Factory 402: 1971 Chevrolet El Camino

Classics like this 1971 Chevrolet El Camino offer an intriguing possibility for potential buyers. They are exceptionally versatile, but when fitted with a big-block V8, their lighter weight tends to give them better performance than the sedan or wagon they are based on. Such is the case with our feature vehicle, which houses a healthy 402ci V8 under the hood. It requires restoration, but its excellent mechanical health means the new owner can enjoy it immediately while performing the work at their leisure. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this promising project.

Chevrolet marketed its Third Generation El Camino range between 1968 and 1972, with our feature vehicle emerging in 1971. It has literally lived a colorful life because the Trim Tag confirms the original owner ordered it in Antique Green. The seller confirms that it underwent a color change to Cottonwood Green before reverting to its original shade. It looks pretty tired and weathered, suggesting a repeat performance is warranted. It is believed to be a Californian classic, but that hasn’t protected it from rust. The floors and frame are generally solid, but it will require repairs to the right-hand lower front fender, the storage area, and around the rear window. The trim and glass look pretty good, and I can’t spot any problems with the Rally wheels.

This El Camino’s interior shows the ravages of sun exposure, courtesy of the cracked wheel and dashpad. The wheel shouldn’t present many challenges, but the pad will be a more expensive proposition. Finding a secondhand one that hasn’t succumbed to UV could be challenging, meaning splashing $420 on a replacement may be the only option. Someone cut the kick panels for speakers, there is no headliner, and the seats wear different covers that haven’t aged well. Therefore, a complete retrim may be the only option to recapture the youthful good looks. The engine bay photos reveal no belt on the air conditioning compressor, suggesting that is another item requiring attention.

The party piece and its strongest attribute could hide beneath this El Camino’s hood. The first owner ordered it with a 402ci V8, which they teamed with a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. The big-block delivers 300hp and 400 ft/lbs of torque, and with the vehicle tipping the scales at around 3,600 lbs, it can be considered a genuine muscle truck. It is also in exceptional mechanical health. The seller splashed some serious cash on a complete suspension rebuild before adding a new set of BF Goodrich tires. It has received a fluid change and other work that brings the tally to nearly $6,000. However, the results justified the expense, because this El Camino runs and drives perfectly. It is a turnkey proposition that the new owner can enjoy while they tackle the restoration at their leisure.

The seller listed this 1971 Chevrolet El Camino here on Craigslist in Sacramento, California. They set their price at $18,500, and the only trade they will consider is a buyer’s cash for this classic. That is a significant sum for a project candidate, but the factory big-block undoubtedly increases its desirability. Restored to a high standard, recent sales results suggest a potential value above $30,000 once the work is complete. Whether the build can be completed without the budget blowing beyond that figure is hard to tell, but the new owner might achieve that goal if they are willing to be hands-on with at least part of the process. One thing is certain: The new owner will slip behind the wheel of a classic that will offer exceptional performance.