If someone were so inclined, they could easily write a book about Special Edition vehicles in automotive history. However, such a book would make “War and Peace” look like a spot of light reading. This 1980 Chevrolet El Camino SS is one such classic, ordered by its first owner as a Royal Knight edition. It is a rust-free survivor with a known history, and could be an excellent, exceptionally affordable restoration project. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Royal Knight listed here on Craigslist in Kennewick, Washington. Handing the seller $5,500 could allow you to drive this beauty home.
It is fair to say that by the time Chevrolet released the Fifth Generation El Camino range in 1978, if the badge’s bubble hadn’t burst, it was certainly leaking badly. Sales declined rapidly throughout the production run, with the final El Camino leaving the line in 1987. Our featured 1980 El Camino is an SS, ordered by its first owner in subtle White. However, they boosted the car cosmetically by ticking the box on the Order Form beside the Royal Knight package. It provided cosmetic enhancements, primarily stripes, decals, and an enormous sticker on the hood depicting two dragons and a knight. The seller purchased the vehicle approximately forty years ago and states that, apart from the wheels, it is a survivor. The paint looks tired, and UV exposure has wrought havoc on the graphics. However, what this El Camino has avoided is the rust problems that often plague these classics. Therefore, the buyer could easily perform a cosmetic restoration in a home workshop; with complete Royal Knight sticker kits retailing for about $400, applying these and the original wheels sitting in the bed would return this El Camino to its factory form.
Unfortunately, the seller supplies no engine bay images, but they provide plenty of relevant mechanical details. The first owner ordered the El Camino with a 305ci V8, which became the range-topping motor for that model year. They teamed the V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The 305 wasn’t a fireball in 1980, placing 165hp at the driver’s disposal. However, upgrading the carburetor and intake could squeeze a few extra ponies from the small-block, although it would never threaten a muscle car in the performance stakes. The seller confirms that this SS runs and drives, but it would benefit from a tune-up. The sale includes the original Build Sheet, advertising book, and other period sales literature.
Trimmed in Burgundy vinyl, the El Camino’s interior features air conditioning and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. The carpet and door trims look presentable, as does the dash. The seat cover is badly torn on the driver’s side, and the foam is crumbling. It is unclear what hides beneath the dash cover, but I won’t be surprised if the pad has cracked. That isn’t necessarily bad news, because reproduction pads retail for under $250. Finding seat covers and foam won’t be difficult, allowing the buyer to return the interior to a presentable state.
I have been unable to find definitive production figures for the Chevrolet El Camino SS Royal Knight, but it is worth noting that we have only previously seen five of these classics as Barn Finds. The sixth looks like a beauty and ticks the boxes for enthusiasts seeking an affordable project candidate devoid of rust. The 1980 El Camino isn’t the most desirable vehicle on the planet, though a Royal Knight typically commands a 10% premium over a regular SS in similar condition. That’s not a bad achievement for what is essentially a graphics package. The seller’s price looks extremely realistic, which is why I believe this promising project will find a new home fairly quickly. It will be fascinating to learn whether we have readers who are tempted.
Just spoke with AI, as I wondered if there was a difference between a knight & a royal knight. A Royal Knight is a knight with royal heritage – one of the British Royal Family, who also has been knighted/honoured. A plain old knight is a commoner that has been knighted – Elton John, Gary Oldman etc.
The hood decal on these has always appealed to me. Unlike the trans Am, it is symmetrical which jives well with my mild OCD. There’s a darker association with the image as well, compared to the Trans Am’s.
I think I mostly see these “trucks” in dark colours, blue or black, and in this generation, mostly quad headlights (1082+). I’d prefer it with a manwell, but the bench seat is desirable. That cover on the dash looks like the cheapest way to cover it.