Chevrolet rolled out the El Camino in 1959 as a coupe utility vehicle to keep up with the Ford Ranchero. Like the Ford, it was based on a 2-door station wagon. As a full-size vehicle, it only ran for two years and then disappeared – only to return from 1964 to 1987 as an intermediate in the same configuration. This ’59 El Camino is a running vehicle, though it has trouble stopping and has lots of cosmetic issues. From Eden Utah, this Chevy is available here on eBay where the latest bid is $2,025, the reserve is unmet, but there is a Buy It Now option for $4,500.
Chevrolet built 36,400 copies of the El Camino in its brief early run (1959 and 1960). That compares to 45,800 Ranchero’s in 1957-59 (for 1960, the Ranchero would move to the compact Falcon platform). So, it’s hard to pick a clear winner until the 1966 model year when both the El Camino and Ranchero would be on an equal footing again (as Chevelle and Fairlane variants). Buyers of either vehicle liked the versatility of a pickup but preferred the surroundings of an automobile. So, these “trucks” were the best of both worlds (at the time).
We’re not sure how long the seller has owned this El Camino, but he/she is trying to recover his/her cost which is likely the amount the reserve represents. While it looks pretty rough, we’re told the frame is solid, making the vehicle worthy of a restoration (?). Sure, there’s rust aplenty in both the sheet metal and the floors. But since much of the body panels were shared with the Biscayne/Bel Air/Impala, finding replacements shouldn’t be a major undertaking.
This pickup came with the base 235 cubic inch I-6 with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. The seller says it starts easily and runs well, but the vehicle will need a brake job. The transmission and clutch are said to work as they should. You’ll need a new windshield, but the rest of the glass is good. Given the lackluster drivetrain, do you see this as a profitable project, or would you opt for an LS conversion to make it really purr?
Actually, the last year for the Ranchero was 1979. It didn’t last as long as the El Camino did, as stated in the article.
The article doesn’t say the Ranchero lasted as long. Technically 5 years longer for the El Camino since Ranchero production was never interrupted
Hopefully someone says this 59
I would love to have this….but with a convertible in the works, a Biscayne sedan, a 60 rag with a delivery friend. I think I have enough.
These 59’s and ‘60’s rusted while parked in the garage I swear. Highland Green looks to be the color / OG color and it’s rougher than a cob, but just like a moth to a light I’m drawn to it. Fortunately – its needs are beyond my skill set and it’s a bit far to drag back home!
These are some of the most wildly but beautifully styled Chevies ever, which is one reason I like ‘em – and – I DO miss the one we had that’s now residing in Oz. The car/truck (truck/car) concept is not the most popular but if you’ve had one it’s hard to not – they are super useful. There will be a ‘59 (or ‘60) Camino in our future but not this one. 235 I6 is plenty of power and torque and easy to get as it seems people yank them often in favor of a V8.
Best of luck with the sale, hoping it gets properly tended to and put back on the road, and not on a back burner as it appears to have been for a minute or two :-)
Instead of a LS swap, how about a Vortex 4200 swap? Keep it inline 6 and get 290 horsepower to start and even more to unleash with some mods
Rusty, crusty, and ugly. I might go for the 8-track
Lots of work , but every 59 Elco should be saved .They are automotive art .My turquoise and white one is worshipped by people who aren’t into cars at all Very few automobiles have the presence of a tastefully done 59 El Camino.
If gotten cheap enough, it would be a fun build but I’m not sure of parts availability. Chrome trim will be a real bugger. Still it deserves saving. How many can be left?
Cab brightwork missing, very hard to find.
Agree – ALL the chrome trim is missing that’s Elco only and then there’s the side trim….most likely used on another one or sold…..you can see the dirt still clinging to the body….
Calling the crusher…
It looks like it has already donated most of its unique El Camino trim to another car. That, and it’s rust issues make its viability as a restoration or even resto rod candidate pretty low. Maybe Yard Art?
Perfect canvas to Pro Street or Pro Mod!
I think I would rather find a 59 or 60 with the 348 cid and 3 duces along with a 4 speed with overdrive!
Big big money…
You guys want your pick of El Caminos and Ford Rancheros in good condition? Then check out Williams Motors on Market Street in York, PA. This was or is a place where this guy just kept his entire front yard of his used car lot always filled with these vehicles that he collected. I used to see them every day since they were next to the apartment complex I lived in. Last time I drove past that place a few years ago those vehicles were still sitting there. I always wondered if he ever let any of them go or he was just a car hoarder? None of them were rust buckets, but I hated to so so many of them exposed to the elements for several years.
The ’66 Ranchero was not a Fairlane variant, it was still on the Falcon chassis. It was 1967 when the Ranchero went to the Fairlane body.
66 was a split year, late 66 Rancheros had a Fairlane front clip
I have owned this 59 since 1978. 427 , Dyers Blower, Richmond 5speed 9 inch Ford. I use to attend the old Car Craft shows and I drove it to all of them. It has thousands of miles on it and has never missed a beat. It drives nice , is comfortable and it is a hybred–it burns gas and rubber. It will be for sale at my estate sale??????
Wow, what a machine! Kudos for that build. Looks great.