Believe it or not, this is not the first time that I’ve encountered a 4X4 Chevrolet El Camino. I was stuck in traffic in Ft. Lauderdale years ago and encountered a 1969 model that was done up about the same way. And, considering the weather that we’re encountering over most of North America at this moment, this may be a better Santa rig than a sleigh and eight reindeer! It looks intriguing, let’s check it out. Found in Los Angeles, California by Pat L, this go-anywhere machine is available, here on craigslist for $30,000.
The seller, unfortunately, doesn’t tell us much about all of the physical aspects of the modifications that went into this Ute’s creation though he lists lot’s of numerical descriptions. He mentions that the engine is a 375 HP, 396 CI V8 but I can tell you that it’s not a genuine RPO L78, the cast iron intake manifold gives it away. He also adds, “4 speed mv4500 trans 205 case 3-1 gears 14 bolt rear 44 front trussed locked” but I’ll let you translate. Added is, “Great running offroad truck take it anywhere“. From what can be seen, the fabrication work looks well applied and was apparently accomplished using the Camino’s original perimeter frame.
The seller states that this is a straight-bodied vehicle with no rust and it certainly looks it! The color is reminiscent of Chevrolet’s one-year-only “Evening Orchid” a shade that I believe was shared with Pontiac though under a different name. The trim is all present and the chrome shines nicely. It’s good to see this level of originality on a vehicle that has been this significantly modified. Also notable is the lack of evidence of any real off-roading experience. I don’t doubt its capability, it just seems too nice to be bogging around in the mud.
The interior maintains the same sense of originality as the exterior. Many years ago, I owned a ’65 Malibu SS hardtop and it had the same two-tone combination vinyl upholstery. The console and steering wheel aren’t original but they still tastefully fit the interior’s overall vibe. A nice addition is the aftermarket A/C which the seller states as being “ice cold”.
So, do I like this mash-up? You bet, I just don’t know what I would do with it. As stated earlier, it’s too nice, in my estimation, to do any serious off-roading though it would make a cool beach cruiser – a usually low-stress outing. As for general driving around, the suspension and tires may be a bit tedious for that activity. Buy it, just to enjoy owning it? Sure, why not?
Merry Christmas everyone!
Not sure why but it seems well done. Definitely not you typical 4×4 and owner had every right to build it as they seem fit. Like it yes, want it nope.
That would be one nice looking El Camino if they’d
have just kept it all stock.
MUCH nicer than the usual variants of this type of conversion. Looks like a job well done.
As my mother used to say: “There is no accounting for taste”.
Indeed, my man, indeed.
I like the 4×4, but not the look of the lift. Especially such an extreme one.
The only 4×4 listed conversion on a old two-wheel drive that I’ve ever liked was when I once saw an old Chevette sitting on a CJ frame. It looked awesome. Especially since it was a 76 body.
This is no jelopy at least . I think I’d feel safe in it . No tetanus shot needed just to get in it
Owner should list it as will put original drive train back at 30 k
Luv Elcamino’s
Neat truck but not for me.
I would jump on this instead of a rusted out 20 window 44 hp VW bus & drive it like I stole it! The only thing that gets me is you spend that much money on a a/c conversion & not splurge on a aluminum intake manifold? Somehow I don’t see the logic here but like everyone says when it’s yours do what you want to it!
I’ve never liked these conversions including this one but, I would like to see some detailed pictures of how they crammed a second frame under this one while leaving the original one under there at the same time.
This thing deserves all the bad comments it’s going to get. But I must admit I kinda like it. Not for me mind you but I would take a second look if I walked past it. Partly out of awe, partly out of disgust, partly out of appreciation for the hard work/craftsmanship that went in to it. Then, I truly would walk past it.
I love El Camino’s and I love lifted 4×4’s BUT…
If they left the camino the way it was, probably wouldn’t bring 30000.. so after all the cutting and pasting why do they think it is worth 30 now?
Back around 1974, there was some guy in Sylmar, CA who had a jacked up 65-ish 4 wheel drive El Camino on the skinniest tires imaginable. I saw him driving it one time and it seemed to sway so much I expected it to go turtle on Glenoaks Blvd. Next time I saw it, in was parked along the road on three wheels and the “unattached” wheel (with assorted pieces of attached suspension) was in the bed. I thought it was F-ugly back then and, although this is a much cleaner job, I STILL think it’s f-ugly.
I guess I’m the only one , but if I had the $$ this truck would be in my driveway without a second thought . Everyday driver nope , but would see the road often .
The second I saw this I knew it would generate comments (interest). Unusual things aren’t for everyone but then again neither are usual things
Back when I was between projects I wanted a 64 or 65 El Camino like this one but didn’t find one, and my 96 Z71 Silverado found me. If I could buy this one I would buy it with the idea of putting it back to original with suspension upgrades and get some of my money back buy selling the 4X4 running gear. This one looks like it was too nice to have done the conversion to it.
Just because you could, doesn’t mean you should.
Each to his own . If it makes you smile and touches your heart BUY IT.
My friend used to build these ,professionally and he had the axle housings and axles shortened so the wheels did not stick out as far as they do on this conversion.looked so much better
I like it , if I hadn’t already drained a large portion of my savings buying a new Subaru I would be taking to the seller, oh well another one passed by
These conversions are cool if you start out with the right vehicle and don’t jack it up so high like this one I get tired of looking at the same old cars same color,same interiors same motors,go to a car show and you will see everybody around cars like this one,I know because I have one