It’s a good day when a car for sale sends me to the books to get the scoop on option availability, because then I get to learn something new and (if I’m lucky) a little obscure. In the case of this 1984 El Camino, I researched the Code “Z16” Royal Knight package, a decal option that could be added on top of the Code “Z15” El Camino SS. Since it wasn’t listed as an option in the 1984 sales brochure, I checked the El Camino boards, where most people seemed to agree that the Royal Knight was only available on 1979-83 El Caminos. This website claims that no Royal Knights were built in 1983 at all, let alone 1984, according to GM Heritage Center documents. Therefore, this example is probably just a nice souped-up El Camino with the readily available “Royal Knight” decals, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s currently for sale here on eBay in Port Charlotte, Florida, with an asking price of $19,990 or best offer.
I don’t know about you, but in my opinion, the fifth-generation El Camino had some of the best styling of all GM intermediates from the 1978-87 era. In general, they were boxy cars, and the neat swoop of the El Camino’s C-pillar mitigates some of those sharp angles. Plus, I think the contrasting blue and black of the “Royal Knight” decal package look great with the El Camino’s newer white paint. The body and paintwork had been done before the current owner bought the car, but they subsequently added the American Racing polished wheels, which were also a nice choice (and the tires are newer, too).
The engine is a Chevy 350 with a Holley Sniper EFI system on top. Since the top gas engine in 1984 El Caminos was a 305, this isn’t the original engine, but we can see that someone has added an aluminum intake and a set of headers, so combined with the 4L60E transmission, this is bound to be a fun driver with guts.
The seats have been redone with new upholstery and foam, and the modern Dakota Digital gauge cluster reads 3,816 miles, which probably indicates how many miles have been added since the car/truck’s refurbishment. It also has cruise control and an upgraded sound system. The pictures suggest that the new owner will want to replace the traditional GM sagging headliner.
The bed has been professionally coated with Rhino lining, which makes this El Camino one of the more practical collectibles you can buy. In addition to enjoying its ample power and good looks, the new owner can haul that new hot water heater home from Home Depot without damaging the bed. Royal Knight or no, this seems like a great option for anyone who likes fifth-gen El Caminos.
Nice write-up. I too appreciate the lines of this generation, and the upgrades make it even more attractive!
Very nicely done Camino and packing a punch!
I’d definitely rock one of these. I remember the original 305 ( a friend had one) wasn’t too weak in these cars either.. This has to be the only “Royal Knight” I’ve seen that wasn’t black with gold decals. I certainly don’t remember the “thunder chicken” or whatever that is on the hood. All it’s missing is a hood scoop. In other words, the decals aren’t needed.This is a nice car and if the price doesn’t go stratospheric it’ll be worth keeping in the garage or dropping in at Karz and Krack.
Always a bad idea to put an option on a car that wasn’t available. It diminishes the collector value.