While it has undergone many changes over the years, this 1969 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396 is a solid classic that could make a rewarding restoration project. Reversing the changes should be straightforward, with the result being a practical vehicle with enough performance potential to satisfy most enthusiasts. If a buyer needs time to plan their build, this El Camino runs and drives, allowing them time to enjoy the classic motoring experience while considering their options moving forward. The SS is listed here on eBay in Madera, California. Respectable bidding has pushed the price to $5,000, which is short of the reserve.

There’s a lot to unpack with this El Camino, but the fact it has spent its life in California is significant. The climate in that region is excellent for preserving classic steel, and this car is no exception. The only visible rust is some small sections in the lower front fenders. Both areas are insignificant, and simple patches would address the problem. The seller supplies several underside photos, and while there is the occasional dusting of surface corrosion, there are no signs of metal penetration. The previous owner performed a few changes, and the buyer may elect to reverse these to return the El Camino to a factory-fresh state. They performed a color change that hides the original shade of Frost Green. Slight traces of the original paint are visible in some shots. Combined with the original Midnight Green vinyl top, this would have been a stunning vehicle. They also removed the badges and changed the fuel filler to conceal it within an inner bed panel. Reversing these changes would not be difficult and should be worth the effort to increase its long-term value. The trim is in good order, and the glass has no problems.

The changes wrought by the previous owner aren’t confined to its exterior. The interior previously featured Black vinyl seat upholstery, but this has made way for cloth that’s now pretty shredded. The wheel is cracked, the carpet is gone, and a CD player occupies the spot reserved for the factory radio. On the positive side, the dash looks okay, as do the door trims. Surprisingly, the pad has survived the rigors of the California sun without cracking or fading. Returning this aspect of the interior to its former glory would not be complicated or expensive. Restoration kits for the wheel utilizing epoxy are available and sell for under $100. A carpet set will cost a further $190, while a seat cover in the correct color and material adds $300 to the total. The only remaining task would be to reinstate the factory air conditioning to add a touch of comfort to every journey.

Okay, I haven’t finished covering the changes to this El Camino, with the most significant hiding under the hood. The seller indicates that the SS rolled off the production line with a 396ci V8 under the hood, but it is unclear which version. Even the most “sedate” pumped out 325hp, fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Buyers could also select the L34 or L78 version of the big-block producing 350hp and 375hp, respectively. With 325hp at the driver’s disposal, the journey down the ¼ mile took 14.6 seconds. The L34 would drop that figure to 14.3 seconds, while the range-topping L78 produced a 14.1-second ¼-mile ET. The bad news for potential buyers is that the vehicle is no longer numbers-matching. The seller says that the previous owner asked too much of the 396 one night, which resulted in it emitting one of those loud noises none of us like. They swapped in a 350ci small-block and Turbo 400 transmission, which it retains. The motor is in excellent health, with the El Camino running and driving extremely well. However, there is another aspect of this project for buyers to consider. The seller includes a date-coded 1969 396ci big-block. It is dismantled but appears to be essentially complete. They feel it is an ideal candidate for a rebuild. While that won’t return the SS to its numbers-matching status, it could represent the final piece of the puzzle for a faithful refurbishment.

Light pickups like this 1969 El Camino SS 396 offer owners the best of both worlds. They are extremely practical vehicles capable of carrying a decent load or towing heavy trailers. However, they tend to be lighter than the sedans upon which they are based. Removing any load unleashes performance that would rival most muscle cars. The lack of weight over the back wheels can make them pretty entertaining if the driver buries the right boot. That is what the buyer could find locked away in this classic, which some may find difficult to resist. If anything surprises me with this El Camino, it is that it has only attracted ten bids. I expected more, but things could become more lively as the auction draws to a close. Could you be tempted to drop a bid or two on this SS, or would you prefer to remain an interested observer?