I have been jonesing for a Chevrolet El Camino for a long time. The problem always seems to be the mix of equipment, geography, vintage, or price. So while I have time to endlessly cogitate upon the matter, let’s, in the interim, take a look at a beautiful 1965 example that is located in Albany, Oregon and is available, here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $26,500, OBO.

This El Camino is a great blend of old and new. Under the hood is a matching number 327 CI V8 engine which appears to be a 250 HP variety – there were 300 and 350 HP versions available too. On the new side is a 700R4, four-speed automatic transmission which provides comfortable highway cruising and power disc brakes for safe, straight, and expeditious braking. Power steering rounds out the driving enhancements though there is no overall statement regarding this Camino’s operating characteristics – it’s hard to imagine, however, that it’s anything less than fantastic.

The new continues indoors where a new fawn upholstery has been installed over the original bucket seats, an option that was available on the El Camino custom – they are always a nice find. The goodness also shows with the kick panels, carpet, door cards, and headliner – it all looks like new. There is also what appears to be an optional walnut steering wheel in place too –  the horn cap appears to be missing, however. Chevrolet did offer a full gauge package, plus a tachometer as an option, and while the gauge set is unknown, a dash-mounted tach has been added. There is an image of the floors, pre-carpeting, and they show as very sound and corrosion-free. Of note, there are no seat belts installed and the brake pedal pad and the accelerator pedal are not present.

Outside, the old stands strong with the original Chevrolet sheet metal but the new is obvious with the resplendent Regal Red finish, complete polished chrome trim, and latter model rally wheels. The seller exclaims, “NO RUST!“, an easy-to-believe claim! The only noted issue is the lack of windshield wipers and the windshield reveals molding – those may be items worthy of an inquiry.

In 1965, the El Camino was in its second year of rebirth and now placed on the Chevelle’s A-body perimeter frame. It proved to be popular with about 34,000 units rolling off of several different Chevrolet assembly lines. That statistic represented a 2K vehicle improvement over the almost identical ’64 introductory model. Big-block engines and the SS designation weren’t yet available in ’65 but they were just a tick or two away. This is a very clean example and the disc brake/four-speed automatic transmission makes this ute attractively equipped. I’m still looking at ’68-’72 opportunities but if a first-gen A-body El Camino is your preference – here you go!