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Parked For 30 Years: 1964 Chevrolet El Camino

This 1964 Chevrolet El Camino appears to have had an interesting past. Its previous owner worked on it in his barn for around 20-years, but sadly, he passed away. His family inherited it, but it remained hidden away for a further decade. It has been released from captivity and is plying our roads once again. Its current owner has decided to part with the El Camino, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. It is located in Meridian, Idaho, and with the bidding sitting at $10,300, the reserve has been met. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for referring the Chevy to us.

I like it when a seller is candid about the car that they have listed for sale. That is the case with the El Camino because he says that this is not the car for you if you are searching for a rotisserie-restored classic. However, its condition is above average, and the only rust that he identifies is some tiny bubbles on the driver’s side above the rear wheel arch. The rest of the panels are clean, and it appears that the floors and frame are also good. The Blue paint that it wears isn’t original, but the seller did treat it to a polish after it emerged from 30-years of hiding. There are some minor blemishes and marks, but if the car is considered a driver-grade classic, it is definitely acceptable. The panels are straight, with no dings or dents worth noting. The trim and glass are in good condition, while the Rally wheels add a great finishing touch to the exterior.

The bed wears a few dings and dents, but it still remains presentable. A meticulous buyer would probably consider addressing those marks and refinishing the bed, but it could be left as-is for daily use. The previous owner slaved over the El Camino in his barn for 20-years, but then he passed away. His family left it largely untouched for the next decade, although they occasionally fired the engine to keep the fluids circulating. It eventually emerged from hiding about a year ago, and the seller has returned it to a roadworthy state.

The seller believes that the V8 lurking under the El Camino’s hood is the original 283ci with some “go-faster goodies.” I’m not convinced of that, although I’m unsure of what it actually is. I suspect that it might be a 350, but I will be happy if our readers can confirm this one way or the other. Bolted to the back of it is a 4-speed manual transmission, while the pickup also features power steering and power brakes. Regardless of the capacity, the V8 has been equipped with a set of headers, an Edelbrock intake, and a 4-barrel carburetor. That means that the buyer will have more than the original 283’s 220hp at their disposal when they bury the boot. The seller says that the El Camino runs and drives well and rolls happily down the road at 70mph. The 4-speed shifts nicely, although he thinks it may need a new clutch soon. He also suggests that a tune-up wouldn’t go astray, although he believes that it is ready to hit the road for extended journeys right now.

When it comes to a custom build like this El Camino, the interior trim will always reflect the builder’s tastes. That means that not everyone is going to like this interior, but it still looks tidy. The Blue on the dash might be a bit overpowering, but it doesn’t have any faults or flaws. The upholstery on the seat and doors is a custom mix of black cloth and vinyl, and while there is some minor wear on the seat, it isn’t something that would require immediate replacement. The carpet looks excellent, as does the aftermarket wheel. The door trim on the driver’s side doesn’t fit properly at the top, but I suspect that a bit of twisting and tweaking would fix this. The original radio has made way for an aftermarket radio/cassette, but this doesn’t work. I would be inclined to swap it for a retro-look stereo to finish the interior. I’d call the interior tidy and serviceable, and like the rest of the car, it can be used and enjoyed untouched if that’s what the buyer wants.

This 1964 El Camino is a tidy little pickup, and it is great to see it back on our roads after three decades in hiding. The seller floats the idea of treating it to a complete restoration, and while that is tempting, it’s not something that I would dive into immediately. It has spent 30-years in hiding, and I feel that it deserves some time out on our roads. Yes, if I were to buy it, I would probably perform some restoration work. Just not right now.

Comments

  1. Avatar Nevadahalfrack Member

    An absolute favorite, one of Chevy’s best-the ‘64 Chevelle and El Camino. Perfectly sized and a V8 really gave it an outstanding fun to drive/grins per minute to many high school gearheads.

    Like 13
  2. Avatar Mitchell Gildea Member

    Swap the steering wheel for a later Chevelle one and cruise

    Like 15
    • Avatar On and On Member

      The first thing I thought also, plus eventually getting rid of that Pandemic Blue paint color……….

      Like 12
  3. Avatar Frank B.

    Not perfect, but a very nice ride for the money. Should be easy to upgrade if that’s what you want.

    Like 10
  4. Avatar Tim M

    Is that smurf blue? Not a fan of the color. Otherwise, not bad. YMMV

    Like 8
  5. Avatar Dave Farnham

    350s weren’t not available in 64…it’s either a 283 or 327

    Like 3
    • Avatar Tort Member

      Yes, but 57 years later there is a good chance it isn’t the original engine.

      Like 18
  6. Avatar Tort Member

    The color really hurts the appearance both the exterior and the dash. With a color change and a factory steering wheel from that era it would be a great looking vehicle.

    Like 8
  7. Avatar robj Member

    I guess this paint choice is why there’s chocolate and vanilla ice cream. I’m sure it was the P.O.’s dream color but there’s always a bit of a risk going with paint this…well, “striking”. It’s a shame there wasn’t an OEM color he could have liked, even if from a different year.

    I always liked this year. Had a chance to buy a “stripper”, [white, 6 cylinder, 3 on the tree, bench seat, manual everything] a few years ago for $800. Only thing that held me back was rust through around the rear window. But the stripped down part really appealed to me. Sorry I didn’t buy it.

    Like 2
  8. Avatar Marc

    Beautiful car! You don’t see these gems very often especially in this condition and the price is right… Instead of the average astronomical price in today’s market… Best regards to the lucky new owner…

    Like 4
    • Avatar Ed Casala

      My neighbor just sold a clone big block 70 El Camino with the SS interior in it. Really nicely done in Sun flower yellow with black SS stripes for under 20K. There out there. This one is nice as well, but the El Camino’s tend to go for a reasonable amount these days.

      Like 1
  9. Avatar moosie

    Perfect as is, color & all, the Chevy Rallye wheels set it off properly. If the car is as the seller says & it doesnt get bid to Barrett – Jackson prices someone will be getting a very desirable el Camino, if I could still walk & drive I’d be owning it.

    Like 7
    • Avatar 370zpp Member

      Agreed. Perfect as it is.

      Like 4
  10. Avatar Al Kameeno Member

    Nice El Camino , especially for the price. If I didn’t already have my ’68 with a 350, I’d buy it. agreed, El Caminos are reasonably priced these days, especially when compared to Chevelles. Good deals are out there!

    Like 3
  11. Avatar denny mather

    A super ride the way it even for a mustang lover Dannys Mustangs

    Like 0
  12. Avatar RexFox Member

    An El Camino with a 4 speed is a real treat. I think I could live with the color too. The minor bed damage would not bother me a bit, because I would use if for light hauling anyway.

    Like 3
  13. Avatar Mnguy

    Oh yes. Bought a dark blue El Camino for my shop truck back in the day. Sweetened the engine and loved it until the frame rusted through. Had it repaired and offed it. Loved it while I had it. It

    Like 1
  14. Avatar Phlathead Phil

    Had one just like it in stock dark blue.

    I even built out a 283 exactly like the one in the photo. There are still lots of El Camino’s here in California. All years are available if you look.

    However, mine had a rust out issue around the bottom half of the rear window.

    Having had an ‘87 & a ‘64 El-Coe I’ve had my fill. They are just impractical for any real purpose.

    Pass.

    Like 0
  15. Avatar George

    I had a ’64 Nova Wagon in that same blue. That was a factory paint. Not saying this is original paint but it is a Factory color.

    Like 0
  16. Avatar Nevadahalfrack Member

    relisted 3/30/21

    Like 0

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