The 1959-60 Chevrolet El Camino was a “me, too” version of Ford’s 1957-59 Ranchero “Ute” (utility coupe). Both were based on 2-door full-size wagons. In 1960, Ford decided to shift the product to the new Falcon compact platform, while Chevy decided to take a break for three years. The seller has a 1960 El Camino project with a 6-banger engine, but tells us little else. Located in a gated yard in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this former workhorse is available to a buyer with vision here on Facebook Marketplace for $7,500 OBO. Another great tip from Chuck Foster!
Chevy and Ford’s late 1950s car-based pickups competed in the same markets. But when the El Camino finally returned in 1964, it was set up on the all-new mid-size Chevelle. Ford’s entry would continue as a compact until 1966, when it too became an intermediate. While Ford would exit the market in 1979, Chevy soldiered on through 1987, when they began to move away from rear-wheel drive entries. In 1959 and 1960, the El Camino and Ranchero found almost the same number of buyers: 36,409 for the former and 35,223 for the latter.
The original owner of this El Camino probably didn’t have any serious cargo hauling needs. A 235 cubic inch inline-6 was ordered along with a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. Maybe that’s why these things were referred to as “gentlemen’s” pickups. The history of this vehicle is not known, and the odometer reading is reported at 5,000, but 105,000 would be more likely.
This truck’s two-tone paint is well-worn and comes with patina for those into that. We can’t tell if rust is an issue besides the surface variety because all the photos were taken in cramped quarters. We assume it hasn’t run for years, and all the seller says is that it “definitely needs some work to bring back life to it.” The seller likely wants to reclaim the space it’s taking up and will field offers.
Hard to tell about any rust issues with so few photos, but from what I can see the bed and body look pretty decent. You’re basically buying a shell or a roller and at this price it isn’t crazy. I’d have to swap to a 350 in place of the 6 though.
While it’s a better starting point than most project cars, does anyone even take on these challenges anymore?
The guys who can already have, and they’re done.
Actually there’s a new group of guys after these ElKo’s as they call them and this one’s not bad for the price – knowing it’s going to have some rust from this part of the USA. What I see is a kinda rare – 6cyl with factory power brakes and steering…..by the looks of the bed it was taken care of. If you know these 1959/60’s you know those nice chrome bed trim is to die for. This one looks to still be wearing it’s factory paint and wheels which is also rare. He says make him an offer ! My Uncle bought his ELKO new in 1959
Thanks Russ and Chuck, I am a huge fan of the early El Caminos and Rancheros and have been considering one for years. The body does look fairly decent from the BF pics. That’s as far as I can go being as I am in Facebook lockup…I’m a bad Man!
IMO Face book is a lousy and limited venue for selling a collectable car or truck. You can’t be scared if you want to reach a broad audience.
You’re in Facebook jail! I respect you already 😎
Matt D,
I’ll be yur eyes on fb. Appears to have only one tire on the ground. The other 3 corners are on the drums. The tailgate is missing access panels as well as the inside quarter panels, glass looks good seams to have all the chrome/stainless body trim. Honestly, if I were looking for something to do for a year I would seriously consider this el Cabillo. Otherwise, nah..
Thanks Billy! I’m with you nah.
The rear window is probably worth $7500.
Not even close. I bought a nice used one two years ago out of Phoenix for $125 (there was another one in Vegas for $100), and there is reproduction rear glass available from Auto City Glass in MN for $249.95 plus shipping.
Never realized how shallow the beds are on these.
Even for a roller 1959-59 El Camino body sryle and shell thats not badly rusted is worth $6000-$7400. She’s got custom written all over her once you ditch and replace the 6 cylinder. Guys always wanting to buy a 216 or 235 for other projects.
Powered by a Corvette engine…
Love these El Caminos!!
most of the guys that did these have check out. it sure is neat and crying for a v8 that’s for sure. offer between 5-6500.
If this inline 6 still turns over and hasn’t frozen in the cold they are really fun to do a complete balance and stroke. Put in everything that you can imagine including headers.
Had a very good friend that I played in a 60s 70s rock and roll band with, God say hi for me please. Anyway, his parents had no problem with money and his older brother was a wrench. Well, Barry had a 68 Camaro with a 6 cylinder in it and they did everything that was available at the time. My stroked bored over, cammed, headered, geared and plus 301 in a 57 Chevy belaire that could not catch him. Damn, that thing was torque-y!
Nice memory. Thank you guys and gals.
Think that’s a 235 6cyl. The 216 had 2 nuts & bolts thru the centerline of the valve cover to hold it down. Had a chevy 1952 panel truck that had the 216 ,- solid lifters.
Clifford Research has a motto that says 6 equals 8. Their speed parts can make an inline 6 cylinder out perform a V8? !!! Personally I have always wanted a 59’or 60 El Camino with a 348 and 3 dudes non it backed by a 4 speed manual with overdrive !!!
I like it.