The first generation of Chevrolet Caprice was introduced for the 1966 model year. Originally, the Caprice name debuted as an option package on the 1965 Chevrolet Impala, but in 1966, the Caprice became an independent model. The first generation was offered in coupe, hardtop, and station wagon body styles, and was positioned as Chevrolet's top full size offering. A wide range of small and big block V8 engines were available, as were manual and automatic transimissions. Production of the first generation Caprice lasted until 1970, when it was replaced by the Second Generation Chevrolet Caprice.