Last week I covered a pair of fifth-generation Chevrolet El Caminos, an ’80 and an ’86, so today, I’m going to wind the clock back to what is, ostensibly, the most popular generation, that being the third (’68-’72), and review this 1969 edition. It’s considered a barn find recently out of 35 years of solitude. It’s located in Pompano Beach, Florida and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $12,300 with the reserve not yet met.
The seller tells us that this Chevy has been sitting for 35 years and it’s rust-free – other than the visible surface rust, that is. That said, it appears that some may be blooming in the passenger-side fender leg – it would be a miracle, actually, if that weren’t the case. Claimed to be a California car, and the protect-o-plate bears that out, this one has been parked in dry Florida storage for the last five. There is an image in the listing of this Camino wearing a camper enclosure but it has been removed for a full car review – it’s not said if it’s included in the sale. And with it out of the way, it can be seen that the cargo bed appears to be sound.
Power is provided by a 300-gross HP, 350 CI, V8 engine connected to an automatic transmission. It runs but the carburetor is being fed by a fuel can. The seller thinks that the fuel tank is useable and he’s going to give it a try. The mileage reading is 98K miles, so assuming that this Chevy has been maintained, and not abused, it should still have a way to go.
The interior is in surprisingly nice shape. The tan bench seat looks like a redo though the carpet appears to be original and in only fair shape. The headliner, door panels, and instrument panel show well, but the dash topper is usually evidence of a pad problem. The original radio has been swapped for an aftermarket piece but the rest f the environment shows as original. This is an A/C-equipped car but there is no mention of its operational capability and that may be due to a missing compressor and an evaporator that looks disconnected in front of the expansion valve.
This is the generation of El Camino that’s in demand and that 300 HP engine is a particularly nice facet – most seem to harbor either something less or they are SS editions with big block engines and big block prices. Cosmetics are the biggest issue here and that can be facilitated easily, though not inexpensively these days. I have to believe that this car will find a new home and my only suggestion to the next potential owner is to check this Camino over very closely for rust – it’s endemic to these. If it gets the all clear, then have at it and enjoy, right?
I’ve always liked the El Camino, and it would be a nice fit for me today if I had the room for it. Smaller passenger compartment, yet room in the back for carting around garden tools and supplies, or whatever else that one could fit in the bed.
My favorite year Elky. I had one quite like this one but blue interior and vinyl top and tonneau, with a white body. Very pleasing to the eye and that 300 hp 350 was very pleasing to the right foot.
1967 el camino with 396 460hp
3 speed HM transmission ! I’m loving it !
Love these. Can haul a dirt bike, motorcycle, or ATV easily and in style. More so than hauling a trailer though this already has a hitch to do so. I like the ability to have nice rims and tires for ripping around and occasionally taken to the strip. Then swap rims and tires and throw the bike in the bed with a gas can and gear and drive back to the riding spot for the day.
This is a nice one to restore. Very original, the spare is still in the cab with the jack, the shields for the air shocks still present, and the bonus, a trailer hitch! Add a set of rally wheels (those S10? caps have to go) Rebuild the AC system and enjoy. This is a great builder, resist the urge to SS clone it!
I had a ’69 with 327/4speed in Utah while I was stationed there in the late 70’s. Wish I never sold it
That’s sweet. I’d buff it out, loose the fugly s 10 hub caps for SS rims and drive it….what a time capsule…
When I was in HS, this would be a car a Steve, Kurt or Chet would be driving. Jack up the back end and add Cragars.
Y’all remember that Florida is prone to floods and hurricanes, and that’s not always obvious when you’re buying a barn find in this state. Buyer beware any vehicle near any beach in Florida can very easily be flooded.
Looks to be solid, ugly color needs paint. These elcaminos are hard to sell unless they are cheap. There are 2 out of 10 chevelle people that will buy these. Just sold a 69 elcamino ss 396 with rebuilt motor and trans. Had new paint and interior sold for $16k. The price on this “current bid $12k+” is way over priced. It’s a $9k max and that’s a gift.
Unless it was a piece of crap I have to disagree. I haven’t seen one that cheap in 30 years.
With hours left to go it’s at $14,000 and reserve is off. Strange it’s in Florida and has a California license plate. Hummm.
The ad states ” This is an original California car that was brought to Florida five years ago and put in dry storage again after the 30 years.” California plates are registered to the car permanently. If you live in CA and buy a car from there, you register the existing plates in your name. Obviously the prior owner left the plates on the car.
As mentioned, PLEASE Don’t FAKE SS THIS ElCamino. I can’t stand the fake, crooked SS badge on the grills and fenders. It doesn’t add money. Just looks stupid. You can put the nicer deluxe interiors in them w\o ruining the outside of the car and it’s value. Plus, the large 2 down chrome grill looks awesome.