 1972 model year when the "Caprice Classic Estate Wagon" was assigned to the Caprice wagon series.

Nomad

This nameplate first appeared on a GM Motorama Concept car – based on the Corvette. It became a production model midway thru the 1955 model year as a very appealing 2-door station wagon. The body sported slanted B-pillars with sliding side windows aft the B-pillar – and hardtop styled driver and passenger doors. The interior was Bel Air level plus some extra features. The 2-door Nomad remained in the lineup thru the 1957 Model year.

In 1958, it became the "top of the line" Chevy Station Wagon albeit with 4-doors rather than two – with more conventional sedan styling. It received Bel Air interior trim.

In 1959 thru 1961, the Nomad received Impala trim – and even included the Impala "emblem" (the running deer) The Nomad was replaced by the Impala nameplate on 1962 model year wagons.

In an oft-forgotten fate, the Nomad nameplate was then affixed to the lowest priced Chevelle Wagon for the 1968 thru 1972 model years. (quite unfortunate)

It was revived and placed on two Concept cars – one Camaro Based Retro Station Wagon - for the 2002 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) – and one based on the Kappa (Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky) for the 2005 NAIAS.

Parkwood

As mentioned above, it was the nameplate applied (starting in 1959) to station wagons that offered 6 passenger seating with similar Bel Air interior and exterior trim. It disappeared from the Chevy lineup after the 1961 model year and has not yet returned.

Brookwood

Brookwood appeared on Chevrolet full-sized wagons for the first time in the 1958 model year. Buyers received a wagon that offered similar interior and exterior trim to the Biscayne. The Brookwood, like it’s uplevel neighbor the Parkwood – disappeared after the 1961 model year – but returned for the 1969 thru 1972 model years – again with Biscayne level interior and exterior features.

Yeoman

The Yeoman nameplate appeared for a very short time – namely the 1958 model year – it was the lowest priced Chevrolet station wagon – and came with only very rudimentary features (which wasn’t much….) It featured interior and exterior trim similar to the Delray.

Townsman

The Townsman nameplate first appeared on early 1950s Chevrolet station wagons (along with the Beauville nameplate) It was resurrected in the 1969 model year as the Bel –Air trim level for Chevy Full-sized station wagons. It remained in the lineup through the 1972 model year.

Body Styles

By way of explanation of body styles:

• HARDTOP: Refers to either a 2-door or 4-door "pillarless" coupe or sedan…meaning that there is no B-pillar – giving the vehicle an "open air" feel – when front and rear side windows are rolled down, there is no dividing pillar.

• COUPE: Unless otherwise specifically called "hardtop" refers to a 2-door with a B-pillar.

• SEDAN: Unless otherwise specifically called "hardtop" refers to a 4-door with a B-pillar.

NOTE: The nameplate history above applies ONLY TO the U.S. Market. GM of Canada used various nameplates during these years – one that the author remembers is the continued use of the Bel Air and Biscayne nameplates – both on bodystyles not available in the United States – and the continued use of them after they’d been dropped from the U.S. offering.

The author gratefully acknowledges the contributions and editing of Mr. Tony Hossain (Campbell-Ewald) and Mr. Leigh Scott (General Motors Corporation) who are also Subject Experts on Chevrolet Nameplates throughout the years.

Scott Settlemire

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