1963 Chevrolet Bel Air El Camino?!!

The El Camino was a wagon-based utility coupe (“ute”) built by Chevrolet. It debuted in 1959 and was retired in 1987. However, during its early years (1961-63), Chevrolet didn’t make an El Camino. With a redesign in 1961, Chevy temporarily discontinued the pickup until 1964, when it re-emerged on the smaller Chevelle platform. The seller’s Chevrolet began life as a Bel Air 4-door wagon that someone converted a long time ago. Located now in Butler, Indiana, this roller is available here on eBay where there is a reserve above the current bid of $1,025.

This vehicle has an interesting story. The seller found it in the Philippines 40 years ago while he was in the Air Force. The conversion from wagon to pickup had already taken place. He gave it the nickname “BelCo” and described the process (as he knows it) used to turn this vehicle into what it is (or was) today. Because it was a 4-door wagon (real El Caminos were based on 2-door wagons), the rear doors were welded shut, and someone tried to hide them. It had a side fuel tank, which rusted away long ago.

Apparently, the seller removed the original 230 cubic inch inline-6 and 3-speed manual transmission. The engine has survived, but it’s in pieces; the sale includes it, the tranny, an automatic transmission, and an LS 5.3 engine. The electrics of the car may be toast as the seller says there is a lot of open space below the bed floor.

If you were to buy this Chevy, you’d likely plan to rebuild it, since going back to a Bel Air wagon isn’t viable. And, for parts, maybe the front clip could be transferred to another project. But this is an interesting example of what a 1963 El Camino could have looked like had Chevy chosen to build one. Now, if we can only find a 1961 and a 1962 El Camino, as well!