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Same Family 52 Years: 1970 Chevrolet El Camino

Chevy introduced the El Camino in 1959 as a “gentleman’s” pickup, based on a 2-door station wagon platform. It was in response to a similar vehicle brought to market by Ford in 1957. When Chevrolet redesigned their full-size cars in 1961, the El Camino was not included but returned as a mid-size in 1964 when the new Chevelle came out. This 1970 edition has been in the same family since new but sports a newer 350 crate motor. It needs a bit of work from sitting and it’s not currently registered for roadway use. Located in Agness, Oregon, this former workhorse is available here on craigslist for $7,777. A nod of the fedora goes to local_sheriff for this Bow-Tie tip!

Once the El Camino shifted to an intermediate platform, the pickup would remain in production through 1987. It disappeared in 1988 and forward when the automobile it was based upon shifted to front-wheel drive which wouldn’t be suitable for the El Camino. It usually outsold Ford’s Ranchero, which ended production in 1979. The 1970 model year of the El Camino would be its second best in terms of sales at 47,707 units, just shy of the 48,385 that were delivered in 1969.

The seller’s ’70 El Camino is mostly original and ready for a cosmetic restoration. The original gold paint is faded, and the matching vinyl top may have seen better days. The body has some dings and scratches, and the seller mentions that some minor rust is present, though the photos don’t show it. Because the bed is covered with a tonneau, we’re told that area of the truck is good, but there are no photos of the cover in the up position. The interior needs attention as well, with some torn upholstery and worn door panels, headliner, and carpeting.

While the overall vehicle has 140,000 miles on it, the small block V8 has about 40,000, having been replaced with a new motor in years gone by. It’s flanked by a TH-350 automatic transmission, front disc brakes, and factory air conditioning, which needs a recharge. We’re told the Chevy runs and drives well except for the rear brakes, which will need some work. While the vehicle is in Oregon, it comes with a clean California title and a non-op registration.

Comments

  1. Avatar 8banger Member

    Looks pretty solid from what we can see…make a nice start without too much buy-in.

    Like 9
  2. Avatar Bump52

    Would love a pic of frame where lower trailing arms meet up. That is the weak point on this frame have boxed a few. Man I miss the 1969 I had in high school. Got rid of it for girl what was I thinking.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar 19sixty5 Member

    I own a 70 SS 396, this elco looks like a decent deal for the price. I have not seen a matching vinyl top bed cover in a long, long time. If this was closer to me I would be seriously looking for sure!

    Like 8
  4. Avatar Troy

    Looks nice, hopefully far enough inland to avoid the salt air of the Oregon coast should view in person to look for cancer in the normal spots.

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Motorcityman

    Is it me, or does it seem like there’s a LOT of Oregon and Washington vehicles on this site??

    Like 7
    • Avatar local_sheriff

      …because the PNW is a great region to search for decent yet not overly baked vintage tin…

      Like 4
  6. Avatar Motorcityman

    Decent price if u can daily it and slowly restore it to a condition that makes u happy!

    Like 4
  7. Avatar Pete

    If Elco’s fit my 6’5″ self better I would consider being a player on this car. Looks pretty good for the money.

    Like 4
  8. Avatar Johan

    AC just needs a recharge. Yeah sure…

    Like 2
  9. Avatar stillrunners

    Scam or it would be gone anywhere at that price…..and about that price……

    Like 1

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