We would normally advise you against the purchase of a stalled project, but this one caught our eye. It is a 1970 El Camino SS396 and it’s equipped with bucket seats and a Muncie four-speed! It’s basically the same thing as the Chevelle we featured the other day, with the addition of a truck bed. Some would rather have a back seat, but there is no denying the utility here. Unfortunately, this one needs a full restoration and since these sell for half the price of their Chevelle brethren, recouping your investment may be tough. So, if you like some risk in your life, you can find it here on eBay out of Columbus, Ohio with a starting bid of $1,000.
Here’s a nice writeup on MotorTrend about what to lookout for with these. Basically they are saying this particular example is exactly what you don’t want to buy…
if I didn’t have so many right now i’d love to have this one at the starting price,but that’s about it
no reserve so someone is going to own this one. it is a reslist with the last listing ending at $2550, i think. great find
saw a reserve price then he took it off E-bay. either sold it or owner sold it.
What a mess. No motor, transmission or rear end, serious rust in the body, non-stock wheels. Looks to me like you are buying a serial number of a SS 396 El Camino.
I don’t see much reason to have confidence in the seller, or maybe in the vehicle either, unfortunately. It might be an OK project for someone who wants this particular vehicle, but there is risk in spending time, effort, and money trying to do this deal. The problems that jump out are:
1) The seller describes this as a 4-speed vehicle in the heading, but not only does it not have a 4-speed in it, it doesn’t have any transmission, which we only learn by reading the last part of the description that was added later.
2) One photo shows about 1% of the interior. The rest of the interior that’s not shown is not actually there, according to the text that was added later, probably in response to questions.
3) No underhood shot, even tho the front of the car is sitting out in the open…..maybe because there’s no engine either.
No confidence = no interest
Wow what a lot of work is needed. It is a shame that “first lets take it apart” is the plan for a restoration, and often the last step taken, A few things to remember, 68 was the last year with a specific Vin for the SS models, so any 69 or later can easily become an SS with badging. The 70, 71, and 72 el camino’s have station wagon (longer) front ends. That could be a blessing or a curse, but definitely a surprise to many, when they find a perfect fender and it is shorter than the one they need. As with somebody buying this car as a parts car for their Chevelle would also be surprised the fenders…(and I think the hood also) would be too long. The subject vehicle …I say run, this is a money pit before you ever turn the key, and running, driving el caminos abound and are a gift in comparison to the Chevelles and just as much, if not more fun.
Why all the negative comments?if your not interested why try to talk others out of buying a project car?seems like a bunch of you have somrthing to say but no money to buy it.if i wanted a el camino ss project then i would inquire on it.i just dont.like how you people comment on stuff your not even interested in.you just comment because you think people care what you have to say.