After a three-year absence, the El Camino returned to the Chevrolet fold in 1964. Instead of being a full-size “Ute” as in 1959-60, the returning El Camino was based on the new mid-size Chevelle 2-door station wagon. This ’64 edition is said to be a work-in-progress but presents as a driver-quality truck with lots of new goodies. Located in S.E. Portland, Oregon, this “gentleman’s pickup” is available here on craigslist for $15,500 OBO. Thanks for this cool tip, “Curvette.”
The El Camino found greater success as a smaller car/truck. After selling 22,000 copies in 1959 and just 14,000 in 1960, Chevy peddled 32,500 units in 1964. And the production numbers would continue to grow until its rear-wheel-drive platform was retired after 1987. The El Camino would outlast its competition, the Ford Ranchero, which had actually “invented” the concept in 1957.
We’re told this is not a show-quality find, but it seems nice enough to attract attention at Cars & Coffee. It has a 283 cubic inch V8, which may have been rebuilt, as we are privy to one photo of it partially disassembled. Numbers matching its not since the engine is from 1961 and the transmission is a TH-350 rather than a Powerglide. New parts include the brakes, tires, carburetor, HEI distributor, alternator, and battery.
The body and paint look good, though we see a few rust bubbles starting to appear. The bucket seat interior is all-new, and the pickup has a tilt steering wheel, perhaps a rare option for the El Camino in 1964. The W-I-P vehicle has factory air conditioning, too, but it needs a shot of freon. We’re not sure what’s left to be done here except to fix the corrosion before it gets worse.
These and all ‘64 Chevelle’s instantly grab onto me, draw me in like a moth to a flame-and with the same results if I ever brought one home regardless of condition. That some can’t be saved (like that rolling wreck of a rust bucket we saw here the other day in nearby Roseville) is a shame but something like this sweetheart is a good time looking for somewhere to be in my book. That it looks to be the same color as my folks 2 door wagon is even more incredible-either you hate it (I did as a kid) or appreciate that it’s rarely like any other you see around.
Nicely finished driver and cruiser.
This generation of ElCaminos is my absolute favorite. And this ’64 looks great. I’m right there with what Nevadahalfrack said about the color. When I was younger I didn’t care for it, but now, I really like it. A nicely rebuilt 283, and a Powerglide will get you around reliably too. I like it.
I’m a huge fan of el caminos,this generation never was my favorite but lately it it has been growing on me. I prefer the 78 to 86 generation the best and any other el camino style conversion of any car or truck as well.
I wouldn’t say the Ranchero invented the concept of the car/pickup. You would be overlooking the Studebaker Coupe Express and the Hudson Terraplane,
which pre-date the Ranchero by twenty years.
Green paint and redline tires make it look like something Santa Claus would drive during the off season.
If this were closer, I’d take a look. I like El Caminos. This one looks to be in nice shape with some upgrades for a reasonable price.
Wife-angle lens stretches this grotesquely. Compare the picture in the factory ad to these ridiculous photos.
“Wife-angle lens..”? You might want to hide that comment from the family…
Lovely looking El Camino. I’ve always loved the 1964-65 Chevelle and El Camino. I’d love to drive one like this. The only condition for me to buy the El would be to remove the aftermarket gauges from under the dash and install them up where the warning lights used to be.
I had a lot of fun and out ran a lot of Sherrif’s in a 64 Elcamino back in High School.
looks better with the poverty caps and b/w tires
This or the ’64 Impala a few cars back? No contest.
Love it. Only change I might make is installing rally wheels and trim rings, cap. They make any Chevy look better. This won’t last long.
This or the Impala same year offered up earlier for the same price?
This is a very nice clean El Camino