Prez's comment
I’m particularly pleased to include a members profile from one of our frequent Forum users in the USA. Dave (AKA Caprice) who obviously cherishes (rightfully so) his Chevy Caprice.
Although we might consider a 1978 vehicle to be a relatively modern car & this particular example represents the Basic Chevrolet model in the Caprice line up for 1978 it is still very much a rare vehicle more especially so with such ‘Low’ miles recorded & production Total for the ‘Classic’ four door for 1978 production was 203.837.Standard engine was the 250cid (4.1 Litre) inline 6 Pot, other Engine options were the 305 (as fitted in this example) or the 350 V8.
The 305 was 35 pounds lighter as a result of a new Aluminium ‘Intake’ Manifold & the Rear Axel ratio was reduced for 1978 production to achieve better Fuel economy. A larger ‘Power Brake Booster was introduced to reduce Pedal pressure and a choice of 14 Paint codes were available, Ten of them introduced for 1978 Chevy production.
I once owned a 1976 Custom powered through the every reliable 350 Small Block that had covered over 200.000 miles when I reluctantly passed her onto a new owner. I’m sure David’s example will continue to provide him with happy cruising for many more years to come.
Thank you Dave for taking the time to submit your vehicle profile to us.
Member Profile Dave Hickerson. AKA CAPRICE
Vehicle: 1978 Chevrolet Caprice Classic
 This 1978 Chevrolet Caprice Classic is the most basic version powered by a 305 V8 with the 3 speed automatic transmission. It has none of the power accessories most people expect in a car today, and only an AM radio tuner that I've left dormant for quite some time in favour of a simple Ipod music player for my longer trips.
It has no safety equipment fitted save for seat belts that I've have never driven without using and not even a passenger-side mirror to aide me. I happen to like it this way, there are less things to break or steal and in general it embodies the simplicity I've learned to treasure in life. Don't get me wrong, I've had my fair share of cars (many of which could be seen as more fun, all of which would be thought of as better equipped), but this one is the only one that really makes me feel like I need to just get out and take another drive. Maybe there is some sort of curse at work, hard for me to say.
I fell in love with this car probably two or three weeks before I ever had the opportunity to drive it. I had been in search of a new car for about a month as a replacement for my previous vehicle and my wife and I drove past the Caprice probably once a week while on our way to and from her parent's house (this used to be our ritual every weekend). After some time I noticed a new sign on it stating "low miles" so I felt compelled to see just what that meant: 53,587 original miles and all the maintenance records to verify it. Why the owner didn't put that sign up 3 weeks previous was beyond me. He wanted 3,000$ for it, and since it was in such excellent condition I figure that was probably pretty fair, and it just seemed like the car was my "style".
My wife's parents lent me the money for it, for which I'm incredibly thankful, and I purchased it in May of 2004. At of the time of writing this feature I've owned the beast for just under one year and I've put about 3,000 miles on it, and while it doesn't seem to care for the seasonal temperature changes, it needs only minor adjustments to keep it purring along. The funny thing is, even if it ends up needing more significant repairs in the future, I figure I could dump another 3,000$ into it and have a better car than if I had simply bought a 6,000$ in the first place one year ago. I guess it would suffice to say I'm quite elated with my car.
A friend from across the pond.
David Hickerson (Caprice on the AACI discussion forum) www.hickersonfamily.net
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