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428 Tri-Power Equipped 1969 GTO Camino?!!

This one is unique, it’s a bit of a Gran Turismo Uh-Oh, or a Gran Turismo Camino or simply a Pontiac GTO Camino. However you wish to refer to it, it is pretty cool! The creator took a 1969 Pontiac GTO and kit-bashed it together with a ’69 Chevrolet El Camino and voila! Located in Okanagan, British Columbia you will find this one-of-one 1969 Pontiac GTO Camino and it’s available for sale, here on craigslist for $19,869. Thanks to Ron for this unique tip.

On the surface, the idea of building a GTO Camino isn’t so unusual. They are both GM “A” body vehicles with more similarities than differences. And in some instances, they were assembled on the same production lines. But the El Camino was styled to blend with the Chevelle/Malibu and the sheet metal differences between the Chevelle and the LeMans/GTO are significant enough that it’s the fenders to doors blend where the heavy lifting starts. At one point, Pontiac wanted to go its own way with its Holden “Ute” inspired Sports Truck. The project never got beyond the prototype creation phase and before it could get a green light, Pontiac got a permanent red light.

Back to the fenders-to-doors issue, the seller states that it took 110 hours of labor to get the blending between the two done properly. The metalwork looks flawless! The frame-off customization process has created a very balanced flow from stem to stern. If one didn’t know better, the assumption would be that this vehicle was a Pontiac factory creation. To enhance this GTO Camino’s appearance, the builder selected a GTO clip with hide-away headlights and that touch solidifies the definitive Pontiac look.

The seller mentions that this Pontiac rolls on rally wheels but the as-photographed BG mag wheels and new tires are up for a sales discussion. There is no reference in the listing regarding the underside/suspension, but it would be safe to assume that it is standard GTO upfront with El Camino bringing up the rear, utilizing either a Pontiac or Chevrolet differential. The suspension components of a GM “A” body is one place where Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Buick were unified around mostly the same design.

Under the hood, the builder chose a Pontiac 428 CI V8 of unknown provenance and topped it off with a tri-power carburetor set-up. The seller claims that the engine has been recently assembled and is not yet broken-in so there is no report as to how it runs. Gear changes are facilitated by a recently rebuilt Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic transmission. With all of this go, you’re going to need some substantial binders to slow this baby down and that will be accomplished via four-wheel disc brakes. In the event the tri-power arrangement isn’t your cup of tea, the seller adds that there is a four-barrel carburetor and intake manifold that is included in the sale.

The interior is not photographed thoroughly but the seller advises that it is  GTO-styled replete with rally gauges that will need a “once over”, whatever that means. It is a bucket seat/center console affair so we’re basically talking a two-seater. What can be seen in the one image of the interior would indicate that it is still a work in progress but mostly finished.

Since the VIN is usually attached to the front portion of a vehicle, via a dashboard embedded plate, as well as the trim tag riveted to the cowl, that would lead one to believe that this Ute is recorded and titled as a ’69 Pontiac. The title description though would reference either a coupe or a hardtop and not exactly match what follows behind the doors. A problem at the local DMV? Possibly. This vehicle is definitely a custom but it’s not so one-off that it cannot be easily maintained and repaired, it just depends on which end of the vehicle needs attention. Pontiac’s old tagline was, “Pontiac – We Build excitement”. Well, there’s plenty of excitement here with room enough to haul along a little more for good measure. This GTO Camino combines the best of two worlds, don’t you think?

Comments

  1. HoA Howard A Member

    This is pretty cool, minus the clown wheels, of course. I’m surprised we didn’t see more of these. There certainly were enough El Camino’s and GTO’s. I suppose, the El Camino was nice enough as it was, there was no need to modify it. Engine doesn’t look “recently assembled” to me, and an odd place for an oil pressure gauge, but it’s a neat ride.

    Like 20
    • Avatar Patrick Farmer

      There are a ton of these mashups on the internet. There are Grand Am both A-body and G-body. I have seen a Buick GSX and GNX. I have not seen an Olds 442 but I have seen a G-body Cutlass Camino. These match up’s are fun to look at.

      Like 4
  2. Avatar Bmac777

    It’s different, but it is a cool concept that someone put a lot of good craftsmanship into. It seems that the heavy lifting has been done and hopefully goes to the right owner to complete it.
    One thing for sure, It has one of the best, and my personal favorite Pontiac motors.
    A 428 Tri Power is truly a beast
    Definitely swap the rims for the Pontiac Rally’s

    Like 20
    • Avatar John Oliveri

      Take those horrible ghetto wheels off it, and get some nice 18, or 17 inch Repop Pontiac wheels, that 428 is my favorite motor of all time, true beast

      Like 2
  3. Avatar Cadmanls Member

    Looks like it will need quite a bit.to bring it home. Bottom of the master cylinder looks wet, engine doesn’t look too fresh, heck power steering reservoir doesn’t even have a top. Looks like it’s going to be a eye grabber, you may spend plenty of time and a few bucks to get the tire smoking beast back. Love the 428 great power.

    Like 8
  4. Avatar DayDreamBeliever

    I can see where matching the doors to the front clip might be a very challenging part of the project.

    As I read the CL ad, I get the idea that the seller is not the craftsman, and all information relayed is second hand. So take that with a grain of salt.

    “Told over 70g into this 1 of zero made car.”
    That means to me: “I took the car as payment for a debt, so what I put in the ad here is how the guy I got it from convinced me that it was worth what he owed.”

    In that case, photos of the underside would back up the “frame-off” restore/build. Perhaps I am unnecessarily skeptical, but for sure you would want to look very closely before plunking down money.

    Like 13
  5. Avatar JohnD

    “Metalwork” . . . yeah, right .. . You do that with Bondo, right??? I love the level of craftmanship that extends to the house wiring wire nut holding wires together in the console. Nice . . .

    Like 12
    • Avatar Patrick Farmer

      I think on this year model El Camino you can use the front doors from a pontiac station wagon. For 1973 up it might be the doors of the 2dr. Lemans, Century, Cutlass, Monte Carlo….

      Like 0
      • Avatar pugsy

        Really?

        Like 0
      • Avatar 19sixty5 Member

        The doors may be similar in length, that I can’t tell you, but the upper door frame and glass is totally different. The B pillar on the wagons has a slight slant to the rear, on the Elco the B Pillar/sail panel as is slanted dramatically forward. It is much harder to get in and out of a 68-72 Elco than a coupe or sedan because of the sail panel design. Looks cool, but a real pain. I need to install a tilt column to make getting in/out easier!

        Like 0
      • Avatar pugsy

        I’m 5-11 and have no issues getting out of my 69 El Camino.

        Like 0
  6. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    Some cool craftsmanship here, and of course you would want to verify everything if you were seriously considering buying. I like the lines and proportions of the side view.good luck to the new owner! stay safe.
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 9
    • Avatar 19sixty5 Member

      Pugsy, I’m 6-2, 68 years old with a not so great back! If it was a 64-67 body style with the more vertical rear window and door opening, it would probably be easier. My 70 on some days is annoying, but driving it makes it all feel much better!

      Like 3
      • Avatar pugsy

        I’m 58 going on 70 myself. I hear you on the pain as I’m beat up bad as well.

        But yeah, cruising in the classics does help a lot.

        Like 3
  7. Avatar Steve Bush Member

    Agree with the others that it appears to be a nice custom that needs cleanup work to be top notch. Would have helped if the seller provided some decent pics. I’d add 15″ rallys with 60 series tires, ram air, headers and sport mirrors.

    Like 7
  8. Avatar Marko

    This gets my Pontiac infused genes vibrating……..

    But now I am conflicted. Would I rather have this lovely creation, or the Laguna S-3 El Camino. I also like the Buick Grand National Camino conversion.

    So many choices……

    Like 5
  9. Avatar dave brennan

    Get new tail script made. El Cabro

    Like 2
    • Avatar CRAIG M BRYDA

      @ dave brennan,,,,,, is that short for “el cabrone” ?
      because thats no bueno.

      Like 0
    • Avatar Patrick Farmer

      Or Aw Bullcrapo

      Like 0
  10. Avatar Mark C

    Seems to be a lot of minor corrosion on the engine to be a “fresh” rebuild. Not that we all haven’t seen dirtier engines that were perfectly healthy, but maybe “recent” has actually been a while. Still, interesting ride for sure.

    Like 7
    • Avatar pugsy

      “Fresh rebuild” is about the same as “innocent” inmates.
      You always hear it.

      Like 0
  11. Avatar oilngas

    Did one in high school on a two year old 77 Grand Prix that had been rear ended. Dog House, Doors, Dash, Interior, Engine and transmission on a stripped 76 El Camino. Really looked nice.

    Like 9
  12. Avatar Arby

    We used to call it “Garbage Truck Option”.

    I guess this is one step in that direction…

    Like 5
  13. Avatar lc

    It looks more like a car front end than a truck front end. That I can’t get around. Some front ends look better on just cars alone, and some look good on both. The choo choo was a cool looking El Camino, but still think that the Elko looks better with the grill.

    Like 1
  14. Avatar Bob Mck

    I don’t usually like modified vehicles. But this one is cool. Nice job!

    Like 2
  15. Avatar 19sixty5 Member

    This is a pretty neat project, if I was closer I would go look for sure. Sure it needs work, but if it was quality work and you could get it for a reasonable price, sure! The seller says 67 Tri-Power… last one made was 66. While I like the 69 GTO rear side lights, it doesn’t need them, the tail light essentially is the rear side marker. Ideally, the builder should have found some 69 LeMans wagon tail light assemblies to finish out the look.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Bmac777

      Actually they did make a Tri-Power in 67 and from what I’ve read it was the better of the 3 yrs. There used to be a couple places you could buy complete manifold/carb setups ready to bolt on and for whatever reason they used the 67 version
      Pontiac engines changed slightly in 65 so I’m not including 64

      Like 1
      • Avatar 19sixty5 Member

        Pontiac GTO’s were available with the Tri-Power from 1964 through 1966. The 64/65 setups were similar, except for minor differences. The 66 setup is generally considered the best of those as the center carburetor now had the same bore size as the secondaries. The 64/65 center carb bore size was 1 1/4″, the 66 was 1 3/16″ The Tri-Power was discontinued at the end of the 66 model year. 1967 GTO’s came with the Quadrajet, except for those who chose the 255 hp 2 barrel setup. In 1967, GM banned multiple carb setups. The 66 442 W-30 also fell victim to the ban, however GM did build 427 Corvette’s from 67 through 69 with 400 and 435 horsepower engines. There were numerous customers that wanted a Tri-Power on their 67 GTO’s, and there were quite a few that received the swap at the dealer upon delivery or later date. While the Tri-Power I believe flows a tad more air than a Quadrajet, High Performance Pontiac magazine did some rather in-depth testing between the Tri-Power and the Q-Jet, but the short answer is the QJ wins. And of course, highly modified examples could outrun a Q-Jet, but we are talking stock.

        Like 4
      • Avatar Marty Parker

        Actually, the 64 and 65 had 1 7/16 in. bore for center carb and 1 9/16 for end carbs. The 66 had 1 9/16 for all three carbs. Also, the 65 and later intake would not fit on 64 and earlier engines,

        Like 0
      • Avatar Patrick Farmer

        You can make a ton of power with a single carb.

        Like 0
  16. Avatar Classic Steel

    Its a GoatMino 🐐
    Wheres the his n her shifter console or tach on hood? If no manual at least goat it up .😂

    It’s definitely different but is it 19k different?

    We will let buyers decide.
    M

    Like 2
    • Avatar 19sixty5 Member

      Regarding the VIN, I’m pretty certain that this is titled as a 1969 Chevrolet, not a 69 Pontiac. If the VIN tag is Pontiac, someone switched it or this project has thousands of hours in it, not 110 hours! It would be a plus to add a hood tach, but the dash has one already. Pull it and replace it with a clock, then add the hood tach. The Dual Gate shifters strangely were only offered two years, 67 and 68. Retro-fitting it to the console is a piece of cake!

      Like 3
      • Avatar Don Sicura

        I agree with 19sixty5, I’d like to see how it’s titled.

        Like 0
  17. Avatar sir mike

    Like everything but those wheels.Sorry owner.

    Like 4
  18. bobhess bobhess Member

    Wide Rallys and a tank of gas and go! Nice!

    Like 3
  19. Avatar OIL SLICK

    Love those wheels! Wheres the judge decals?

    Like 3
  20. Avatar Jeff

    For TWENTY LARGE / $20K / $20,000 The overall fit and finish is very sloppy.

    Like 11
  21. Avatar Stevieg

    This is cool in concept, but to me the execution is not there. This just looks like a collection of parts from a couple different vehicles with no cohesiveness. Not worth 20 large to me, but again I love the concept.

    Like 7
  22. Avatar Don Sicura

    Did any of you take notice of the vent windows on the doors, 68 was the last year for them, so methinks this started life as a 68 El Camino & had the front sheet metal replaced to bring it to its current state.

    Like 2
    • Avatar 427Turbojet Member

      ElCaminos and Malibu sedans used vent windows through ’72. The hardtops did switch in ’69. This was my dad’s 70. My brother and I did it for him in the early ’90s. 350, 350 turbo, A/C, tilt cruise. When he died, he left it to my brother, but he shares and I’ll often take it for a month or two.

      Like 3
      • Avatar DayDreamBeliever

        Love to hear of family stories like yours.

        Congratulations on maintaining what your father taught you.

        Like 1
  23. Avatar pugsy

    110 hours? They should have doubled that and fixed the fender lips to match the rears. That right there makes it look slapped together.

    Like 4
  24. Avatar Joe Haska

    I enjoyed all the comments and they all ring some what true. Overall I would have to line uu in Stevieg”s side, I think he sums it up the best.

    Like 1
  25. Avatar Troy s

    The work performed on this is incredible, the right engine for scary performance, interior is hardly in character as it’s not nearly finished yet. My problem with it is I’m seeing two different cars despite the flawless blend. Looking at it from the front it’s all Pontiac, starting in the rear it’s a Chevy El Camino all the way. It makes me want to see a ’69 GTO all the more, with a 428 slightly built, a ringer car that I know were around back then.
    The tri power air cleaners are incomplete, missing a cap on the power steering, but my really only dislike for the hot rod are the wheels. I like classic mags plain and simple. Not my ride so who cares.

    Like 0
    • Avatar 19sixty5 Member

      The Tri-Power air cleaners shown are Cal Custom or Mr. Gasket aftermarket items, the fuel lines are also home-made, both of these modifications were very common back in the day, and it makes you wonder about that “rebuilt” 428. The engine paint is horrible, who would rebuild a motor and not finish it off with a decent paint job?

      Like 5
  26. Avatar Lance Nord

    Even though I’m not a big GM product fan, I absolutely love this conversion. I would have “El Macho Cabrio” (The Billy Goat) emblems made for this beast. Too bad I don’t have any bucks to make it happen.

    Like 0
  27. Avatar Big Mike

    Ive seen this car on several websites. Youd think it would be a slamdunk sale already.

    Like 1
  28. Avatar Rod

    Sorry gang, but I’m a guy that love purity for the camino’s and the Goats. This is a disaster from the beginning to the end. I’d only give him $9,000 for this junk. 😂🤣💥🤩😍🧐😇

    Like 1
  29. Avatar Mikey8

    Someone in my town married a gto and a cutlass back section. He girlfriend called it “Gutless”

    Like 3
  30. Avatar Eugene W.

    Keep both makes seperate. The el Camino is a classic. So is the Pontiac GTO. Not a wise choice to marry them as in this example. My heart wants to see all of one, or all of the other.

    Like 3
    • Avatar lc

      The old wine is better than the new. Keep them as they were. period.

      Like 0
  31. Avatar Fran

    That is very neat! I was going to do that with my 77 ranchero, with a T-Bird nose.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Patrick Farmer

      The 1977 Cougar nose looks better.

      Like 0
  32. Avatar Joey2

    Almost as sweet as the Elcamino / Camaro that was done by Chip Foose.

    Like 0
  33. Avatar TimM

    The craftsmanship on the body looks pretty good in the pictures but I’d much rather have a 69 GTO!! Just my opinion!!!

    Like 0
  34. Avatar Wayne

    I love Utes in all configurations (as long as the roofline works with the overall design)
    I would call this El GoaT O. The 428 is a great engine and the 400 Hydro is a great transmission. The concept is cool, but with the uncompleted engine bay and interior the overall effect is tacky ! (JMHO)

    Like 0
  35. Avatar Jimmy

    Cool car but too much coin for the work to finish !!!

    Like 0

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