Chevrolet launched the El Camino in 1959 in response to Ford’s Ranchero which came about two years earlier. Technically a utility pickup or “Ute,” the El Camino was based on Chevy’s 2-door station wagon. It was only around for two years before taking a hiatus. But in its short original life, it would outsell its only competitor at the time. This first year El Camino is a project, having been holed up in a barn for the past 35 years. Located in Abbottstown, Pennsylvania, a cadre of spare parts will come along to help with the restoration. The whole thing is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $12,500.
The original El Camino was a fixture during the two years of the “batwing” Chevies, 1959 and 1960. With the full-size cars’ rework in 1961, the El Camino disappeared for three years, to return as part of the new intermediate Chevelle portfolio (where it remained through 1987). We don’t know much about this El Camino, but a deep dive into the engine compartment reveals what may be a 283 cubic inch V8. Is it paired with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission or the 2-speed Powerglide automatic?
During their time in the barn, the floorboards may have been beset with rust which the seller acknowledges needs repair. And we’re told that the rear end needs to be “fixed,” but we don’t know what that means. The car may have been stripped of brightwork as we see a pile of it lined up by a fence.
This automobile is categorized as a “great restoration project” but how much cost must be absorbed by the buyer to make this a viable vehicle again? And if it does have the small-block V8, would you as the buyer opt for a restomod with an LS upgrade? Hurray to T.J. for another tip from yesteryear!
This looks (from a distance) to be a straight forward resto at a reasonable price. Judging by the condition of the bed area and chrome trim plus extra parts. Check around the gas tank for rust and behind the grille in the headlight pans. These are real head turners when done right. I would keep it red then do the roof and fin tops in white. Always buy the best you can find for your starting point!
I agree. White on top of the red would look great. I’ve always wanted one of these since I sold my 59 Biscayne. Ugh. Seller’s remorse.
These are amazing looking cars. Probably my favorite Elky. Phil Vassar and Tom Smith from Gas Monkey has a song about the ’59 El Camino that is still in my head.
Good price for an intact one with all the trim. I’d LS it!
Lowered, black paint, red leather tuck and roll, built 348 with trips, auto, blackwallsm with black smooth wheelsj
you were doing good mostly with the pieord correct 348 but no auto a stock pieord 3 on the tree stick I love 348s great engine
I like the 59 but the ad tells you nothing about the car. It’s far away and without information I would pass.
59 Elky was my first car when I got married 52 years ago. 3 Speed on the column with Overdrive! Great car for many years. Don’t have the car anymore, but I do still have the wife!! :)
The rear end has been hit pretty hard from the pictures but there seems to be more than enough repair pieces to fix it.
59 El Caminos have always been a favorite of mine. I own several. Everything from HO scale to a 1/24th model kit I built.
I too love the design, and had a model kit back as a kid. I even fashioned little metal leaf springs for the rear end!
As I am not a fan of the ’59 El Camino, I think that the asking price is too high given the factory configuration and the condition. I would think that even an El Camino proponent would find the price a little out of line. But that’s just me.
Ad says that it is Pending.
I wonder if its presence in BF helped it along.