It is said that careful ownership shows, which is the case with this 1970 Chevrolet El Camino. From its dazzling paint and contrasting stripes to its tidy interior and powerful small-block, this classic has little to criticize. It may have last received a cosmetic refresh at the turn of the century, but it still looks as fresh as a daisy. The current owner has made the difficult decision to part with this gem, listing it exclusively with us at Barn Finds.
The current owner purchased this El Camino approximately twenty-one years ago. It had received a cosmetic refresh two-years before, with the previous owner aiming for excellent presentation. The process included applying a fresh coat of Tuxedo Black paint over the laser-straight panels. The dazzling Red stripes provide a striking contrast, adding to this classic’s visual appeal. The refurbishment included new bumpers, a new grille, and shiny SS badges. The current owner emphasizes that this is not a genuine SS but should be considered an excellent tribute. The paint has a fantastic depth of shine and color, and the longer you look at it, the more you feel you could sink into it. The Red stripes are crisp and clean, and the bed has never seen a load since the refresh. Delving below the surface reveals that this garage-kept classic is rust-free, with the entire vehicle carrying the hallmarks of a treasured possession. The El Camino rolls on a set of sparkling Cragar wheels, but the seller includes a set of Super Sport wheels for those craving a more stock appearance.
Lifting the hood reveals a 350ci V8 that produced 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque when this classic emerged from the factory. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic transmission, with the new owner receiving power assistance for the steering and brakes. Considering the El Camino is lighter than the Chevelle it is based on, the performance would have been pretty impressive. The new owner will undoubtedly have extra power at their disposal courtesy of some sensible upgrades. The small-block inhales deeply through an Edelbrock Performance kit, with the spent gases exiting via a dual exhaust. The ignition is upgraded to an electronic system for a more consistent spark, while a heavy-duty radiator helps the Chev to keep its cool. The owner recently installed a new alternator and battery to ensure the vehicle is in excellent mechanical health. The embedded video in this article allows us to hear the engine in action. It sounds as smooth as silk, with no smoke or odd noises. The owner describes the driving experience as pleasurable, meaning the buyer won’t have to spend a dime on this classic’s drivetrain.
The positive vibes continue when we examine this El Camino’s interior. The new owner benefits from ice-cold air conditioning, a modern Bluetooth stereo with Alpine speakers in the kick panels and Kickers in the back, a tilt wheel, and a Super Sport dash. One worthwhile update is the owner’s decision to change the dash to LED lighting. Anyone who has wrestled with a gauge cluster to replace a blown globe will appreciate what a blessing this is. The Black vinyl upholstery and trim are immaculate, with no wear or other problems. The dash is spotless, and the pad shows no evidence of cracking that can occur due to UV exposure. The carpet is excellent, and there’s no wear on the wheel. If this Chevy’s exterior garners favorable comments due to its appearance, the interior should continue that trend.
The current owner of this 1970 Chevrolet El Camino admits the vehicle isn’t perfect but describes it as a high-end driver. That seems a fair assessment, and the new owner should feel no shame arriving at a show or a Cars & Coffee behind the wheel of this classic. It has no needs and would suit an enthusiast seeking a turnkey vehicle providing excellent comfort and performance. Therefore, if one of these beauties is on your Wish List, this 1970 model deserves serious consideration.
- Location: Daphne, Alabama
- Mileage: 83,000 Miles
- Engine: 350ci V8
- Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic
- VIN: 136800L191645
- Title Status: Clean
A buddy of mine had a bronze ’70 El Camino. Non-SS version. It was kind of a roach. My main memory of it was when he fell asleep on the highway with two other friends in the front seat and went onto the grass median and took out a sign of some kind. That woke ’em up! Fortunately, no one, including the truck, was injured. Stay awake folks!
Beautiful!
I have a strong feeling that he needs to put it back in the barn. 40.. where did that come from? I see 20 tops an that still steep. But there’s some nuts out there.
The seller is open to hearing offers.
Mecum and Barrett Jackson have ruined the classic car market for “ordinary” people… this Camino is nice but its not $40k nice.
The seller wasn’t sure what to ask, so make them an offer!
I have been saying that for the last 5 years. They have successfully just about taken the Hobbyist or DIY guy out of the market. Nothing is inexpensive and everyone prices their so called perfect, creampuff vehicle at Auction house price plus commission price.
I just about stopped buying cars, motorcycles and machine guns for this reason.
I agree with the barret jackson thing that they have ruined it for all of us.it is nothing but greed just like the real estate people and that is that they want a bigger slice of the pie
There are still a ton of bargains out there! You just cant expect to get what everyone else wants for cheap. Look for the lesser known models and there’s still a ton of affordable fun to be hard.
When my dad retired in the 1980s he needed a project so he bought a boat and fixed it up. Then he needed something cool to pull it with so he bought this ElCamino. It was a decent California car but needed some love so my brother and I put a cowl induction hood on it and generally cleaned it up. My brother painted it in the original colors. It has a 350, 350 turbo, tilt, cruise, Am/Fm and I put an original sport cushion steering wheel on it. When my dad passed away he left it to my brother but he shares and I will often take it for a week or two. We recently put a set of the factory 70 SS wheels on it. Great memories of my dad
I thought the photo had posted.
Come on man this camino is worth more than 20k look around and see what you get for 20k this is a turn key operation paint jobs are 10k or more this isn’t the 60s or 70s
I doubt this is a real SS, but there no claims it is either. Visually, the fender SS letters are too closely spaced, without the 396 call-outs, but since it is a small block, I guess that passes. The tailgate SS letters spacing is a mile off, it should be a one-piece SS 396 emblem. The original tail pipes exited behind the rear wheels, not at the bumper. It does have a 12 bolt rear, and an added rear sway bar, The dash is from a 1972. All in all, a nice driver for sure, but not at $40k, I would say high $20’s. Buckets and console would help the sale, but a bench allows a third person to ride in the truck. I hope the owner does well with the sale. This is my Elco from the northern part of Alabama.
Nice car, but his price is a bit out there. My neighbor built a clone of one of these. His had a better interior, big big block and perfect paint. He sold it for 21K last summer. Wish I had room in the garage for it.
I think this one is a beauty, not sure about the $40K price, but that is up to the buyer. I sure wouldn’t mind being seen in this one !!
I have owned a couple el Camino’s including a ’70 and they are fantastic cars. One of the features I found pretty cool were the crank open cigarette windows.
Looks Nice BUT if it’s not a real SS he is asking WAY to much
This is a very nice vehicle but I’m in the same thinking as some of the others, he is asking to much. I know he is accepting offers but a fair offer would be low ball to his asking price. If you watch BAT you would see what many are selling at. Watching various sales the don’t seem to bring big money unless they have had a frame off full restoration and have some performance additions. Even then they are not bringing what some of the other muscle cars of the era. It’s ashamed but it is what is. Again I think this is a nice car.
Hummm… SS Emblems, SS dash, SS stripes, 12-bolt rear. (wonder what the ratio is), can’t see if control arms are boxed, but where’s the (at least) base L34, 396 SS engine?! Yes, if it is a legit SS, it gets an L34.
I see a well executed fake SS. Very nice and I wouldn’t mind owning it, but $40K? Nope.
Beautiful build!
Only thing that caught my eye, what is all over the left side tail pipe?
Possible leak?
Not sure why the SS emblems when its admittedly not a real SS???
A year ago there was one in Missouri 70, documented ss numbers car, big block functional cowl hood for 28k at the time I didn’t have enough cash
Very nice car, a little .expensive but nice.