In the 1980s, with the muscle car era thoroughly in the rear view mirror, automakers turned to two-tone paint schemes to lend an upscale quality to product lines. From trucks to sports cars, and across geographies, two-tone paint became a dominant theme. A darker color below a trim line transformed less-than-svelte vehicles into eye-catchers; if the styling was halfway decent to begin with, two tones could even add value – think of the “boxer” paint job on a Ferrari, featuring black below the primary color. Here on craigslist is one participant in the two-tone sweepstakes, this Redwood/Light Redwood 1982 El Camino Conquista. The seller makes confusing claims when it comes to mileage, noting either 25k or 125k on the odometer. The asking price is $8500, and the El Camino is located in Newberg, Oregon. Curvette sent along the tip – thanks!
The Conquista was a trim-only package, offering an inducement to buyers to compensate for an ever-more-paltry slate of engine options. Two V6s were available, alongside the itty-bitty 267 cu. in. V8 at 115 hp and the 305 that sits in this example’s engine bay, good for 145 hp. This example handles gearshifts via a column-shift three-speed automatic. The seller notes that his car comes with its original keys and that it’s always been stored inside.
Other than the two-tone paint, the cabin was the Conquista’s strong suit – with plush carpet, cloth seating, a center armrest, and faux woodgrain trim splashed across nearly every interior surface. Color-matching interiors to exteriors was another selling point – not every model was so fashion-worthy. Out back, the bed has been preserved nicely, thanks to protection provided by a GemTop canopy.
By 1982, the El Camino was a child of GM’s G-platform, sharing components with the Malibu and the Monte Carlo. The seller notes that this is original paint: thanks to the complexity of its two-tone palette, it’s tempting to restore a Conquista using a single color, so finding a survivor with decent original cosmetics can be tricky. If you’re in the market for an El Camino and don’t mind the powertrain, this example is a worthy prospect.
Hola, es El Camino Conquista, mucho bonito. Yeah, I flunked HS Spanish too, “Conquista” means simply, “Conquest”, or achievement. I’m not sure how or why US car makers thought a Spanish ring would sell cars. No way “two bits” on the US Ute, 125K, the axx groove in the drivers seat confirms, but the fresh air cleaner paint is a nice touch. I’d have to think these were the nicest of the car pickups. Generally however, they had a slim following, they were a poor car, and a poor truck, but I doubt you’ll find any nicer.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen an older El-Camino that’s in this nice of shape and original to boot. By power washing the engine compartment and add some shine dressing, you would be able to get more than what is being asked… I wouldn’t hesitate to buy it even with the mileage, because this one you can see has had meticulous care! Great find!!!
Nice El Camino here. I see tilt steering and power locks and manual windows here. Nice to see a 305 engine here!