This 1974 Chevrolet El Camino seems to check every box if you’ve been hunting for one of these half car, half pickup combos. This is a real- deal from the factory 454-powered example that even has the rare Muncie 4-speed. All numbers match and the seller notes some other discrete modifications have enhanced output even further, and he estimates it’s putting down at least 400 b.h.p. The bodywork appears to be in excellent shape with a stripe kit that looks like new, and aside from a patch panel on the driver’s floorboard, I see no mention of other bodywork or rust concerns. Find it here on craigslist for $14,250.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Pat L. for the find. The 454 is a real thumber of an engine, and you don’t see them in the El Camino all that often. The Chevelle or other muscle cars, sure – but the El Camino wasn’t necessarily the first vehicle enthusiasts considered when choosing which factory hot rod they were leaving the dealer with. The seller notes that the increased power output is made possible through the addition of a performance camshaft and ported heads, which was done when the engine and transmission were completely rebuilt a few years ago. It’s also equipped with a Demon carburetor and limited-slip rear end.
The interior presents well, with just a few cracks in the dash pad noted. The bench seat shows no major flaws, and the same goes for the door panels. What I can’t discern from the listing is how original this El Camino remains. Yes, the big boxes are checked with the numbers matching drivetrain, and ultimately that’s what drives the most value here. The paintwork and cabin, however, both look very well preserved and could be original as well, but the listing doesn’t disclose. This El Camino is also equipped with power steering and power brakes, with discs up front.
Now, the El Camino is located in California, where all vintage vehicles look about 10 times better than anywhere else. The seller does disclose the stripe kit is new, so it is possible that the paint has survived this well given the climate – but I suspect there was a repaint at some point. The colors are great, and the Rally wheels with their deep dish are the perfect rollers for a classic Chevy like this. Throw in the fact that the bed looks to be in excellent shape along with the chrome bumpers and you have one tasty El Camino. Not the cheapest one out there, but not many have this engine/transmission setup – and all matching numbers.
Even tough I never really cared for this body style, this particular one works for me! GLWTA! :-)
At first glance, it seems pricey, but it is a 4 speed with some nice engine mods. I bet it doesn’t handle very well though, would need some more work in that area. And I never did like those wheels, Torque Thrusts for me… Would be a fun ride!
Most of the parts on the engine look like they were sourced from whatever they found for cheap at the swap meet or was lying around their garage. The parts are mismatched and no time was spent cleaning or painting. It has a thrown together vibe, hopefully that didn’t carry through to the rest of the car, but it should be considered a red flag.
Why no heater hoses?
Steve R
I believe these rolled on the same chassis (with similar weight distribution and handling characteristics as the S-3 Laguna of the same year. No slouch ( even with the 350 auto) and smooth riding with decent handling and good braking.
Beefed up 454 is sure to impress, you know,, some will say the rear end is too light others will argue the bed weighed more. Either way the rear tires are smoke bombs waiting to happen! Really like the set up, not priced out of orbit for a big block Chevy thrill ride either.
Seems like there was another 454 4 speed El Camino here not too long ago.
This is got to be a rare beast. This gen a body drove well. I like it.
Nice car/ truck.
Another repeat, this one from March 30th…
These vehicles may be the main reason the CHMSL was mandated in 1986.
6speed, not including Barnfind readers, what percentage of the public’s even knows what a CHMSL is? I bet 3-4%.
Having the lights mounted in the bumper probably wasn’t one of the smartest design principals I’m thinking. I’m not sure why so many manufactures in the 70’s thought that was such brilliant idea – maybe the reflector manufacture imagined this mass ordering of replacement lenses to come?
Protection
Needs a new dash, the bed needs redone, and the engine appears to have been modified. I also don’t ever remember that color back in the day, though it could have just not been very popular.
For me, not worth close to that money.
Almost looks like Hugger Orange, but I agree about the rest…until I consider that gearbox and engine. I wish…..
This is a special car- a surprise really. Glad the engine has been doctored. Id prefer the engine to still have its original appearance; maybe add dual stock air intakes. These cars did handle quite well, any modifications would certainly improve it.
In the 80’s I was working at the local Super Shops and we had a regular customer who had one of these with polished Centerlines. I’ve liked these ever since.
Nice El Camino but I’ll keep my 64 327 4 speed that I’ve had for 35 yrs.
I liked my 1972 350 SS radio delete.
I sold a 73 ss 454 2 weeks ago,no powertrain but I do have regrets about it,it was another project I don’t have time for the guy that bought it owned it a long time ago and he had to do some detective work to find it all in all both of us are happy
After 1972 never liked the looks of the Chevelle or El Camino
It will come, believe me.
The rear brake center lights that were mandated in cars in 1986 was so and so. The looks bothered me then, but now it does not. Just imagine the 81-82 Ford Durango converted from the Ford Fairmont by National Coach in Cali. I had one, and there was a sign on the inside door jam that said “DO NOT OPERATE WITH TAIL GATE IN THE DOWN POSITION”! So if you think that rear brake lights incorporated into the rear of bumpers was not a great idea just think of operating the Durango ute pickup with the tail gate down!
Clean, well cared for vehicle!! Don’t remember the rear wheel wells looking that big in the bed!! Maybe that’s the way they were but they look tubbed to me!! The upgrades on the motor are only an improvement!! Looks like a fun ride!!!
No wheel opening moldings which came with the SS.