The Chevy El Camino arrived in 1959 to compete against Ford’s Ranchero (both were station wagon-based pickups). After a break from 1961 through 1963, the El Camino returned as a variant of the new mid-size Chevelle and was in the lineup through 1987 (the last of the rear-wheel drives).

Chevy’s El Camino would prove more popular than the Ranchero, which Ford retired in 1979. The fifth and last generation of the El Camino arrived in 1978 with a major styling refresh in 1981. More than 45,000 copies were produced in 1980 alone, of which about 10% were branded as the Cabellero for sale through GMC dealers.

To spur continued interest, Chevy offered the Royal Knight El Camino from 1979 to 1981. It was strictly an appearance thing which was identified by a mammoth crest decal on the hood. The seller’s Royal Knight has medium blue paint, but it’s showing its age and will eventually need to be redone, presenting the body shop with a challenge about the Royal Knight decals.

This pickup is powered by a 267 cubic inch Chevy V8 which was not exactly a powerhouse. Paired with an automatic transmission, the odometer reads only 26,500 miles, which the seller cannot determine is accurate. So, the mile counter may be on its second time around the block. Whatever the case, the truck runs and drives well and may not need any mechanical attention. The driver’s side door will need an alignment adjustment, and the bed sports a tonneau cover, which could be aftermarket.

New tires can be found at all four corners and the spare is original, having never been on the ground. The truck’s sound system was added later and probably sounds nice as you cruise around with the A/C turned on. Located in Boise, Idaho, this interesting artifact can be found here on craigslist for $6,500 or the best cash offer. Who’s in the market for a reasonably priced pickup you could also take to Cars & Coffee?