UPDATE – While the engine was apart, the cam, pushrods, lifters, timing chain, time gears, and valve seals were also replaced.
VIDEO ADDED – The seller has added a cold start video of this El Camino and one of it in action on the street. You can find them below.
UPDATE – There have been a few questions about the work that’s been done to get the car on the road. Here’s the list of work directly from the seller, “These are items that we have purchased and addressed, as we were getting the car running after 30 years of being in a sealed garage. Gasket kit, heater, core, fan, shroud, gas tank, new battery, engine, paint, tuneup kit, brake pads and springs, multiple belts and hoses, push rods, carburetor, gasket, kit, heat riser, brake master cylinder, multiple fuel and brake lines that needed replacing, complete new exhaust system, complete new tires with spare. Five-year ceramic coating on the body.”
This BF Auction could just be the holy grail of El Camino finds! You see, under its hood, you will find its matching numbers 396/350hp V8, which is paired to a 4-speed and a 3.73 rear end. Clearly, whoever checked the option boxes on this one wanted the fastest truck around, as they didn’t select any option that wouldn’t make it go faster. There aren’t any records showing how many of these were optioned in this exact specification, but there couldn’t have been many. This example is being offered by its second owner, who was friends with its original owner. They’ve done all the work to make it a driver again, after having been parked in a climate-controlled garage since 1990, but they have other projects that need their attention, so they’ve decided to offer it here as a Barn Finds Auction! It’s located in Sevierville, Tennessee and comes with a clean title in the seller’s name.
When the 2nd generation El Camino debuted in 1964, it was based on the Chevelle. Early examples even wore the Chevelle badging, but unfortunately, you couldn’t get one with the Chevelle’s performance-oriented engine options. In ’66, they finally decided to offer the 396 as an option. It wasn’t until the following generation came out in ’68 that you could get one with the SS package. To have gotten a stripped-down car with the 396 L34, a 4-speed, and the 3.73 rear gearing, it seems likely that the car was ordered by the original owner this way. It’s honestly a pretty amazing combination to have in an El Camino. As great as the SS option is, there’s just something incredibly cool about the idea of ordering a sleeper like this one!
The seller has done quite a bit of work to get this car back on the road. It had been parked for 30 years, so it needed all the usual work to get it running and safe to drive. It’s covered 79k documented miles since new, so overall, it’s in good original condition. The seller has put over 500 miles on it since reviving the car, several of which have been longer trips, and it hasn’t had any issues. Just to make sure the engine was healthy, it was removed from the vehicle and partially disassembled for inspection. The bearings were checked with plastigauge and are still within spec. While they had it apart, the heads were treated to new valve seals and cam lifters. The carburetor that is currently installed was rebuilt but isn’t the original unit. Thankfully, the original carb is with the car and is included. Other work included replacing the fuel tank and installing a 2.5″ exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers. Besides giving it a full engine tune-up, the brake system has been overhauled to ensure you can get it to stop. As the seller puts it, this car is a “drive anywhere survivor”, which sounds like our kind of find!
Inside, we find an original and usable interior. The bench seat is showing a few popped seams and the carpet shows some wear, but you could definitely use it as is. We would see about getting the carpets professionally cleaned and see if an upholstery shop could repair the seams that are coming loose. The dash presents nicely and the original stereo, while showing some worn-off chrome, is present. The floor shift 4-speed transmission is said to be in good working order and while the engine was out, the clutch assembly was inspected and found to be in good condition (receipts show the clutch was replaced in ’79 at 62k miles).
The original owner had the car repainted in the late ’70s after a scratch was left on one side of the car. It appears to have held up well, so the seller had the entire car ceramic coated, in hopes of protecting the car from further deterioration. It shines nicely and should make it a bit easier to keep it looking nice. The seller also installed new snaps for the bed cover, as some were pulling away from the body. The cover now sits nicely and should help keep water out of the bed. Other recent work includes installing a new heater core, a new radiator, and 5 new tires, so this muscle truck is ready to be driven!
If this El Camino has a weak spot, it’s that there are some corrosion issues. The worst areas we see are by the gas cap door, the front rockers, and a few spots around the bed. Color-match paint has been put over the worst areas in hopes of slowing the progression and making it a little less noticeable. The seller is forthcoming about the issues though and there are plenty of photos of the problem areas. They also provided photos of the underside and thankfully, the chassis looks to be solid. We would recommend having it treated with a rust inhibitor just to be safe, but there aren’t any signs of major corrosion. Given the originality of the truck and the history behind it, the seller felt treating the rust was the best option to preserve its originality. That does give the next owner the most options, as they can either do their best to preserve it as is or they can give it a complete restoration.
The seller has known this car for a long time and hopes its next owner will properly enjoy it, whatever route they take with it. The seller has done all the heavy lifting to make it a safe driver and to preserve it, so its next owner can just focus on deciding what to do next with it. While it sure would be amazing to see it restored back to like new condition, its history makes a strong case for preserving it as best as possible. We would drive it as is and just enjoy it for what it is, a rare sleeper that’s bound to surprise! So, if you’d love to be the next owner of this big block El Camino, be sure to cast your high bids below. And feel free to leave any questions for the seller in the comments below.
NEW VIDEOS
- Location: Sevierville, Tennessee
- Mileage: 79,265 Miles
- Engine: 396ci V8
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
- VIN: 136807K145917
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
- Mr.buick bid $22,500.00 2023-09-05 22:51:05
- T Mack bid $22,000.00 2023-09-05 13:47:31
- KHO bid $21,000.00 2023-09-05 07:25:01
- Mark Samson bid $20,500.00 2023-09-04 15:43:40
- Paul bid $20,000.00 2023-08-29 12:47:53
- Nick C bid $18,500.00 2023-08-29 04:29:32
- Sparky bid $17,500.00 2023-08-28 18:48:38
- 2manyvettes bid $17,000.00 2023-08-28 16:14:10
- BobC bid $16,000.00 2023-08-28 09:59:14
Greg B bid $15,500.00 2023-08-27 18:00:35- Bing bid $14,999.00 2023-08-27 15:03:31
- Greg B bid $14,000.00 2023-08-27 14:25:04
- WallyF bid $13,069.00 2023-08-27 13:23:05
- Greg B bid $12,567.00 2023-08-27 12:00:20
- Bing bid $11,259.00 2023-08-27 10:20:14
- Kenny bid $3,000.00 2023-08-27 10:02:51
- 2manyvettes bid $1,500.00 2023-08-27 09:29:16
No “gentleman’s pickup” to be sure. But at 67 years young, who said I’m a gentleman with that power plant from my day? Very nice barn find indeed.
Good morning Rick
This is a good article on production numbers etc
https://www.hotcars.com/1967-chevrolet-el-camino-details/
https://www.elcaminos.com/ec/ec_total.htm
TY ElCamino 396 for taking time out to fwd & share. Enjoyed the read for sure. GLWTS!!! She’s a beauty.
Had the same one years ago only Silver wish I still had it.
Really a neat vehicle. Very difficult to find decent examples with this drive train.
A couple years ago i seen a el camino this same year that was painted red for sale at a cadilac dealership here where i live. It had the 427 and a 4 speed manual transmission. It was mint condition for around 25k if i remember right on the price.
Very cool, clean El Camino! I have a cousin that bought one of these brand new with the same power plant and tranny as this one. His dad, my uncle used to say that the only reason Chevrolet put a miniature pick up bed behind a Chevelle SS was to carry extra tires. True Story, Iron Horse! No B.S..!
Every stop sign in our small western town had scratch marks from his high horse power, light ass end ranchers kid pick up truck.
Nice memories. Wish I could afford it. I’d be a serious contender.
Can you post a walk around video while it is running? Any smoke from the pipes? Does the seller have a copy of the original sales order sheet and window sticker? Was a compression test performed and if so what was the reading of each cylinder?
Greg, suggestion. Maybe contact the seller directly. You’ve got a grocery list of wants. That way there will be no second party discrepancies.
Just a thought.
Here is the link for video.
https://youtu.be/-3MYB33HOJU?si=HvNp05Rp5Qvg5Bne
No original sales order or window sticker.
Paper trail on service.
Thanks for bidding.
After starting on the car, we pulled the engine to get a “bill of health”
Ie: leaks freeze plug condition, clutch PP throw out bearing, look at crank and mains and main seals.
We performed a pressure test on each once we had finished install the new cam, lifters, push rods and valve seals. (The reason replaced the cam kit and timing chain and gears- the chain needed replacing and therefore we chose to replace the cam assembly)
The pressure numbers we don’t have.
The engine runs right. The carb we dissembled cleaned and new gaskets power value accelerator pump. The carb is in Good condition.
Good day Greg
I will have a video of driving in the car tomorrow.
Thanks
Rrrrrrrrmmm, Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrmmmm, Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrmmm, watch that bow tie fly!
There was no El Camino SS until 1968, so every ’66-’67 396 El Camino was a sleeper.
Thanks for the comment.
The powertrain combination is really good on these. The weight distribution to the road and the 396 torque are really a good match!!
Yes, paperwork states repairs were done in 1998,hmmmm, did someone recently stamp,1979,paperwork at some point 👉, in time, with a 1998 stamp, and if so did they use General Motors,parts, new,old stock, and or reproduction parts, hmmmm sparkplug wires don’t look 🤔, original, and or oem,to me,they,should be,black, not aftermarket orange, it’s probably worth the money it could use some original style sparkplug wires to be more period correct, maybe some other stuff to in my opinion. Other than that looks to a fairly original car to me, although 15-20k,seems alittle high to me.
It is invoice number 1998. Not year 1998.
1998 is the invoice #
Thanks for bidding.
Can you post a walk around video with the engine running?
Drive it straight to the parts department and get SS badges.
Oh yeah! Sure, I’m confident that all Chevrolet dealers are overstocked on ’68 Chevelle SS hardware. Woooowwwww.
Power steering wasn’t always common but would be nice.
Also would be nice if it had power brakes.
Without the PS and PB it is not terrible to steer or manage. The new 14”s are straight and you can steer at 60-65mph with 1 finger. I drove last weekend a 100 mile road trip.
This is a keeper the way it is. Or if you want to do an off frame, it is the One!!
FINALLY! Something I really like, is useful and row your own. Looking in the couch cushions. Darn it. In my next life I need to plan better.
Seller, can you post a picture of the trim tag on the firewall? Thanks.
Oh yeah! Sure, I’m confident that all Chevrolet dealers are overstocked on ’68 Chevelle SS hardware. Woooowwwww.
Jeff, I think it’s in all of the photos. Pretty sure that I saw it.
No its not. The vin tag is posted, the trim tag on the firewall is not.
Here’s the trim tag!
BF should have it posted now.
Thanks for bidding.
Hook up the boat. Throw the waterski, cooler, in the back and head for the lake 😎
Billy,
Maybe I’m not seeing it but where is there a place to click and contact the Seller?
I’m hoping that the Seller is reading the comments and will not mind sharing my request I asked for.
The seller is on and addressing questions. To discuss the car with the seller directly, please email us at mail@barnfinds.com and we will put you in touch with them.
Greg, don’t you have the high bid right now? I figured that you got ahold of him. I’m sorry man. I must have got this bf mixed up with another car that is advertised on eBay.
Yeah, he’s probably watching us all drool over his little truck. You’ve got 9 days.
Best of luck! Sucks to be me.
Greg, did you see the post from a bf staff member Joshua Mortensen? Pretty sure that he will be able to help you out.
Billy,
No word yet from the Seller but I’m guessing he will chime in before this ends. Curious as many of us what his reserve is and if someone here (maybe me) buys it soon.
Greg, I looked back in the heading and ad description for the author of the write up. Can’t find one like there are on most of the bf cars. Maybe plug in Barn Find Auctions and search for the car.
It is odd that no name on the write up? That’s about all I have on this deal. ?
Had a 67 El Camino same color yellow exterior and black interior back in 1967 except mine was auto trans. Wish I hadn’t sold the car but that was many a year ago. Now have bought a 67 needing total restoration and thanks to OPG I hope to finish and enjoy it as much as I did mine way back in 1967.
Is there no button on here to communicate with the Seller other than in these public posts?
You can email us at mail@barnfinds.com and we can put you in touch with the seller.
Sent an email to the barnfinds address yesterday (Tuesday) morning as instructed, asking to get into direct contact with Seller. It’s late Wednesday night now, and I have gotten no response, at all …
I missed out on a gold one with a 327 and 4 speed. The owner changed his mind about selling it between the time we spoke on the phone and the 30 minutes it took for me to drive over there. I was ready to buy it as soon as I saw it but I couldn’t get him to change his mind. The bitter taste of disappointment still lingers to this day.
Questions to Seller–
Comment above mentions “new 14’s”. Are the wheels original or new replacements? If new, do you have any of the original wheels? And do you have the original spare tire?
Did you retain the original master cylinder?
Did you retain the original 660 thermostat housing?
Is there anything wrong with the original carburetor that a rebuild kit won’t fix?
Did you retain the original muffler hangers, tailpipe hangers, and hardware? And any of the original pipes?
Is that rust in the bed by the passenger side wheel house, or just some dirt?
That spot by the gas door is bizarre. I am guessing a mouse nest inside that pocket?? Can you provide some pics with the door open to see if there is any rot in the inner pocket around the filler neck?
Would be great to call you and discuss this truck and questions like these, but I guess BF does not allow that. Thank you.
The car has 79k actual miles. The title, service records and inspection sticker, when it was park in 1990, reflect that. I have known the owner for 20 years.
The tires are all new. Spare included.
The rims and hubcaps are original.
The spare was not original when we acquired.
Checking on master cylinder and thermostat.
We rebuilt the replacement Holley from 1979 purchase, that was in the car. Have the original box and original carb in that box (see picture). Not sure on original carbs rebuild-ability.
Yes have original hangers. Exhaust was in piece mill shape from the years.
Yes is it rust. The rust is not abnormal for the years and being a driver for 22 years.
As you can see on the underneath pictures it still has integrity.
It is just a rust spot at the gas door
The inside of the gas reservoir is not in bad shape.
Please contact Jöšh at BF. To discuss contact other that here. 208-254-1661
Thanks
Carburetor picture #1
Carburetor picture #2
Good day Jeff, I do not have the master cylinder or the thermostat that we took off.
I have the original gas tank as well.
The buyer wanted the fastest pickup truck but didn’t opt for the solid lifter L78 385 horse 396?
L78 was 375 HP. It was not available when this truck was built. The trim tag is dated 01B (2nd week of January 1967). L78 was cancelled before the beginning of the 1967 model year, and was not reintroduced until mid to late April 1967.
So this ElCamino does have the highest horsepower engine available in an ElCamino at the time this one was built.
On a side note, a total of only 34 1967 L78 ElCamino’s were built. I am lucky enough to own one of the two (2) documented examples known still to exist (and mine is the only one known that still has its original born-with engine).
Man Jeff!!
You are a pretty special guy having 2
Thanks for sharing.