The El Camino was Chevrolet’s answer to the Ford Ranchero. Both initially were station wagon-based pickups that enjoyed long rear-wheel-drive runs. The El Camino was in production in 1959 and 1960, then took a break until 1964, when it returned based on the new mid-size Chevelle platform. The seller has a trio of these trucks from the fifth and final generation, including the 1978, 1985, and 1987 model years. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this assortment is available only as a package deal here on craigslist for $6,500.
With its roots tied to the Chevelle, the El Camino was included in the GM mid-size downsizing of 1978. The year before, Chevy had shrunk its full-size cars to be more fuel-efficient, and the intermediates came next. With a facelift in 1981, this configuration served the El Camino until it was retired in 1987, when its RWD platform was mothballed in favor of FWD. Declining sales may have also been a factor, too, as 1980s production figures were about half that of the decade before.
The seller has three El Caminos, classified as a “Ute” (utility coupe). One may be a runner (the 1978), another a roller (the 1985), and a third a parts car (the 1987). Only two of the vehicles seem to appear in the photos provided, and a slew of parts are part of the transaction. The seller will accept no trades as he’s retiring and is trying to rid himself of inventory.
Here’s what we know:
1978 El Camino – has a 350 cubic inch V8, but it needs a valve job (runner now?). It has a TH-350 automatic transmission, factory air conditioning, and power windows.
1985 El Camino – it’s blue over blue in color, but it’s a roller with no engine. But otherwise, it may be complete and also has A/C and electric windows.
1987 El Camino – it’s the donor or parts car, also double blue with a 350 V8 and TH-350. It comes with a topper which we assume will at least fit the 1985 edition, too. A spare topper is also being thrown in with an extra set of Chevy Rally wheels. Thanks for the tip, Rocco B.!
I love the final generation years of el caminos and the fact that one has the cap on the bed is great to me. The caps are only becoming more and more rare too.
Topper might be practical but in this case I think it kills the beautiful lines of these. Fixed up, might be great for local shows and the occasional trip to a big box store. These always seem to draw a crowd at small shows. More then even the older ones do, at least that is what I have seen.
that’s like 2200.00 a piece. this a no brainer deal money to be made for sure just need to get them home and sort out everything. hopefully they all have good paperwork. if they were closer i know I would be on it
I need a topper for my 87. This is a good deal. Gotta borrow a 3 car trailer and a box truck.
What was that word you used? The two what?
Utes
I am sorry Judge this is how I dress. Two defendents.
Two youths
Great deal for 3 El Caminos. My dad bought a new 1978 El Camino Conquista from my uncle in Deadwood, SD. It looks just like the one on the cover of the 78 El Camino brochure – 305, auto, tilt wheel, fiberglass topper, bed hold downs, posi, and black split lounge seats with center arm rests, and power to the driver’s seat. I have never seen another Chevelle or El Camino with those seats. Somebody told us that the combination was so rare, they didn’t know how many were built that way. Anyway, my dad drove it all over and was often asked if he wanted to sell it. Lucky for me, he kept it until around 1996, when he sold it to me. I traded it to a friend a few years ago, who still has it in his wrecking yard, where I can visit it and think about my dad.
I would like to have those 3, but at 76, I am done with restorations.
Seems like a good deal if you are into this generation of El Caminos
The later ones in the 80s would have the 305 not the 350. Probably with the TH350.
My wife’s Grandpa had one when we were first married in the early 90s. We borrowed it a few times for new house projects. Slow, but a useful truck.