Unfortunately for all of us who might like to purchase one, car based pickup trucks have gone the way of the ivory billed woodpecker here in America. While “utes” are insanely popular in Australia, these versatile vehicles effectively died out in 1987 with the passing of the Chevrolet El Camino. If you would still like one to cruise to Home Depot in suburban style, Barn Finds Reader Ian C. has discovered for us a very healthy hauler indeed. Feast your eyes on this 1970 El Camino SS, for sale on craigslist in scenic Lynchburg, Virginia. Being sold due to a body shop changing hands, this Chevelle based truck is packing a 454 cubic inch big block and can be yours for just $5,500!
The ad doesn’t give us much information to go on. There are only the three pictures you see here, and a short description. We are told that it is a SS model packing a 454 cubic inch engine. Backing up this powerhouse is a 400 Turbo Hydromatic automatic transmission and a Positraction rear end. The vehicle runs and drives, but it will need floor pans. The pictures show the truck to be in very good shape on the outside, but I am uncertain if the hood is factory correct. There are no descriptions or pictures of the interior to be had.
Factory correct is going to mean a lot when it comes to market value on this brute. There were two versions of the SS454 in 1970. The LS5 version packed a 360 horsepower engine, and the LS6 choice put out 450 horsepower. Too bad we have no idea which one lurks under the hood. As you can imagine, the higher horsepower version is rarer and worth a lot more. Traction with an empty bed would be difficult to come by with either engine. The good news is that you could probably tow house trailers with either. That is, if the chassis could take the strain. El Caminos were based off of the Chevelle platform. Stout as Chevelles were, they are no match for a body on frame truck when it comes to heavy duty truck stuff.
This El Camino may be quite a bargain. Car based trucks like this one were some of the last muscle cars, and their performance was incredible for what they were. If you are a collector, and you know how to decipher all of the information on GM automobiles of this era, then you should probably be heading to Expedia to book a flight to nearby Roanoke.
The single snorkel air cleaner on this would indicate it’s an LS-5….looks like a bargain to me…
Agreed as would Aluminum heads & Holley carb
Agreed as would Aluminum heads & Holley carb. Looks like after market wire’s as well.
You have to wonder why the body shop the car is being sold by does not just replace the floor pans themselves and double the price of the vehicle?
If it were further east, it would need plates for CROATOAN.
Looks like the low HP motor, AC compressor missing; might just be a good starting point for a nice street rod, better than a rat rod. Fix the problems, drive it and enjoy yourself while you’re still able to. Maybe add a little thumper cam, headers & a free flow exhaust and a handling kit later, just for fun!! Build something to scare the grandkids!! Really, just leave a legacy and enjoy it until you can’t anymore.
What part of Delaware?
See if you can find Felton, and when was the last time you went to the DelRods hot-rod & car show at the Delaware state fair grounds?? Heads up to everyone, this is A Great gathering!!
To Mike R in De
Perfect I couldn’t say it better!
SOLD! Not surprised- haven’t seen this body style for under 10K in any condition resembling restorable. If a little closer, this would be replacing my ’83.
He added more pics and marked as sold
That’s a good price! Even though it is sold!
If the engine is original then it is an LS-5, as the LS-6 was not available with A/C.
Good eye!
Would have been a great stablemate to my 71 SS 454, LS5 4 speed El Camino
could be a great little hot rod, few years back I sold my 1967 El Camino 396 turbo 400 disc brakes for next to nothing well it was 20 years ago I wish I never sold it can’t afford to replace it
67? looks like a 64 to me. Looks pretty good to me either way.
64 with 283 c.i. side emblems…..
If that’s the car it’s not a 67!
A real bargain that didn’t last long
El Caminos are cool, We came super close to buying a 68 Elky at the Oregon Chevelle Club show in the swap meet some years back. Came really close. No motor or tranny but solid roller for $1000, Still have some regrets we passed it up