Chevy introduced the El Camino, a car-like pickup of sorts, in 1959. Based on a 2-door station wagon, the El Camino was produced in response to Ford’s Ranchero, a similar vehicle. The El Camino would see just two years of action before taking a hiatus, returning from 1964-87 as an intermediate based on the Chevelle. This ’66 edition looks to be in exceptional condition, having been owned by the seller’s grandfather for 45 years. Located in Salem, New Jersey, this “gentleman’s pickup” is available here on eBay when the bidding stands at $13,600, but the reserve is still in play.
The El Camino (along with the entire Chevelle line-up) got a facelift for 1966 and it could be dressed up with the Custom package (a big seller) as well as a 396 cubic inch V8 for the first time. Ford saw that there was a bigger market for a mid-size pickup than a compact and moved its Ranchero up to the Fairlane platform (it had been based on the Falcon since 1960). Despite that, the El Camino would outsell the Ranchero by 12,000 units (with a 1966 total of 35,000).
This Chevy has been in the same family since 1977, acquired at the annual car show at the Carlisle, Pennsylvania fairgrounds. We’re told the truck is pretty much in the same condition as it was then, although the brown paint looks a lot newer than 58 years. Some changes have taken place over the years, however. A 350 V8 resides under the hood where a 283 or 327 may have been when new (the 350 didn’t go into full-scale production until 1968). An M-22 (“Rock Crusher”) 4-speed manual transmission may have replaced a 3-speed.
It’s said to be a great running vehicle, thanks in part to the addition of headers, Flowmaster exhaust, and a rebuilt carburetor. At 84,000 miles, we’re guessing this El Camino has a lot of years left it. According to the seller, there is no rust or plastic filler anywhere in the body and the paint is good, but not perfect. The contrasting tan interior is generally tidy, but the bench seat looks to have come from a newer model. Headrests weren’t the norm in those days and these look to be from around 1970. Overall, this pickup comes across as a vehicle that you could drive and show without having to do anything to it.
Curious if the 350 is a take out from an SS350 67 Camaro. The engine details are spot on clues…..
295hp v8, m22 4spd, 12 bolt posi 3.73 geared and utility = 👍
Looks like this one came with an automatic originally. You can see the remnants of the shifter on the column and the quadrant on the dash. If they did the conversion right, it should be good to go. I’ve helped and converted a few vehicles from auto to manual over the years and as long as oem parts were available it worked out. Only when there was a bunch of cobbling was problems encountered.
Would be nice to have verification of the trans – easy to say but not easy to get an M22. Easier to get an M21 or more of a M20
This appears at bottom of ad: On Jan-05-22 at 14:54:52 PST, seller added the following information:
Has a m20 trans, not a m22
I sent the seller a message and he posted the trans update within the hour.
Regarding transmission, this note appears at bottom of ad:
On Jan-05-22 at 14:54:52 PST, seller added the following information:
Has a m20 trans, not a m22
Looks like it had a two speed power glide. The Colum shift was removed.
The 4 speed didn’t replace a 3 speed. it replaced a Powerglide. It has an automatic column and the P-R-N-D-L indicator on the dash. I wonder if it’s really an M-22 too. It seems that everyone selling a Chevy with a 4 speed, claim it’s an M-22, much like every street rod or old Chevy advertised is claimed to have a “Corvette engine”.
Overall it looks like a nice El Camino. I wonder what the original color of it was? I’m guessing Artesian Turquoise, from the hint of turquoise paint I see on the firewall near the master cylinder. I don’t need anymore cars, and I already have an El Camino (a 71), but I’m tempted to go look at this Camino, it’s only about 50 minutes from me.
How can I advertise some original 1964 Corvette parts for sale (OEM)
Got a Little Love for Elkey’s.
Mikey a kid in HS. Circa 1984. Had a 66.
Beer keg for Gas Tank 396 M-20 4sp.
Bonddoed up Red.
Catch the wave in Body and surf to Hawaii.
I bought a 1984 put a BBC/T-5 in it.
Wonder what color it was originally as this is NOT a 66 Chevy color.
Originally a 6-cylinder car, based on the VIN starting with 135