If you’ve followed any of my blathering over the years here on BF, you’ll recall I have a thing for Chevrolet’s El Camino. In particular, I like the ’68-’72 variant the best, but this 1967 edition has really caught my attention. At first glance, I thought, “nothing to see here,” but then I circled the listing a second time and found there was more to the story than initially met the eye – stay tuned, and I’ll explain further. This cute Ute is located in Spring, Texas, and is available here on craigslist for $16,500.
Chevrolet’s do-it-all car/pickup was available in two trim levels for ’67: Standard, based on the Chevelle 300 Deluxe, and Custom, which was the Malibu version. I’m not certain which one our subject is, as modifications over time can disguise its roots, and the undisclosed VIN is really the only way to know for sure. Regardless, the total production volume for both trim levels reached 34K units. The seller states, “Entire car was stripped to bare metal, rust repaired, epoxy primed, body worked, 2k primed, painted, and cleared. Black Bed liner in the bed,” and what you see in the images is the result. I like the look! It has a cool, understated vibe, and the restoration appears to be well executed. Some images of the underside would be helpful, and I suppose they could be made available to a serious inquirer. The wheels present an interesting look; they’re American Racing Torque-Thrust pieces that appear to have been finished in black. Hopefully, they’ve been powder-coated and not rattle-canned; otherwise, they’ll start looking shaky before long.
Under the hood is what’s stated to be the original 275 gross HP, 327 CI V8 engine tied to a Powerglide automatic transmission. The seller adds, “Original, strong, and healthy 327 sbc, powerglide, power steering, power disc brakes, gun metal grey torque thrust wheels with brand new tires, aluminum radiator, electronic ignition, new aluminum overflow tank, new radiator shroud, new voltage regulator, and true dual Magnaflow mufflers; sounds very good, low end grumble, not too loud but loud enough.”
One of the neatest features of the interior is the optional factory full gauge cluster that has been swapped in place of the stock warning lights unit. The bucket seats have been reupholstered in a non-original cloth material, and surprisingly, there’s no center console. The seller mentions that the carpet and headliner have both been replaced. Unfortunately, there’s no A/C – tough in Texas summers.
When you consider this Camino in its entirety, it has undergone a tremendous amount of improvement as a result of years of the seller’s time. I’m honestly surprised at his $16,500 price, as I think this Chevy could and would bring more. I’m thinking this would be a great second car for the person who could use a pickup for some light-duty activity but doesn’t want a modern full-time gargantuan rig (with its gargantuan price!). What do you think? Any takers out there?
Always loved the Caminos too J.O.
I remember an all black big block 4sp, that was a regular at the local car show when I was a young lad. Just a wicked cool machine I thought then, still do.
The level of modification speaks to me as well. A level of understated sophistication that doesn’t scream, “Hey look at me!” Without a doubt it will turn many heads as is.
It seems reasonably priced and has been a labor of love. Personally I’d like to know more about the bonded title before plunking down cash…but then again my wallet is pretty much rusted shut when it comes to spending money.
THiS is a nice car! Add another $1500-2000 for after market AC and you have a great daily driver for years to come! Well done!
good start but it needs more work beside adding a/c. that’s the least of its problems