It’s becoming a rarity to find a classic Chevrolet El Camino, such as this 1969 example that is still in its original, non-messed with form – how unusual! This Mendham, New Jersey resident really shows well with no sign of rust that so often afflicts this generation of Chevy’s ute. This is probably my favorite El Camino model year so let’s dig in and see what’s here. Those that may be interested will find this Camino here on eBay where it’s available for a current bid of $16,100 with the reserve not yet met.
The VIN is not included in the listing but appearances tell me that this is an El Camino Custom, the equivalent of a Chevelle Malibu, as opposed to a standard El Camino which aligned with the Chevelle 300. The SS396 was not a separate model but an option package on top of the Custom trim level. Camino production volumes were robust in ’69 with 48K copies rolling off of one, of several assembly lines. The majority, 39K units, were V8 powered Custom variants such as our subject.
OK, I let the cat out of the bag, this is a V8-equipped version, harboring a 200 gross HP 307 CI V8 engine, fortunately, attached to a three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission as opposed to the commonly found Powerglide two-speed gearbox. The seller states, “Drivetrain is original matching numbers with no modifications and runs and drives like new“.
The exterior is finished in “Champagne” a very popular hue for Chevrolet in ’69. The silver-finished rocker panels are a testament to this Camino’s “Custom” trim level. The finish is still strong with a nice shine, the underside is clean as a whistle, and, as mentioned earlier, there is no sign of rust-through which often starts in the fender legs. Caminos of this generation will often don a vinyl top covering, and in this case, it appears to be in fine nick. The cargo bed, likewise, matches the exterior’s condition, and that’s an unusual discovery. There is some evidence of use, but the scratches are minor. A bedliner would be a nice addition that the next owner could consider. The seller mentions that the rally wheels are not original and that is evident by their width. While being a legitimate ’69 option, the Chevelle and El Camino versions were narrower.
Another non-original inclusion is the steering wheel though, like the rally wheels, this three-spoke unit was optional. The upholstery, carpet, and door panels are in like new condition, and true to the era is the underdash mounted eight-track tape player.
So, what’s not to like? Nothing. What would I change? Nothing. Buy, drive, and enjoy is my take on this exceedingly clean 76K mile El Camino, what’s yours?
As someone who has been reaching in and out of tall pickups for over 35 yrs now, or loading dirtbikes into them, these El Caminos and Racheros make more sense every day.
Indeed… I absolutely hate this PU and SUV era we been stuck in. As a musician I hat lifting everything 2 feet in the air. Please bring back a real station wagon or El Camino. And not this sports car in a wagon thing. Just a good old family trickster.
Buy a Subaru Outback
And to keep your musical instruments safe from the elements, consider a Ford Flex. Pickup truck like storage with a very low loading height.
Sweet ride.
You’re right on Matt and John. The easy load and unload pickup concept was to practical for US auto makers to keep the concept alive. Rancheros and El-Caminos had it all—practical and easy to drive and able to haul for daily routines and classy and dignified for a formal date, and gosh no back seat for the “extra companions”.
And a proper bench seat to pull your main squeeze close to your side 😍
Amazing undercarriage for a NJ car that’s more than 50 years old.
This is a really well taken care of vehicle. Still have my ’84 Camino that I bought used in the late ’80’s. Career in construction always served very well. Great at tailgate parties. Brought my first motorcycle home in the back of it. (They all came with air shocks, but I also added “Airlift” air bags into the rear coil springs.) A friend of mine called me to look at an El Camino from an estate sale. This was a ’68 with a 396, four speed, 373 posi, and A/C. This ’69 advertised is a great looking buy.
Wow, this is a very nice Elco! All it needs is AC and dual exhausts when the time comes. You rarely, if ever, find the spare tire in place with the tire cover! The only disappointment I see are the tonneau cover snaps, but thats all that was available back then. When and if this is restored, there are probably 40-50 holes to weld up! It will be interesting to see the final sales price.
If this were available last year I would have definitely bid on it!
My dad had one of these, exactly like the in this article, with the 396 package. He drove it for only two years because, every time he drove into Los Angeles, on business, he’d get stopped. After, his third stop and second ticket, he sold it. He replaced it with a Ford Bronco, which was more appropriate for the mountains. I drove El Camino a few times. It was hoot.
The Bronco had a 302 with a two barrel carb. He wasn’t going to get any tickets in the Bronco. He live in the San Bernardino Mountains. There was a long straight hill going up from where we lived. He said that the bronco wouldn’t go over forty in that hill. One time, while they were going on vacation he asked to do sometime to get some more power out the Ford and handed me his credit car. He said, “Take this ting to Scotty’s muffler and have them get some power out of the Bronco.” Then they got back, he asked me what I did. I said, “Let take for a spin and see how you like it.” The first thing he did was drive to that long hill. He put his foot down. It smoked the tires and hit about seventy, going up that hill. It sounded great. “Hey kid. What did you do?” I told him that I had Scotty’s put on dual exhaust, with turbo mufflers, a four barrel manifold with a Holley double pumper carb, that’s all. He liked it just fine, until he got another ticket.
This is what happens when you as your twenty-one year-old son, that races SCCA sports sedans, to get you more power. HA, ha!
I have a 68 SS that I bought in the early 90s for 150.00 with a blown 396. I needed a truck to haul garbage and crap and as said above pickups are huge or in my area, whatever rust that started was finished. I had a 70 Cutlass with a 455 in it that had been rolled. Everything bolts right in, even the frame in the Elcamino had the holes for the Olds mounts. 30 years later it is still running fine, an abomination to the purists but had I not bought it the shredder was where it was going. like most of my rag tag fleet, though a bench seat, The original purchaser checked a few boxes. He opted for ac,power steering, brakes, windows, handling package and the tilt wood wheel. A beautiful unit here but no barn stormed and it has one of the most disliked engines of that time. I always thought they were adequate but thats me.
I love those steering wheels. Very classy. One clean car.
I like this elky, 307 is not my choice! Butt, little 07 is much longer lived than the funky 305 of later. I know of several neglected abused 307 that rocked the odometer 2 to 3 to times with total lack of any care other than enough to keep them running.
The second Elky I had was a 69 and was the one I liked the best. This one is nice but two “can’t live withouts”: A/C and a 350 or bigger engine. Too bad.
Nice condition but bland colors and low optioned. Next !
My thoughts, exactly!
Hi, It’s a late 60’s gm! had several 68′-69′ GM’s. 1st one…68′ malibu 2dr w/p.glide. what a blessing to have a 3 spd!! 307 was my engine! 307 gets a bad rap. the car was from orig. owner w/13,396 mi.! what I did was put headers on it!… from a local racer….a six pack of pounders & 60.00 ! this 307 was like jekle & hyde. remember 73′? I got 19-20 mpg. headers 24mpg! and a real sleeper!!!!….my dad sold it while I was at work. told me I couldn’t have 2 cars!? car I took to work..68′ 400 firebird!…never forgave him..even on his death bed……………….
Did thjjs ever sell? I live near Mendham and may be interested