Dry Oklahoma Classic: 1966 Chevrolet El Camino

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Hiding in this garage is a classic that has led a fortunate life. This 1966 Chevrolet El Camino found its way to its current location from Oklahoma, with the dry climate protecting it from the type of rust that often ravages these vehicles. It presents nicely, has received plenty of recent TLC, and features a V8 under the hood. Its next journey could be to a new home, with the seller listing the El Camino here on Craigslist in Shirley, New York. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting a gem that could be yours for $21,500 OBO.

The El Camino returned to Chevrolet’s model range in 1964 after an absence dating back to the end of 1960. The Second Generation, based on the Chevelle’s underpinnings, remained in production until 1967. Our feature vehicle emerged in 1966 finished in striking Regal Red. The seller doesn’t mention a previous restoration, although its lack of cosmetic shortcomings makes that idea plausible. The paint shines beautifully, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and life in a dry climate has left this classic rust-free. The seller recently added a selection of new exterior trim pieces to improve the presentation, while the Rally wheels add a sense of purpose. The glass is clear, and the overall presentation is consistent with a classic that falls into the high-end driver category.

The seller recently added a retro-style stereo to this El Camino, which is the only apparent change. This is another aspect of the car with no cosmetic shortcomings, because the Red vinyl is free from wear, and the carpet is remarkably clean. The dash features functioning SS gauges, and the console accentuates the luxury feel. The seller recently replaced many bright trim pieces, including the horn ring, center cap, air conditioning vents, and door handles. The padded dash is new, and while the first owner ordered this Chevy with air conditioning, it is currently inoperative. However, that is the only functional fault identified by the seller.

Lifting this El Camino’s hood reveals equal helpings of good and bad news. The engine bay houses the 327ci “Turbo-Fire” V8 delivering 275hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a two-speed Powerglide that has clocked fifty miles since a rebuild. One of the attractions of the El Camino is that its curb weight is lower than the vehicle upon which it is based. That opens the door for impressive performance, although the lack of weight over the rear wheels can make these vehicles pretty lively on loose or slippery surfaces. This gem recently received a new sender unit and a power steering pump. The seller treated it to a fluid change and a carburetor rebuild. However, there might be a cloud on the horizon for potential buyers. They briefly mention a slight engine knock, but don’t elaborate on how long this has been happening. That could indicate that the buyer will need to splash some cash on a rebuild, but only an inspection would reveal the truth.

This 1966 Chevrolet El Camino shows plenty of promise for potential buyers, courtesy of its lack of rust and excellent presentation. The question mark hanging over the engine is a worry and deserves clarification to determine whether it is a genuine problem necessitating a rebuild. However, the seller’s price looks fairly competitive under the circumstances, especially considering the recent work they have completed. Would you be tempted to contact the seller to negotiate an inspection, or will you pass on this occasion?

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Comments

  1. John EderMember

    The price of this thing has me seeing red!

    Like 2
  2. Mike76

    The “engine knock” could be something as simple as a loose bolt. Definitely would want to inquire about engine performance and better yet, inspect in person, to verify the condition. The one positive, at least there are many competent Chevy engine builders around and you won;t have to take out a loan for a basic rebuild, if the engine were to need it.

    Like 5
  3. Tripower

    Great looker; very kind to the camera lens, these cars are. I owned a 67 with the same 327/PG setup albeit column shifter and bench seat. A lot of fun to drive. But rust, rust, rust. Good thing my cousin was dating a welder at that time.

    Like 3
  4. Steve R

    If it weren’t for the engine knock it would be a good deal if it presents as well as the pictures suggest. The seller is either inaccurate or misleading, none of the options are “SS options” they were not exclusive to SS’s. There is a good chance many were added since the car left the factory, the trim tag will verify some. The hood is a nice addition, so are the rally’s.

    Steve R

    Like 6
    • Utesman

      I concur w/Steve R’s assessments. As well, SS El Camino’s didn’t exist until 1968.

      Like 2
  5. Steve R

    If it weren’t for the engine knock it would be a good deal if it presents as well as the pictures suggest. The seller is either inaccurate or misleading, none of the options are “SS options” they were not exclusive to SS’s. There is a good chance many were added since the car left the factory, the trim tag will verify some. The hood is a nice addition, so are the rally’s with the short center caps.

    Steve R

    Like 1
  6. geomechs geomechsMember

    A near identical twin to one that my Dad had. His was only a 283 and had dog dish hubcaps. Dad liked bucket seats so he ordered his El Camino with them. Back then, if you ordered buckets, you automatically got the console and floor shifter. Dad didn’t like that part much but he still put a ton of miles on it.

    Unfortunately, as was the case with his ’59 Ranchero and his ’64 El Camino, they were not a truck, and didn’t hold up well when used that way. And Dad used them that way. Rear suspension almost on the ground by the time you made 50K miles, not to mention things getting snagged on the undercarriage. But Dad toughed it out. He drove across the prairie, dropping wheels into badger holes and snagging suspension components on rocks, then hanging onto one side of the steering wheel to keep the car on the road while he limped it into the alignment shop. I’m sure I could hear the “ka-ching, Ka-ching” of the cash register as he approached the entrance to the shop.

    Engine knock? Usually when I heard a knock in an SBC it was accompanied by a loud squeak from the spun bearing(s). But an intermittent soft knock is usually the fuel pump push rod tapping on the eccentric because the small spring that holds the rod against the eccentric is broken. My advice is to pull the fuel pump and check that out. Learned that one the hard way many years ago…

    Like 6
  7. Denny

    My 66 El CamIno was same color with a 396 4 speed and no air Had it 6 years and only one rebuild.It ran nice.

    Like 2
  8. Russell Smith

    Knock knock. Who’s there? Rod. Rod who? Rod city, baby!!

    Like 1
  9. 427Turbojet 427TurbojetMember

    I love this generation of ElCaminos and have owned several. I still have this 66 that I bought in 1976. I put in a mildly built 69 350, 1.94 heads, Corvette L82 cam, Edelbrock Torquer manifold with a 650 CFM Holley. I backed it up with a 350 THM, a 1977 Z28 quick ratio steering gear, 1973 Monte Carlo rear stabilizer bar. I also put in a 66 Impala tilt and telescopic steering column – same color as the he original interior and patinaed about to the same level. The Chevelle guys can’t quite figure that one out. With the more modern underpinnings, and about 600 lbs (think small block Chevy) strapped right behind the rear window, it handles twisty roads very nicely.
    Unfortunately, it has languished in my barn for several years (check the dirt on the windshield) with the floor and frame getting soft. I did buy a Texas 66 ElCamino roller to rebuild this one, just need a couple more decades to get all the projects done!

    Like 4
  10. TIM HAHN

    It’s a shame this nice of a car was allowed to go back to the least coast. I’ve been looking for one but I like to see anything I purchase off the internet in person before buying.

    Like 0
  11. V12MECH

    Knock won’t be hard to determine, check oil for metal, rod, ? Even a head gasket burn out between cylinders on SBC can make a knock sound with no other effects. Trans had a recent rebuild, if converter bolts were not tightened enough, or if flexplate has a crack, might not be that big of a deal once you hear it.

    Like 2
    • Mark

      I agree with v12MECH. I have found torque converter bolts loose a few times and corrected the problem!

      Like 0
  12. John EderMember

    We had a Ford F-350 rescue truck come into our shop on a wrecker, because the drivetrain was making a horrible noise. The fire chief said that it probably needed a rebuilt automatic transmission. We pulled it into a bay, and I went back to work in my office. A short time later, my tech came in and said that it was ready to go back. It turned out that all of the bolts in the flex plate were loose. We looked at each other and acknowledged how easy it would be easy to pull the transmission, clean it, paint it and reinstall it as a “rebuilt” unit and charge the customer accordingly. But that’s not how we worked. I called the Chief and said come and get it. He was astounded that the bill was so reasonable.

    Like 1
    • geomechs geomechsMember

      Hi John. I would give you a thumbs up but this page is somewhat sporadic so I give you a thumbs-up the old fashioned way.

      Your way of dealing with customers honestly is the way I’ve tried to do throughout my career. Doing a few favors always brought in the big jobs too. It always grates me when I hear of people ripping customers off, and thinking that they did the right thing. We’ve got enough enemies (through television shows and social media) that we don’t need to look for more.

      Like 1
  13. John EderMember

    While sometimes temporarily uncomfortable, I have always thought that telling the truth, being straight up with people and telling them the bad news (and good news, sometimes) right off the bat makes life a lot easier. And you are correct- once you develop a level of trust with a customer, more and bigger jobs come your way and they tell their colleagues. Honesty is an integral component to being a professional. When you hand someone a $10,000.00 repair invoice, it is a lot easier if the customer has faith that the work was necessary and the charges are legitimate. And a big, old-fashioned “thumbs up” for you, for all of your really interesting contributions to Barn Finds.

    Like 0

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