Pro Street Racer Project: 1966 Chevrolet El Camino

The El Camino started in 1959 as Chevy’s response to the Ford Ranchero. Both were based on full-size versions of the companies’ 2-door station wagons. When the Ranchero switched directions and became a compact in 1960, Chevrolet pulled the plug after two years as they had no comparable vehicle to switch to. Resurrected as a mid-size in 1964, the El Camino would find new success and continue for 24 more years. This ’66 El Camino is at least a shell – and maybe a roller – that has been dormant for years, looking for someone to complete a project that was started long ago. Located in Arcadia, California, this garage captive is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $13,500.

When Chevrolet launched their intermediate, the Chevelle, in 1964, the El Camino was reborn. And more successful in this new package. Instead of fewer than 37,000 copies in 1959-60 combined, production was in the mid-30,000s in each of the next four years. In 1966 alone, more than 35,000 El Camino’s saw the light of day, including this forgotten project.

This edition was either once a pro street racer or was intended to become one, but work stalled some time ago. We’re told it has a 400 small-block, Roller camshaft V8 but that engine was torn down and put into plastic bags more than 30 years ago. The transmission is a TH-400 automatic whose condition is not divulged. This El Camino has a 12-bolt rear end with 4.5-6 gears. The indicated mileage is 20,000, but who knows how close to accurate that may be.

The interior has been removed and some of it may reside in the bed of the truck. Whatever original paint there was is long gone, replaced by a grey primer that we’re told just needs a little more block sanding to be ready for new paint. The hood has been customized with a raised scoop. Given that this vehicle was tucked away years ago and now serves as a storage container, the completeness of the overall truck must be unknown. Is this a project you’d “pick up” and run with?