Over the years, Ford and Chevrolet have always tried to outdo one another, or at least keep up. One example is the “coupe utility” or “gentleman’s pickup.” Based on their 2-door station wagon, Ford rolled out the Ranchero pickup in 1957. Two years later, the El Camino would appear from the Bow-Tie camp – and the race was on! This 1959 example of the El Camino is in rough condition and has no powertrain. It shares the tailfins and cat eye taillights (but missing) from the auto it was based upon, so the truck has a Batmobile kind of look to it. Located in Hobart, Indiana, this serious project is available here on eBay where brisk bidding has arrived at $2,750.
The first generation of the El Camino only lasted two years. When Chevrolet redesigned its cars again in 1961, the El Camino was no longer part of the strategy – for the time being. Then fast forward three years and it returned in the form of a mid-size based on the all-new Chevelle (the Ranchero was a compact by this point). Chevrolet sold 22,246 El Camino’s in its first year, compared to 14,169 Ranchero’s. Yet Ford continued with the concept while Chevrolet did not for 1961-63.
We’re told from the get-go by the seller that this pickup is not a project for someone who doesn’t know how to work on cars. The seller is quite specific in terms of the vehicle’s problems, unlike others who advertise rolling junk heaps as gold mines. Whatever engine and transmission the truck had are long gone as is most of the interior. While all sorts of extra parts are included, that in uncertain terms means the vehicle is complete. “What you see is what you get.”
The seller feels the Chevy is better than a parts car as the frame and body are straight for the most part. And it has a clean title, but the seller is parting with it as he/she has secured a better ’59 El Camino to work with and needs the space. While the old workhorse rolls and steers, the seller is not sure what condition the brakes may be in. You’ll find see-through floorboards thanks to the rust bug. Elsewhere the sheet metal is getting rather thin, and patches or replacements will be in order. Who’s up for trying to bring this old girl back to life?
Rat rod material.Hard to judge by the pics on how solid it is . 500.00 tops.
A lot of time and money and this could be really nice….either restored or modified.
I’m ashamed of myself for thinking they should remove the block from behind the tire and push it in the water.
We’re of the same mind!!
I was thinking the exact same thing!
It’s a P.O.S. heap of scrap metal, let roll into the river.
Glug glug….
Most definitely a Rat rod candidate for someone who is good with zizwheels and welding. And if he has a rebuilt 350 engine and trans laying around even better. If the price is right it wouldn’t be so bad
Its value is by the pound…scrap. The X-frame was not the strongest to begin with and now add years of rust.
Ditto on removing the rock……
The only real value this car/truck has is the title. For states like Ohio where getting a title for a vehicle without one is near impossible. For me, I’d buy it at a reasonable price and look for another one in the southwest where the body and trim are in better shape.
No motor or trans., no interior, No gages rust. Pass!!!!!!!
Santa can drop it off for me !
Trade for milk n cookies..
This thing would enhance my yard! If only I had one. I drove a ‘60 4dr for a while back in the eighties. I loved the lines, and goes wings.I’m spending the rest of the day looking for a yard.
Another POS vehicle that has already been harvested for parts(no longer a “parts car”…WHAT PARTS?). Seller trying to squeeze more bucks out of what is left. Seen that M.O. before on barnfinds, better to buy a complete vehicle.
Well… anyone who thought that the best thing to do was push it into the water is an Idjit! You just deprived yourselves of three grand!
I don’t see anything wrong with this guy buying a car just to harvest some hard to find parts from it and then selling on the body to someone who wants it. especially when he was very up front about the condition of the car, and even went into great detail about how much parts for said car will cost anyone who might be interested!
The seller was a straight shooter from the get go and did nothing wrong!