By this point, we’re used to the fact that among GMC products, there’s a fair amount of a badge-engineering that goes on. This means the same model is reborn across a few different platforms with some subtle cosmetic tweaks to make it look like a new or different model. In the case of the venerable Chevrolet El Camino, this process began with the GMC-branded offering known as the Sprint and was later modified to wear the nameplate of the Caballero. To take it a step further, GMC offered additional trim packages like this Caballero is equipped with, known in this instance as the “Amarillo”. Find this nicely preserved example here on eBay with an asking price of $17,500 and the option to submit a best offer.
In addition to simply changing the name, another common “tweak” when sharing a model across different brands is to adjust the target market. In the case of the El Camino, it was a utilitarian vehicle. It wasn’t a pickup truck, but it was designed to appeal to customers who liked the idea of a pickup truck but didn’t want to own one. The Cabellero was basically identical to an El Camino but it was sold with a more luxurious flair, perhaps intended to persuade a buyer who felt the standard El Camino just seemed too crude around the edges. The Amarillo smoothed those edges out with two-tone paint and special badges.
I doubt this was enough to move the needle for anyone seriously thinking of buying one of these half-car, half-truck creations, which is why we likely don’t see many of the GMC versions come up for sale today. The seller is also banking on this lack of availability as a reason to list the car at a fairly ambitious price, but I don’t think there’s enough of an appetite in the marketplace to spend near $20,000 for a survivor like this. Fortunately, the best offer option is available on this listing, and let’s not overlook the fact that it deserves a good price given how well-preserved it is – just check out that interior.
There’s 4.4L, 267 CI V8 under the hood, which should make some good noises if nothing else. The engine bay is also very well detailed, or perhaps it’s just that nice from having just over 60,000 original miles on the clock. The options list includes power steering, power front disc brakes, power windows, air conditioning, tilt steering column, cruise control, a Jensen stereo, and chrome bed rails, among other features. For someone looking for this specific model with this exact trim line, the asking price may not be out of the realm of possibility – but it may be a while before that buyer comes along.
For me, the only way this beauty could be any better, would be to have the buckets and console interior. Don’t know much/not sure about the 267 c.i., though. GLWTS!!:-)
This is in amazing condition. Looking under the hood, at least for me anyway, that’s NOT detailed clean, but rather very well taken care of clean over the years.
I had a friend with a 267 in a Malibu, you’re not going to win any stop light drag races with the thing, but they were very solid reliable engines.
This is in overall very nice condition, even the burgundy carpet is not faded on it.
There is fresh paint on that motor. It’s been detailed, but they could have left the original chipped paint on it and it would have been OK for originality.
As for the 267, what a gutless turd! The later Iron Duke 2.5 had as much horsepower. Reliable—yeah, but absolutely un-modable.
I’d find a crate 350 (painted blue of course), put duals on it and beef up the rear end. You could sport one of these up easily while keeping a factory appearance.
If I remember my Spanish, the name of this vehicle is “Yellow Gentleman”. :)
Actually it translates yellow cowboy.
A crate 350 would go well in that engine bay…
My cousin had one of these in the early 90’s, it was about ten years old at the time, black with this same burgundy interior. As I remember the trim name was “Diablo”…and now I’m off to go check the Google machine for that one.
Practical caballèro. Amazing shape. 👍
My 87 el Camino is still going strong with 745k mile on the original.. untouched 305. It never had the tins off. I daily drive it. to be clear.. it is a lover nd not a fighter. You do the maintenance on these engines and they will last forever. The asking price is a bit ambitious but dropping in a crate 350 and 200r4 with highway gears will give you 22-25 mpg.
I do believe you but I’m surprised your timing chain has held up that long, even with frequent maintenance. Ultimately all metal parts do wear some.
Personally as my screen name indicates I’m a ford 460 aficionado and I did see one in a shuttle van with 700k on the engine, but it did have at one point have a new timing chain and sprockets installed.
I’ve got a 305 in my 83 camaro. It’s a good runner but from too much sitting valve seals aren’t as good as they once were.
I’m with Bolivar. among other things I have a small engine 307,000 mile car that’s driven every day. I take care of it and it delivers for me. I also have a 383 Chrysler that has over 200,000 miles, never been opened, still runs fine with the forever automatic, no problems. If I had the room I would get serious about this car/truck.
Just considering whether the interior or exterior…..is more hideous.
The paint scheme could be a factor. lol
What’s wrong with maroon and white ? The interior was also maroon , but like all the GM cars of this era it has faded badly
wonder what hes smoking ive been doing elcaminos for 20plus years 10 k tops
nota big cheb fan (as i am for ford and some others). But any of the chevells in gen 3, the final, just appeale to me (Malibue Classic) along w/late gen 1 Vettes ’56/60, the skyview wagons, odd ball 1st gen Tempist (waggy), and chevy II.
Here, (MC in sedan, coup, wagon or camino) the big square grill, similar straight body lines, and esp the curve to the back window/head board of the gm or cheb. Neeyyeeccssse.