I’m on the fence with the final El Camino generation, such as this 1982 example. I’m a Camino fan but most of my fandom has to do with gen-3 (’68-’72). Gen-4 is in fuggedaboutit territory but gen-5? Depends, good styling but generally weak engines and poor quality of materials. But let’s not write this example off yet, it looks interesting. Larry D found this ute cooling its heels in Katy, Texas and it’s available, here on eBay for a current bid of $7,602, reserve not yet met. There is a BIN option of $14,000 too.
This example is a duded-up “Conquista” version which is essentially a two-tone paint job with the colors separated by stainless trim – it’s an acquired taste but was a popular selection. The seller states, “This is a very nice driver quality car, not a show car. It’s 40 year old classic and the pics don’t do it justice“. Agreed, it looks fine though I’d add, subjectively, that the centerline wheels are a debatable choice. Added is, “Body is super straight; paint still has luster but has a few chips, nicks, & clear coat fade. Floor pans are clean, original, and solid“. There is no reason to suspect a problem with crash damage or rust, this Chevy checks out well. It also has a spray-in bed liner which I think is a must for one of these if it is to be used as originally intended.
Under the hood is a 115 net HP, 267 CI V8 engine that looks mostly stock though it has been upgraded with a four-barrel carburetor, open-element air cleaner, and a valve cover breather. It was not one of Chevrolet’s better engines. Regardless, the seller claims, “Runs out great, smooth ride, and shifts as it should. Drive it anywhere“. A Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission is in place but I can’t tell which version it is. Regardless, the mileage is listed as 30K, though not claimed as authentic. If it is, it’s remarkable, if it’s not, and the odometer has been once around, that powertrain has seen a lot of use, especially on a 267 engine.
The interior, from a mileage perspective, looks more like 30K miles than 130K – it’s in fantastic shape and the materials that Chevrolet was using 40 years ago were cheap stuff that didn’t hold up. It is incredibly clean and mostly original except for a pioneer radio and an attractive wooden steering wheel. The seller mentions new “cold” A/C – always a nice find.
This is a very clean and mostly original specimen – unlike many of these that turn-up, having been poorly hot-rodded. The BIN price can give you an idea of where the reserve on this Camino is set and I’m not too surprised at his walk-away price – though it may be a bridge too far with that 267 CI engine. What do you think, does it sound like a good buy to you?
I bet its the 200 hydra matic automatic
The later ’80s ones are better
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbo-Hydramatic#THM200-4R
“Runs out great”. Ugh…
Yeah – the ol’ “warning cliche”. What worries me is that the A/C is merely “cold”, and not “ice cold”.
@Jimodonnell I happen to still love this generation of Elcamino. Just so you know, beyond the 2 tone paint work the conquista trim had more plush interior than the other elcaminos. Say what you will but this generation was more style than performance and I am all in for these.
Don’t get me wrong, I like this generation, mostly, just some I like more than others.
JO
@ jim odonnell just a fyi, for you, the conquistas also had more plush interiors than standard elcaminos. Say what you will but I will love this generation. It was more about style than performance.
I noticed center bolt valve covers on that small block. I don’t think they started using those until around 87. If so, that’ll mean at least the heads have been swapped.
Bingo! First thing I noticed as well.
Good catch! That being the case it’s hard to say what’s under the hood. The VIN claims a 267 CI V8 but it could be any size of a small block at this point.
JO
The Conquesta was a GMC model not chevrolet I had 1 going to Flight Engineers School at the USAFR my civilian job was as a mechanic on 747s for Pan Am…..mine was light blue royal blue with a tonneau cover had to sell her son born no room for a baby we lived in Bergenfield NJ…
Here’s the 1981 El Camino sales brochure (I couldn’t locate an ’82) and the caption (click on the image to fully read) states that the two-tone Camino in the foreground is a Conquista, (not Conquesta).
JO
vehicle history says SEVEN OWNERS from 1996-the present ! Not a good sign???
I have owned a couple of these and I like them allot, especially if you use them for the way, they were designed. This one seems great, but it would be nice to know exactly what’s up with the engine ,because the price is based on the condition being excellent. The engine is a little bit of a red flag.
I thought I knew all there was to know about Chevy engines…
WTH is this 267? some destroked something, as was the 302?
Help me out here..
Thanks,
Mr. Norm
Offered from ’79 to ’82 and usually referred to as a 4.4 liter. They used a 350 CI crank but had a small 3.5″ bore making them just about modular (3.5″x3.48″) and a lousy performer as opposed to traditional small-block designs which were oversquare. HP was generally in the 115 to 120 net range. Low nickel content in the iron alloy block caused them to wear quickly. Additionally, the camshafts were poor quality castings and they would grenade themselves frequently in the 50-60K mile range.
They could be found in the full-size B-Body, intermediate G-Body, and Camaro F-Body cars.
JO
Sounds like a perfect candidate for a 350 or 305 engine swap if it hasn’t already been done. If it has the 200 4R transmission, they have a re-build kit for those that has heavier bands and clutches and a new pilot shaft that won’t break behind the spline like they do if you attach them to a little bit of horsepower. Put those two things in the drive train together and with the condition of the body and interior, you could drive that thing for 200,000 miles with no problems.
Had 79 Monte with 267 duel exhaust with glass packs , very reliable car, when matted it it got louder not faster.
Easiest way to identify 200 trans no vacuum modulator valve.
Owned an identical (same colors and everything) ’83 about 4 years ago. Mine was more original , had the 305 and was immaculate. Bought and sold it for around $5-6K. Central KY.
I know why the headrests were left off – because on some GM cars of the ’70s & ’80s with separate headrests – they were not centered on the seat!! – rather were offset to the outer edge!!! – not only stupid, but probably more dangerous than none – if adjusted upwards! Amazed the gov allowed that!