In 1957, Ford introduced the Ranchero, a pickup based on a 2-door station wagon. Not to be outdone, Chevrolet rolled out a similar product in 1959, the El Camino. After two years, Chevy took a breather but brought the concept (“gentlemen’s pickup”) back in 1964 based on the mid-size Chevelle. This 1969 edition looks good overall and sports a rebuilt engine, its original motor. Located in San Francisco, California, this gentlemanly workhorse is available here on craigslist for $17,000. Many thanks to Tony Primo for another fine tip!
After the El Camino returned in ’64, it generally outsold the Ranchero once it, too, became a mid-size in 1966. The El Camino was around through 1987, while Ford retired their version in 1979. The 1969 El Camino was comparable to the Malibu in terms of trim and could be ordered with any powerplant the Chevelle could come with. In 1969, Chevy sold 48,385 El Caminos, its best sales year until 1972. All but 6% of them had V8 engines, and the 307 was the entry-level small block at the time.
No history is presented on this ’69 Canino. It has 94,000 miles on the odometer, while the 307 only has 500 due to a recent rebuild. An automatic transmission is in the mix, either a 2-speed Powerglide or the TH-350. We’re told it runs well and nothing immediate is required to turn it into a daily driver. Is it perfect? No, but the dark green paint is original and is presentable though it wears its share of scratches and nicks.
The black interior looks quite good, and the vehicle shows that it has been well taken care of. The truck is pictured with redline tires and without, and no mention is made of which set comes with the vehicle. Either way. the wheels have the basic dog-dish style hubcaps. This could be a great pickup to haul things in during the week and take to Cars & Coffee on the weekends!
Good looking El Camino, pricey, but so is every desirable car from this era in similar condition. Would make a good cruiser/driver that can be used for the occasional Home Depot run. Upgrading to disc brakes and a TH350, if it’s currently equipped with a power glide would not be expensive.
Steve R
Actually, this is priced quite well compared to what most run-of-the-mill Chevelles are getting lately. I prefer the Camino, but maybe that is just me.
You are right, it’s priced well compared to a Chevelle, the problem is it isn’t a Chevelle, it’s an El Camino. It’s nice, but low option with a bland driveline. By the time some upgrades the engine, transmission, rear end, wheels and tires, brakes and minor suspension modifications you’d probably be looking at close to another $10,000. Even in the Bay Area there are a lot of options in that price range for someone willing to put effort into their search.
Steve R
I had a 68 with a 327 Powerglide transmission ans my first car and really loved it. From what I remember the 307 was not real desirable by most that had them. Everyone said they were lacking power compared to other V8’s of the time. If I were to buy it I would probably change it all top to bottom but if I were to buy it as a driver I would leave it as is. Most folks don’t buy these today to just keep and use as a daily driver. This could be an exception since it is in such good unmolested condition.
I think a set of BFG T/A’s would be more appropriate than those red lines. Keeping original 307 doesn’t buy many originality points in my book – go with a 350 or even 327 when that mouse gets tired or too boring. Agree on Th350 swap too. I like it!
I had same color 69 with a 350 turbo hydro. bought it new, special order from factory to carry my racing bike around northern California. Wonderful car for the era.
Too bare bones for my liking. The 69 I had was much better equipped. Still the best looking Elky IMHO. I’d like to have another 69 but things like A/C, a 350, a 3 speed auto or a 4 speed manual are essential.
Hi, had a 307 68’Malibu 2brl. mine was lo mi. bought a set of racing headers & 6-pak of bud 1lbs! maybe $40 or 50….WOW! straight pipes small mufflers. this guy raced at local dirt track in Maine! we drove it on straight headers…at 11pm …local sheriff not real thrilled. way more power and mpg…+4-5! same block as 283,327…just gotta let her breathe!!!
Nice ride, I had a 66 Caprice with a 283 Powerglide with the rear pump and many times it saved me when it could kickstart when you roll it down a hill at 25 mph or so in neutral and put it in drive and it would start up! Miss those 66 and earlier Powerglide transmissions with the rear pump!