The Chevrolet El Camino debuted in 1959 as a direct competitor to Ford’s Ranchero, a “Ute” or utility coupe. Like the Ford, it was based on a 2-door station wagon rather than a truck platform. But it only lasted for two years before taking a three-year hiatus. Returning in 1964 as an offshoot of the new Chevelle intermediate, the seller’s edition is a running project with an almost new crate motor. Needing lots of cosmetic attention, this “gentlemen’s pickup” is in Englewood, Florida, and is available here on craigslist for $8,000 OBO. Here’s my first tip from Roger B.!
From 1964 to 1965, the El Camino may have had an advantage over the Ranchero, which had switched to the compact Falcon platform in 1960. So, it was larger and had a greater towing capacity by virtue of its heavier framework. The seller’s El Camino is the Custom model, which saw sales of 20,500 units in 1964 compared to an overall population of 32,500 El Caminos.
The seller only provides three photos, and none of them are of the interior. He/she only rates the vehicle’s condition as “fair” due to a lot of rust that we don’t necessarily get to see. We’re told the paint is original, but it looks like old grey primer to me. The good news is the original V8 has been replaced by a box 350 cubic inch V8 rated at 350 hp. It only has 500 miles on it since the transplant. The truck does run, so perhaps you can drive it while you fix it.
I’m not buying the claim of 500 miles on the engine based on the dirt and oil on the intake and valve covers. Crate engines, unless there are receipts won’t bring that much added value, the value of generic, running small blocks has fallen significantly in recent years due to people doing big block and LS swaps. It’s hard to see this being a quick/easy sale wuth ann $8,000 asking price. The rust is what will dictate this cars value.
Steve R
He’s not lying. It was mechanically rebuilt in my shop in Colorado. He never drove it. But it was over 30 years ago.
I believe the color is “Meadow Green,” which does bear an unfortunate resemblance to gray primer.
Definitely a new style sbc engine. As the valve covers don’t lie. As far as El Caminos go this is one of my preferred body styles. (With the original ’59 being 1st the very last version being 2nd, and this version #3. If the body is still solid enough. It is a deal for a,spruce up/resurrection.
Which means it doesn’t have the ports in the heads to heat the intake under the carb.
at least attach the molding so it don’t get ripped off
I can believe the 500 miles on the engine only because I lived in a coastal city for many years and observed what the Salt air did to my cars in short few years this thing would have to be blown apart and hot tanked or media blasted to stop what the Salt Air has done and continues to do its going to take money to really get this ride where its safe and fun to cruise
A 350hp 350 crate engine? I am sceptical.