Chevrolet joined Ford in 1959 in the new “Ute” market (aka utility coupe). The El Camino and Ranchero were both truck versions of their 2-door station wagons and are sometimes also called “gentlemen’s pickups” because they were less austere. This 1969 El Camino was in storage for 35 years and is well-preserved, as such. The paint is old and worn, but the rest of the vehicle has escaped the rust bug. Located in Pompano Beach, Florida where this was going to be a father-and-son project, it’s available here on eBay where the reserve is unmet at $5,100.
The Ford Ranchero was initially more successful than the El Camino which only ran for two years originally. In 1964, the El was revived on the new mid-size Chevelle platform and would soon top Ford in sales. This 1969 El Camino is one of 48,000 built that year, and from the driver’s seat, you’d think you were driving a Malibu. This may be a two-owner vehicle that’s just shy of reaching the 100,000-mile mark.
It didn’t take much for the seller to get this old Chevy going again. All it needed was to change the oil, the spark plugs, and add some gas (it might be safe to assume the tank had been drained before it was put into storage). The carburetor could probably stand to be rebuilt, which sits atop what we think is a 300 hp, 350 cubic inch V8 based on the seller’s description. The engine produces no smoke, but there is a small leak at the top of the radiator that should be an easy fix.
This seems to be an almost complete, original vehicle right down to the paint. The interior has held up quite well and the dash pad isn’t cracked like you often find. The factory air conditioning compressor has taken flight, but everything else seems to be there. This pickup was wearing a topper when the seller acquired it and then removed it (no mention is made whether that item comes with the deal). Some paperwork dating to the car’s first sale in ‘69 comes with the deal. The EL was listed on eBay previously, but the winning bidder went dark and the seller doesn’t want to see a repeat of this exercise.
I always love sunbaked gold painted vehicles.
Pretty sure this car was already featured.
Yep, featured last month.
Re-run.
Yesterday I went to the Bay State Antique Auto Club Show in Dedham, MA where I saw many wonderfully restored classic cars. While I appreciated the incredible skill and effort it takes to do a nut and bolt restoration, I was drawn more to the cars that showed their age like this El Camino. I am glad there’s room for both.
Nice Chevrolet w the column shift, and bench.
I had one, no air, 3 on the tree with a 350 and a posi. lots of fun!
Looks of the underside it was parked over dirt or stones.
Regardless, I like it, the air shocks would be first to go…
Wish more of these cars just like it were available for a decent price