The Chevy El Camino was one of two pickups offered during the 1950s-1970s, based on a car platform rather than a truck. The other was the Ford Ranchero (which stopped production in 1979, whereas the El Camino soldiered on through 1987). The seller’s example is from 1971 and can be described as a running project (mostly cosmetic issues prevail). Located in Odenville, Alabama, this workhorse with engine bling is available here on eBay, where $3,500 is the magic ante so far (no reserve). Check the box for another great tip from Mitchell G.!
From 1964 to 1987, the El Camino (aka “Gentlemen’s Pickup”) was based on the mid-size Chevelle/Malibu. Though not the first “Ute” (Utility Coupe) to come to market (the Ranchero got a two-year head start), it was usually the biggest seller at 47,000 copies in 1971 alone. When the A-body Chevelle got a facelift in that year, so did the El Camino (we assume the front clips were completely interchangeable). The seller’s edition has the raised Super Sport hood, though there are no indications it was optioned as an SS.
This Chevy has a 350 cubic-inch V8 with a TH-350 automatic transmission. They could be original to the El Camino, though no such claim is made. The seller says the engine was “freshened up,” so is that another way of saying it was rebuilt, or was it just given a tune-up? The carburetor is new, and we assume all the chrome goodies are, too. Headers and dual exhaust were added, so it probably sounds as good as we’re told it runs.
The ”paint” looks like light blue primer, and we fortunately see no dents or signs of corrosion (though it may have already been dealt with). The interior will need a makeover, as the bench seat looks as though the dog chewed on it. New tires won’t be required and the Chevy sports shiny Cragar mag wheels. Since the State of Alabama doesn’t seem to do titles on vintage vehicles like this, you’ll have to be okay with a bill of sale and sort things out with your own DMV later.
Front clips are NOT completely interchangeable with Chevelle for 70, 71, and 72. They are SIMILAR, but not interchangeable. The front fenders and park lights and fender extensions are different. The El Camino front clip IS THE SAME as Chevelle wagon for those years. The 70 El Camino front bumper was actually borrowed from the 70 Monte Carlo. I believe the OTHER YEARS of “A body” El Caminos share front clip sheet metal. 59/60 El Camino shared front clip sheet metal with full size body (Impala, BelAir, Biscayne, etc).
🎸 🎶 ” Big wheels keep on turning, carry me home to see my Kin, singing songs about the Southland…I miss Alabamy once again..” 🎹 🎵
Lovely looking car. My favourite years for the El Camino are 1970-71.
Ratty, yes. Rat Rod, no.
Thanks Fred. Couldn’t have said it better better. 👍🏻
These 1970-72 El Caminos and their GMC Caballero sisters were the best looking and best performing examples of the GM versions of the breed, IMHO. The best Ford Rancheros came a little later, in 1972-74, when the Ford examples switched from unibody construction to body-on-frame designs in 1972. I tend to prefer the Ranchero, simply because I was a Ford guy back in the day, but these were better than their Ford equivalents for the same model years, mostly because the GM examples always used body-on-frame construction, while the Fords were unibodies from 1959-71.
Just as an aside, the ugliest Ford Rancheros were the 1977-79 versions, with vertically stacked quad rectangular sealed beam headlamps and the Federal “bash beam” bumpers. Not quite as ugly as the Edsel’s with the bedpan nose perhaps, but a face only a Mother could love, just the same! My least favorite El Caminos were the ones from the 1980’s, with the acres of plastic in the interior and the bash beam bumpers up front. Not a good look, IMHO.
SOLD for $4,650.