I typically avoid featuring two similar classics close together when selecting vehicles to feature at Barn Finds, but I am willing to make an exception with this 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. While the vehicle featured earlier today sports a range of custom touches, this El Camino is an immaculate and completely original SS 396. Finding anything justifying criticism is seemingly impossible, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the SS listed here on Craigslist in Granite Falls, Washington. You could become its new owner after handing the seller $44,950.
The first owner’s decision to order this El Camino in Shadow Gray with a Black vinyl top and Rally wheels allows the vehicle to look both subtle and aggressive. Its overall presentation is impressive, and with no mention of repairs or restoration, it is possible that this SS is a genuine survivor. If that proves to be the case, its condition is particularly noteworthy. The paint holds an almost mirror shine, with no evidence of patchiness or matte areas. The vinyl is excellent, the panels are laser-straight, and the underside shots confirm that this classic is rust-free. The sparkling trim perfectly contrasts the dark paint shade, and the tinted glass is clear.
While the 396ci V8 wasn’t the most potent engine offered to El Camino buyers in 1970, its ability to generate 350hp and 415 ft/lbs of torque ensured that it lacked nothing in the acceleration stakes. The first owner teamed the big-block with a three-speed automatic transmission, a 3.31 Posi rear end, and power assistance for the steering and the front disc brakes. It is worth noting that, because they are typically lighter than the sedan upon which they are based, the Third Generation El Camino will provide better performance than its siblings with the same engine. The trade-off is that with less weight hanging over the rear wheels, lighting up the tires on loose or slippery surfaces is pretty easy. The first piece of positive news provided by the seller is that this SS is numbers-matching. The buyer also receives two original Build Sheets and can slip behind the wheel of this turnkey classic for some immediate motoring fun.
I admit that this El Camino’s interior surprised me, because I wasn’t expecting Saddle trim. I’m not sure why, but it seemed almost inevitable that we would be confronted by Black. However, the lighter shade prevents the interior from looking dark and forboding, which is never a bad thing. The condition is consistent with a vehicle that has been treated respectfully, with no significant vinyl or carpet wear. The pad hasn’t waved the white flag due to UV exposure, which is good news considering how expensive replacement pads are. There are no aftermarket additions to an interior featuring air conditioning, a factory tachometer, and an AM/FM radio.
One of the greatest attractions of the “Coupe Utility” is that it almost perfectly combines comfort with practicality. Of course, the fact that this 1971 El Camino SS features a big-block under the hood adds neck-snapping acceleration to the mix. Anyone with a heavy right foot should have no trouble transforming its rear tires into smoke if they felt so inclined, although the mountain of torque produced by its engine would allow it to accelerate impressively with only slight pressure applied to the “loud” pedal. This El Camino has only been on the market for a short time, but I won’t be surprised if the seller quickly finds someone willing to hand over the cash for this classic.
I wanted one of these for a long time,preferably a ’70,
but the prices are out of my reach now.
Tan interior to match the drivers boots 👢 Clarkey. Great write up, practically perfect Chevy. Beautiful El Camino.
Thanks for that, Stan. I admit to being a Ford man, but I’d park this El Camino in my garage any day.
It’s not a 71, it’s a 70
Get those ridiculous straight tail pipes off there and get the 2 turn downs behind each fender as it’s supposed to have. Then drive it on weekends and enjoy—she’s a real beauty!
Tell ’em Cooter. Besides maintenance and wear items, that’s what I’d start with, correct exhaust exiting behind the rear wheels. This ain’t no damn Chevelle! :)
Like this El but 45 grand? Beautiful truck and I’m no fan of trucks but this Ute has it all. The pipes don’t concern me. The saddle interior looks nice but teamed with grey?
Let’s see – divorce, or this El Camino? Damn I always wanted one of these. The adult choice angel says, look, drool, but keep your checkbook in the back pocket. Nice nice find.
Well let’s see Russell, the El Camino will perform when you want it to and won’t complain. Put it in a trustworthy buddy’s name that way you won’t lose it in a divorce
There’s alotta fish in the sea….not so many of these…just sayin! 😜
Gorgeous truck one I’d love to own. But as usual it’s a case of Champagne taste on a soda pop pocketbook, fun looking at it.
There’s just something about a ’70 Chevelle or elCamino. Shadow gray looks so good but remained rare. The saddle is a nice compliment. Auto, air, gages, FM are all one needs for a comfortable cruise or trip to the family gathering.
Not many of these left in this condition, loaded and rare color. El Caminos and Rancheros are the opposite of a mullet, party in the front and business in the back. I like that it doesn’t have the SS stripes on the hood as it seems every Chevelle/Elcamino left has them with or without cowl induction. This is a lot of muscle for the money.
Beautiful El Camino. Always liked these; owned a 71 (rusty) and a 77 not rusty but poochy and a gashog. Owned 2 SS 69 Chevelles too so this is right up my alley but out of price range. I’d correct the exhaust to but would go with the oval Chevelle bumper exhaust tips with resonators…can you even find those? Best sound ever. Enjoy, new owner!
There have been misconceptions about the weight bias of El Camino’s for almost as long as they have been around. I often thought the same thing, but as the owner of a 70 SS396 Elco, I found some interesting facts regarding this topic. The 64-67 had a slight forward weight bias compared to a similarly equipped Chevelle. The 68-72’s actually had a sightly better weight bias than a similar Chevelle. We are speaking about a slight difference, but overall, the Elco’s were not as light in the rear as we tend to think! The information is provided at elcaminos.com Pictured is my 70.
Beauty Camino 19sixty5. Plum color paint ?
2 headlights too many to be a 71 unless its been changed
great color combo. never seen these 2 colors together and it’s a 70 with a build sheet. nice