I have often wondered whether a modern interpretation of Chevrolet’s iconic El Camino would sell in sufficient numbers to justify development or whether the badge’s time has come and gone. Rumors abound that one is under development, but Chevrolet continues playing its cards close to its chest. An interim measure could be vehicles like this 1986 El Camino SS. It is a recent garage find that is unmolested. The seller is its second owner, returning it to active service so it runs and drives well. They’ve decided a third owner is in its near future, listing it here on eBay in Townsend, Delaware. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to $11,000, meaning a new home is only days away for this classic.
The seller states that this El Camino’s original owner was an elderly farmer, and the impression is that the vehicle spent a significant period in storage. That may help explain the claimed odometer reading of 69,000 genuine miles, although they don’t mention verifying evidence. It presents nicely in its original combination of Dark Red and Silver, making a positive first impression. It shines well, but a closer inspection confirms it isn’t perfect. The nose section has accumulated the typical chips and marks that most would expect, and the bed has its share of scratches and scrapes. However, there are no signs of abuse or mistreatment and no evidence of rust. The panels are straight, the decals look crisp, and the tinted glass looks flawless. It rolls on its original Rally wheels, and, significantly, the trim rings are undamaged. They are prone items of a different depth to most aftermarket versions, and finding genuine replacements can prove challenging.
Life inside this Chevy should be pleasant courtesy of the cloth seatcovers, power windows, cruise control, sports gauge cluster, and tilt wheel. The vehicle also features air conditioning and an AM/FM radio, but neither currently works and requires further investigation. The carpet looks dirty, but a professional detailer might be able to return it and the slightly dirty driver’s seat to their former glory. Otherwise, the news is positive. There are no signs of cracking or crumbling plastic and no aftermarket additions.
Powering this El Camino is a numbers-matching 305ci V8. This motor is identical to that used in the ’86 Monte Carlo SS, meaning the vehicle’s automatic transmission feeds 180hp and 225 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels. This could prove the ace in this classic’s hand. An El Camino weighs slightly less than a Monte Carlo, and while specific performance figures are hard to find, there is no reason why this beauty couldn’t trump the Monte Carlo’s 16.3-second ¼-mile ET. The seller claims it has a genuine 69,100 miles on the clock but doesn’t indicate whether they hold verifying evidence. However, the overall condition and presentation make the claim plausible. They state the tires are old, and the radiator is beginning to seep, but there are no other known problems. They recently undertook a 300-mile road trip, and the SS completed the journey standing on its head. That suggests that with those minor faults addressed, it should offer its new owner years of reliable service.
Chevrolet had a hit on its hands with the El Camino, with the badge selling in respectable numbers for nearly four decades. However, time and changing tastes passed it by, and dwindling volumes meant that Chevrolet built its final El Camino in 1987. This classic is 1-of-996 examples of the SS produced during 1986, making it a relatively rare beast. The current bid level is about in the ballpark for an average vehicle, although its originality, ownership history, and odometer reading could push the figure higher. If you’ve always aspired to own a vehicle of this type, would you pursue this one further?
Though not a bad looking “Ute”, in the Malaise Days the “SS” on the side meant “Super Slow”..
My ’81 El Camino SS came with a V6 – now that was slow!
Awesome! I’ll take it ! Just the way it is. I love these SS El Caminos and this one has my favorite color combo. If the price doesn’t get too ridiculous I think this El Camino is almost turn key. I can live with 180hp no problem, it’ll give it decent performance AND gas mileage! Probably won’t sleep too well tonight just thinking about it. Looks like a keeper, just wish I could keep it. Good luck and great article.
I like it except for the side rails and tonneau cover snaps, but very common back then. Remove the SS door graphics, lower it a bit and cruise!
Great front end. Nice Camino.
What would a new version of the El Camino be based on? It’d just look like a potato with a box on the back and probably with a 3 cyl engine or electric. YUCK!
The question of whether a modern day coupe utility would sell in the US or not would have been easily answered by importing the Holden Ute alongside the Chevrolet SS and they could have easily called it El Camino SS (or just SS).
GM already had plans to federalize the Ute as the Pontiac G8 ST before the GFC and Pontiac was axed. Since all the development work had already been done, it would have seemed like a no-brainer when GM brought the Australian-built Commodore back to the States as a Chevrolet. The Ute would have made more sense as a Chevrolet anyway.
Unfortunately, GM has a long and depressing history of making questionable decisions and we were to be denied the Ute once and for all.
Fortunately, there are companies like Left Hand Utes that actually import them and convert them to left hand drive. I am fortunate to own one of their conversions and if the response I get at car shows is any indication, the modern day El Camino would have been a success.
The El Camino SS did not share the Monte Carlo SS engine. The 305 in the El Camino was rated at 150HP.
One of if not the best OLD MAN collectible cars/truck out there!
Grey hair is an absolute requirment for ownership!
What happened to bucket seats and a center console? I recall early 80’s Caminos having bucket seats and center consoles. Have not seen one since.
My 85 SS does. That was optional. Bench was standard.
My ’77 had swivel buckets and a console, it was the ‘Classic’ edition, interior plastic was a nightmare, it was virtually crumbling to powder, but all said it was a good ‘Ute’ here in Australia, yes it stayed LHD, it is legal if over 25 years old.
Someone once asked if because the pedals were on the left hand side were they also reversed, the go fast one on the left, duh !
The real problem was that the S10 was about the same size and a whole lot cheaper. The pricing people at GM shooting themselves in the foot on one of many occasions.
How do I put in a bid?
Uh… read the write-up by Adam, the first paragraph says “here on ebay in red”, it’s a hyperlink. Click on it to take you directly to the auction.
It’s in an eBay auction. Didn’t you read the article?
In the writeup, click on the red ‘here on Ebay’ link.
So nice to see one without the Monte SS front clip swap. Why can’t we have nice things like this brand new anymore. The Maverick was a nice attempt, and Ford can’t build them fast enough. Hello Chevy management, pull your head out of your A……….
The “Monte Front Clip” was never a thing. It was a front facia from Chatoonaga Custom. The Monte and El Camino front end are completly different.