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!
Very nice concept, especially the way the rear window is integrated into a tunnel-back design like an El Camino is supposed to look like.
I found this image on the web. This is a nice way to modify an old Bel Air wagon.
I found this image on the web. This is a nice way to modify an old Bel Air wagon.
He better drop the reserve and sell it while he has the chance. . . .
This is the 3rd time the seller has listed it for auction on eBay. The first time had an opening bid of $4,000 with a reserve, the next 2 time the opening bids were both $1,000 with a reserve, none of the auctions have had any bids.
Steve R
No bids. For the life of me I can’t imagine why.
Looks like the one my Uncle made back in the early Eighties
Thank God it’s not closer to me or I’d be dumb enough to buy it…
Stretch the doors and glass 6 inches to remove the triangle behind the original wagon door would make this car look so much better.
Not that hard to do these day!
Elkys photo example looks a lot nicer with the big back window . Nice looking !.
Looks like homemade pickups on the rez back in the day. Usually plywood was used though.
On any “home made” Ute. The proof is in how the back window and sail panel are handled. They actually did a reasonable job. (Not wild about the chrome “landau style” trim piece ) This could be easily modified to be very cool looking. The original body work is realitivly decent. If it was in my neighborhood and verifiable not rusty (it does live in the rust belt) I would be highly tempted to take on the restoration/completion job. Engine wise anything fits in the engine bay. I would definitely look to install something different there. With the most mundane being a supercharged 500 Caddy. I have a soft spot in my head for ’63s as the first car that I owned and “legally ” drove on the street was a ’63 Biscayne. And took my driver’s test in my Mom’s ’63 Impala.
Looks like it was nicely done originally, but time and the elements have not been kind.
this stale been for sale for months. it’s neat but a wet hot mess.
YIKES!! Nice bungee cord around the back window for what purpose.
I love it!!!
I think it would be worth more as a wagon still???
Good question. I think it depends on it’s overall condition. I have a soft-spot in my head for ’63s. And if closer I would be looking at this. As I’m also a Ute fan. (I have a Ford Duango. If you have not heard of one Google it )