Factory 402: 1971 Chevrolet El Camino

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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.

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Comments

  1. Nevadahalfrack NevadahalfrackMember

    Very nice indeed and from all appearances a good project car for a good price. Nothing garish, no jacked up back end or silly oversized wheels and tires-especially appreciated is the seller being forthcoming with the faults. It’d be in my “fleet” were that possible..

    Like 2
  2. Steve R

    Nice, but he’s optimistic about its value, as it sits and when finished. It’s not an SS and it’s not a 1970, that’s two strikes. The rust at the bottom of the rear window and the sealant on the front edge of the smugglers cove generally means the floors are going to be rusted. I have a feeling the work he mentioned in his ad was done by the previous owner and it’s now priced one flip past a good deal. A better price would be $12,000-$15,000, but I’ve been wrong before.

    I’ve got a 71 El Camino, buckets, floor shift, tach/gauges, 350 4bbl, 12 bolt posi in similar condition, live about 2 hours away. There is no way I’d expect to get the numbers he thinks it’s worth.

    Steve R

    Like 14
    • Nevadahalfrack NevadahalfrackMember

      Good points all, Steve R-it would give a prospective buyer pause and correctly so after your assessment.
      Too, it might depend upon the potential buyers desire, location and patience to temper that desire.

      Like 1
  3. Car Nut Tacoma

    Beautiful looking El Camino. I’ve always loved the 1970-71 Chevelle and El Camino. Assuming the engine runs and it can drive under its own power, this would make an awesome resto project or possibly restomod.

    Like 1
  4. Nelson C

    Considering how many of these are left it may be a good find at the right price. 1971 was going year for these.

    Like 1
    • Nelson C

      *good year…smh

      Like 0
  5. Steve Weiman

    Sadly, El Caminos just do not get love $$ In the marketplace. For all the positives, this one has, the rust, interior color, Sheet metal screws through all of the trim and general deterioration…. At the end of the day, it would make a great beater/driver in the 10/12 K range. Even at that price, it might not sell quickly.

    It’s a shame too, Virgin big block under the hood is something you rarely see, Disc brakes, AC, buckets and console, Corvette Ralleys…. strong plus category but not enough to overcome the above.

    Hope I’m wrong and the owner does well $$ And the next owner can enjoy some miles!

    Like 1
  6. Cforce

    Just a 396 that is bored 0.030″ over.Not really special other than that….

    Like 1

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