A man’s purchase of a pristine 1987 Chevy Caprice reveals a surprise in the trunk, highlighting a rare, well-preserved classic.
Juan Estrada, better known as Mr75Caprice on social media, recently acquired a pristine 1987 Chevrolet Caprice coupe from an elderly lady in Ohio, and the story behind this rare find is one for the books. The two-door Caprice, which had only been driven on weekends, boasts just 56,000 original miles and has been meticulously maintained, making it a rare gem for enthusiasts.
The 87-year-old seller explained that the car originally belonged to her mother, who passed away in the mid-1990s. After inheriting the vehicle, she only drove it occasionally to visit her sons. Now, nearing 90, she decided it was time to let the car go. Despite receiving over 50 offers—some for $5,000 more than the asking price—she had already chosen Juan as the buyer. Her husband even included a small gift: a thermostat, in case it might be needed.
This 1987 Caprice, shining in its original silver over maroon color scheme, is a well-preserved example of Chevrolet’s third-generation model. It’s powered by a rare 4.3-liter fuel-injected V6 engine producing 140 horsepower, an unusual choice for a coupe of this kind. The engine, fitted with roller lifters and center bolt valve covers, adds a touch of uniqueness that suggests it may have been a special order at the time.
The car’s retro maroon suede interior exudes the vibe of the late 1980s, and the dashboard and headliner remain in stunning condition. With only 56,230 miles recorded, this Caprice has been carefully maintained, showing little to no wear over the years. The former owner shared that it only got caught in the rain once in its 37-year life.
Juan was thrilled to discover the car’s overall condition, but the biggest surprise awaited him in the trunk: alongside two spare wheels was a roll of toilet paper—a quirky find he hadn’t expected. The seller's gift of the thermostat and this unexpected accessory made for an amusing start to his ownership experience.
Despite its near-perfect condition, the car does lack a passenger side mirror, which was an option back in 1987 that the original owner opted out of. Nevertheless, Juan is delighted with his purchase and plans to daily drive the Caprice while transforming it into a landau in the future.
This 1987 model was the last year Chevrolet offered the Caprice coupe, discontinuing it due to low sales. However, today, a well-maintained example like Juan’s can fetch up to $40,000, making this purchase a significant win for any classic car lover.
