No Reserve: 1984 Chevrolet El Camino Conquista

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If a buyer in 1984 chose to purchase a Chevrolet El Camino, they had a range of optional extras and packages to choose from. The person who handed over their cash for this El Camino ticked the box next to the “Conquista” pack, bringing a series of cosmetic upgrades. This is a one-owner vehicle, and its condition would rate as better than average. The time has come for it to head to a new home, so the Chevy has been listed for sale here on eBay. It is located in Crown Point, Indiana, and with 28 bids submitted, the price has soared to $7,849 in this No Reserve auction.

We’ve seen plenty of examples of what I would diplomatically call poetic license over the years here at Barn Finds. The seller’s description of the El Camino continues that tradition. He strenuously states that the vehicle has no rust, but this photo does tell a slightly different story. The bubbles that we can see in this photo aren’t particularly bad, but they are the type that I would be addressing sooner rather than later. They have to potential to grow pretty rapidly in the right environment, so they should be fixed before they become a major headache. Don’t let this put you off, though, because the underside shots reveal floors that are clean and sound.

The Conquista Package brought some interesting cosmetic upgrades to the El Camino. It included several different two-tone paint combinations. In this case, we find the exterior wearing Light Briar Brown on the lower body and the roof, while the rest of the vehicle is finished in Dark Briar Brown. Complimenting this is unique body-side trim, along with a “Conquista” badge on the tailgate. Overall, the pickup presents quite well. The panels are straight, with no evidence of any prior accident damage. The paint has some minor marks and nicks, but that isn’t surprising in a vehicle of this type and age. One of the most impressive aspects of this Chevy is the condition of the bed. There are no signs of any significant damage, which suggests that it has been treated with respect. The chrome and glass are in good condition, and the wheels appear to be faultless.

There’s a lot to like about the El Camino’s interior, and not a huge amount to be critical of. The cloth upholstery on the driver’s seat is stretched, but there is no evidence of any severe wear or tears. I think that the foam on that side of the seat might be beginning to compact, so this might require attention in the future. The original radio has been swapped out for a CD player, but apart from some floor mats and a wrap on the wheel, that appears to be the only aftermarket addition. The rest of the interior trim and the carpet is in good order, and there are no issues with the dash. As well as the CD player, the owner will find themselves with air conditioning, a tilt wheel, and a remote driver’s mirror.

The El Camino hadn’t caught up with the latest performance technology in 1984, so none of the available engines could be classed as rocketships. In this case, we find a 305ci V8 that produces 150hp. This is backed by a 3-speed automatic transmission, while we also get power steering and power front disc brakes. With such a low output figure, there was every chance that the El Camino could have been found wanting once it had a load in the bed. However, its bacon was saved because the V8 also punched out 240 ft/lbs of torque at 2,400rpm. That still didn’t make it capable of hauling huge loads, but it allowed it to be competent and flexible nonetheless. The pickup has recently received new tires and a new exhaust, along with belts, plugs, hoses, and a battery. It has 96,000 genuine miles on the clock, and apparently, these are documented. There are no fluid leaks, and the owner says that it runs and drives perfectly.

As a person who grew up in Australia, it is hard not to refer to this 1984 El Camino as a “ute.” That term is derived from the word utility, which is defined as something that is useful and can perform several functions. That perfectly encapsulates the philosophy behind these classics. This one is tidy enough to take someone to church on Sunday but versatile enough that a load of dirty or greasy parts could be dropped into the bed during the week, and it would cart them to their destination without raising a sweat. I don’t think that this one has submitted to that sort of treatment because its condition would seem to suggest otherwise. However, if that is the versatility that you are seeking in a classic, maybe this is the one for you.

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Comments

  1. ACZ

    The first “crossover” vehicle.

    Like 1
  2. Moparman MoparmanMember

    Too bad the Conquista package didn’t include full “gages”; personally, if windows don’t have factory tint, I don’t care for aftermarket, as it all seems to bubble up with age. GLWTA!! :-)

    Like 1
  3. Jay

    What did the Conquista trim add? Two tone paint and the wheels? A split seat and power windows would have been my first choices on upgrades!

    Like 2
  4. PRA4SNW

    Those floormats – GAG!!!

    Like 3
    • Karsten

      Good morning, the El Camino has been in Germany for two years now

      Like 1
      • PRA4SNW

        Thanks for the update.
        Hope you got rid of the floor mats – LOL!

        Like 1
  5. alkress

    Did it have P/S and how many miles on it?

    Like 0
  6. Rustytech RustytechMember

    Can’t help you with the miles, but they all had p/s.

    Like 0
  7. al kress

    Why did I get this email after the car was sold? Is it sill available?
    Al Kress
    561-331-1000

    Like 0

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