Pity the fifth-generation Chevrolet El Camino (’78-’87), they just don’t attract the interest that earlier generations do. Chevrolet did a nice job of getting the size right but they seemed to miss the boat in other areas. So, with that thought, let’s review this 1980 subject that calls Orange, California home. it’s available, here on eBay for a current, no reserve bid of $1,250 with twenty-three bids tendered so far.
From a sales perspective, the El Camino had a strong year in ’80 with 40K units rolling off of six different assembly lines (this one originated in Arlington, Texas), and that’s coming on top of 58K copies from the previous, almost identical model year edition. Some of the Camino’s volume strength may have been related to Ford’s termination of their segment starting Ranchero at the end of the ’79 model year. Beyond that, the Camino’s production numbers did head downhill, steeply starting in ’82. The fifth-gen El Camino’s biggest detractions were due to extremely cheesy interior components that have a tendency to decompose, almost on demand, and lethargic, underpowered engines. Those items noted, GM did take a southward turn on interior quality with most of their cars in this era, and the two-pronged attack of tightening emission controls and CAFE standards bedeviled all auto manufacturers.
On the surface, this Camino shows OK, the body is wearing some of the stainless trim that was utilized on the top drawer Conquista model, but not all of it, so I’m not certain what trim level this car is. The listing states, “MINOR WEAR AND TEAR ON THE EXTERIOR (PLEASE OBSERVE EXTERIOR PHOTOS) ~ PAINT FADE IS VISIBLE” but there is no indication of rot or any significant panel damage. Even the cargo bed shows as sound.
Under the hood is a 110 net HP, 231 CI V6 engine that is said to need a fuel pump and only “runs” on starter fluid. Of note, this is a Buick 3.8 liter V6 engine – according to the VIN, not to be confused with Chevrolet’s 229 CI 3.8 liter V6, which was also available. The engine, with a recorded 32K miles of use (likely 132K miles), is attached to a GM Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission – specific model not disclosed.
OK, get ready for it, check out that interior! It appears to have been spray-painted purple and has some sort of crystals (or growth) randomly glued to the dashboard and door panels. It is an unmitigated mess! That said, the white upholstered split bench seat – not original, actually shows pretty well. The carpet is another matter, it could probably serve as a petri dish.
OK, only about a day to go in the bidding and this Chevy seems stuck at $1,250 – and that’s really not a surprise. Next destination? This one’s probably not worth a clean-up considering its weak engine and interior “treatment” but it may well serve as a complete and total hot-rod makeover a parts car or. Those are my thoughts, what are yours?
Relisted, now with a start at $250. Salvage title noted.
.My neighbor has a 80 Conquista from AZ sitting in his garage for about 20 years with crap piled all over it and 4 flats. Nice clean truck.It has a Conquista decal on the right lower side of the tailgate and his has snap locks for a bed cover.305 with a qjet and a TH250 trans.Hey it’s better then a 229 and a th200….LS material here if you get it on the cheap 500 truck imo if the frame is solid and platform is solid as well. Wtf is with the purple interior? Auction says it’s ended.
I believe that the facts about the engine in the article are reversed; that’s a 231 CID Buick V-6, not the 229 CID Chevrolet V-6.
To paraphrase John Candy in Vacation, “Sorry, Folks…that’s a Buick V6….distributor out front should’ve told you.”
https://youtu.be/E4Eim2gNczY
Happy Summer.
You’re right, the engine code is “A” not “K”, I had them reversed. Post updated.
JO.
California emissions packaged used the 3.8 Buick, the 49 state model used the 229 Chevrolet. Not sure which engine was used for the high altitude package in those years.
Awesome looking El Camino. Assuming all it needs is a paint job, that it runs and drives great, I’d be willing to pay around $1500 for it.
Never let a pack of 12 year old girls “redesign” your interior. Even if one of them is your daughter.
You’re not kidding! Looking at the interior, I was like “What the hell happened to my car?!” I don’t mind the steering wheel, but everything else, ugh!
Pity the Fourth generation. No one makes a decent selection of replacement sheet metal for them. You can find anything want for a 78 thru 87 Elky but try to find parts for 73 thru 77……Unobtanium!
The interior looks like something that TV show pimp my ride would do overall it doesn’t seem like it would be that hard to get it driving again cleaning the inside will take some time a lot of paint stripping and masks I don’t know how much replacement parts are available from LMC truck or other sites
I’ve watched “Pimp My Ride”, and I’ve never been a fan of cars that bounce up and down like a jackass. I’d keep as much of a car as original, while also having some mods done to it.
That’s the most bizarre car interior I have ever seen. The purple spray paint that’s been applied EVERYWHERE is bad enough but what is with the crap glued to the dashboard and door panels? Someone must have been into some serious psychedelic substance when this was created. I guess it must have worn off before they got to the seats. Oh well to each their own.
Right? I don’t get it.
working on replacin a gas tank (ask clt to order Inline Tube pre bent 3 lines) in something looks exactly like this (a daily driver). Even maroon, has a blk replacement panel somewhere I think (the dor?, hood? fender?) like this. No interior problems tho.
I like this gen (final yrs or nxt to – of the chevelle) as to the big grill, frnt light treatment, over all straight lines (of most of the coming ’80s internationally). Really like the curved hdbd & glass in the camino/sprint, caballero of the gen too (C my comments last time one came up here). Rather the wagon (some here know me as ‘wagonman’ as locals here named me that) but this is 2nd, w/sedan 3rd (no 2 dor plez).
I asked customer to get the lines as: 1) hard to snake in there, hand bend as I do on most “trucks”; 2) if I order I often get into plenty hassles (shippin back’n forth, wrong yr, etc, etc) and am already doin enuff wrk for the dollar, + he wants involved. We’ll see wasss up from here~
The later (not a cheb guy ?pontiac?) 3800 bent6 wuz a good un, no? This buick or cheb is not durable? I think customer hasa bent8…
Chrisful ,,,,, HUH ?
What???
Klingon
A Klingon would have a better understanding of the language and used real words, not abbreviations and acronyms. They are civilized after all.
Kaplah!
There’s always a buyer for a DEMOLITION DERBY PROJECT CAR or something else like a DIRT TRACK RACER! Heck yeah – just have fun with this one – it’s probably not worth a restoration – BUT – for the right price – you sure could have a lot of fun ! Good luck.
Seller took down ad
Well it won’t ever meet the California emissions requirements and who is willing to drive to California from a state where you could register it without an emissions nightmare? Even at 250 its not worth the trip from South Dakota to pick it up and drive it home, if it would even survive the trip.
patina thing gone too far
I agree. It looks fine on the exterior. But the interior looks awful! What were they smoking when they decided to glue what looks like ice cubes to the dashboard?