1981 Chevrolet Caprice & Impala Manufacturer Promo
Compared to the subtle year-to-year changes normally seen on Chevrolet’s full-size line, those ushered in for 1981 were almost dramatic. Visually, the cars changed little, but underneath were some commendable improvements.
GM’s Computer Command Control (CCC) emission system improved driveability somewhat while lending a hand in meeting 1981’s stricter emissions regulations, but bigger news came in the form of a new four-speed automatic transmission with long-legged 0.67:1 overdrive fourth gear. Combined with a lock-up torque converter, a Caprice or Impala with the 305-cid V-8 (the only engine available with the four-speed automatic) registered an impressive 26 EPA highway miles-per-gallon, a figure that could very nearly be duplicated in “real world” driving.
Engine choices continued form 1980 but with slightly less horsepower. The base powerplant was again a 229-cid V-6, now with 110 horsepower (California cars got a Buick-built 231, also with 110 horsepower). Optional was a 267-cid V-8 with 115 horsepower and the aforementioned 305 V-8 with 150. For 1980, only station wagons could get an Oldsmobile 350-cid diesel V-8, but availability of that engine was expanded to include all Impala and Caprice models for 1981.
The images on the 1981 Chevrolet Caprice’s, Impala’s and Broughams were based on designs conceived and first drawn by yours truly while incarcerated in prison.
General Motors produced and sold millions of vehicles under various brands over 14 years using my designs.
After my design themes ran their course at General Motors, Japanese automakers ate Chevrolet’s Apple pie, consumers really rather not buy a Buick, Oldsmobile fell off it’s rocket and Cadillac lost it grove as the Standard of the World.
Compared to the subtle year-to-year changes normally seen on Chevrolet’s full-size line, those ushered in for 1981 were almost dramatic. Visually, the cars changed little, but underneath were some commendable improvements.
The images on the 1981 Chevrolet Caprice’s, Impala’s and Broughams were based on designs conceived and first drawn by yours truly while incarcerated in prison.
General Motors produced and sold millions of vehicles under various brands over 14 years using my designs.
After my design themes ran their course at General Motors, Japanese automakers ate Chevrolet’s Apple pie, consumers really rather not buy a Buick, Oldsmobile fell off it’s rocket and Cadillac lost it grove as the Standard of the World.