Subtlety is an admirable trait, but it is not one that this 1971 Chevrolet El Camino possesses. From its custom graphics to the buttoned interior trim and matching bed cover, it makes a bold visual statement that is impossible to ignore. The El Camino has led a sheltered life, and its third owner is ready to send this classic to a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Troy U for spotting this beauty listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Center City, Minnesota, with an asking price of $30,000 OBO.
Chevrolet introduced its Third Generation El Camino range for the 1968 model year, with 1971 buyers benefiting from a second cosmetic update that kept the company’s latest offering looking fresh and clean. The first owner ordered our feature El Camino that year, electing to cloak its exterior in a factory shade called Burnt Orange. It didn’t remain stock for long, with renowned automotive artist Jon Kosmoski from House of Kolor, located in Warrensville, Ohio, adding a set of custom graphics that help this classic to stand out. What makes this Chevy impressive is that the custom touches remain as applied, with the El Camino never undergoing any form of restoration. It has been through the hands of two subsequent owners who have protected it from all that Mother Nature might throw at it, with the vehicle not seeing rain since 1977. The paint still shines richly, the custom work looks crisp, and the side exhaust and Keystone wheels add the perfect finishing touch to this rust-free classic. The seller notes minor clearcoat cracking and slight deterioration of the hood graphics, although these small problems may prove repairable.
It is disappointing that the seller supplies no engine photos, but they confirm that the first owner ordered the El Camino with a 350ci V8, a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. Chevrolet offered buyers two versions of the 350 in 1971, although it is unclear which version occupies this engine bay. Therefore, the first owner had either 240 or 270hp at their disposal. The side exhaust is fed via a set of headers, with the vehicle recently receiving new brake calipers. While it isn’t stated categorically, it appears that the El Camino is a turnkey proposition.
This El Camino’s interior will probably draw a mixed response, trimmed in custom buttoned Black vinyl. The first owner continued that theme with the bed cover, providing a perfect means of tying the interior and exterior together. I’m not sold on this aspect of the vehicle, but that is a matter of subjective taste. You might take one glance and decide that it is a thing of beauty. As with the exterior, the lack of general wear and deterioration suggests that this El Camino has been treated respectfully. There is no evidence of UV damage or other issues, with the interior featuring a factory tachometer, an AM radio, and an 8-track player.
Regular readers know my preference for unmolested classics, but this 1971 El Camino strikes a chord with me. The custom touches provide a perfect insight into an era when many owners sought to ensure that their pride and joy stood out from the crowd, utilizing dazzling graphics and interior trim. The fact that it has survived for over five decades untouched and in such good condition is a testament to a life where its three owners have treated this gem with total respect. Some readers may question whether it is a genuine survivor, but I believe that it is if considered as an unrestored example of a bygone era in vehicle customization. It has been on the market for around four weeks, suggesting that the seller may not have been inundated with genuine inquiries. Are you tempted to right that wrong?
shut up and take my money
Beautiful looking colors and paint 🎨 Mitchell. At least from the photos in the article.
Hi Stan, proof positive, the air brush changed everything. :)
As I started reading the article, I was intrigued by the pictures of the exterior and thought I can appreciate the mods. But then I saw the interior picture and that’s where you lost me.
As someone that is envious of the craft of painting lace and pattern graphics and considers painters that do this work to be artists, I am a big fan of the exterior. Between the paint work, side pipes and Keystones, it just screams 1970s and I love that. But, when I got to the inside, whoa Nellie…someone went a bit too crazy with the buttons. Pretty cool ElCo though.
It definitely isn’t going to be everyone taste, but what it does do is represent a point in time and does so well. The cost of painting a car in this manner would be cost prohibitive.
It’s popular to justify certain cars by saying they will draw a crowd at a coffee and cars, most of those cars do so only because they are rarely if ever seen. This will draw a crowd on its own merits.
As for the seat, yes it’s over the top, but it’s easy to have it reupholstered, it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
Steve R
someones pride and joy, which im sure goes beyond the paint and upolstry (sp) . Theres probably care and attention to detail troughout.
Besides all that, its a minty 71 El Camino.
Love the colours and ya, 70s all the way.
‘stones & pipes!
In the 1970’s, my elementary school had Hot Rod magazine on the shelf when I was a child. This El Camino would have been drooled over by my 9 year old self. I wouldn’t change a thing. Just get in, pop in a Foghat or Aerosmith 8 track tape in the player and cruise.
Wow, what happened to the first 2 feet of the side pipes?
the transition from headers to sidepipes doesnt allow the pipes to start at the ‘beginning’ without having to ‘S’ the intermediate.
I’d bet they used standard headers rather than a set designed for side pipes. There were some vintage performance catalogs at a job I had, most were from the 1960’s and 1970’s including a Hooker catalog, there was a generic picture at the top of the section where the collector made a 90 degree turn specifically to be used with the side pipes. For each application, I think there was about half a dozen, all of the other parts were listed separately or in a kit. By the time I worked there Hooker only listed one set of side pipes, it was for C3 Corvettes.
For anyone that like old performance catalogs, it’s not uncommon to find them at swapmeets, but you generally have to dig through boxes to find them. They are a good resource to have and look good on a garage wall.
Steve R
That interior needs a fake woodgrain dash (out of a Monte Carlo?) and burnt-orange shag carpeting to really make the button-tufted wet look vinyl pop.
…along with a chrome chain steering wheel. Go all the way with it or don’t bother.
I remember when such custom paint jobs were in vogue. Automotive magazines’ cover stories often featured cars with similar paint jobs. For all the time, effort, expertise and money involved, they all looked more or less the same. Unlike this car’s interior, there was nothing truly unique in the paint scheme.
Speaking of time and effort how much of a PITA would it be to R&R the bed cover?
“A car pulls up, who can it be?
A fresh El Camino rollin’ Kilo G
He rolled down his window and he started to say
It’s all about making that G.T.A.”
The 70’s called & want their el Camino back.
Unfortunately when you personally a paint job it makes it harder to sell its going to take the right person who will like it
Hideous, inside out.
Back in time when I was just a kid, we loved having an AMT model car kit to put together. Can still remember the available decals being a lace pattern or something similar to this El Camino’s. They seemed cooler than the usual flames and Moon eyes.
if this car truley has 28k original miles then the way this looks is a shame. some people do like these kinds of mods but if you have to do it find a car that needs to be redone. you really have to find somebody that wants this. personally, i would strip inside and out and redo it factory original.
I love those ’70’s panel paint jobs! Kosmoski is King!
A 70s-era piece of rolling art that will never be rolled, unfortunately.
Lovely looking El Camino.