Emerging from this shed is a 1959 Chevrolet El Camino that shows a lot of promise. This is an extremely original vehicle that has only some very minor rust to address. This is a classic that could easily be restored, but the owner is including some alternatives as part of the deal if the next owner would like to improve the vehicle’s performance. The El Camino is located in San Antonio, Texas, and has been listed for sale here on craigslist. The owner has set an asking price of $11,999 for this great project car. It appears that our eagle-eyed Barn Finder Ikey H has had his radar working well, so I have to say thank you, Ikey, for referring the cool Chevy to us.
Once it is out in the light of day, the El Camino appears to be remarkably good. The floors have a consistent coating of surface corrosion, but they do seem to be very solid. Similarly, the original Snowcrest White paint is interspersed with areas of surface corrosion, but actual rust seems to be limited to some small areas at the bottoms of both rear quarter panels. This is actually a fairly common spot for this to occur, and patch panels are easy to obtain for around $150 each. The only other rust is a small amount in the bed, but as is the case with the lower quarter panels, parts are easy to obtain and are inexpensive. There doesn’t appear to be anything missing in the way of exterior trim and chrome, and while the bumpers might benefit from some fresh chrome, the rest of it looks like it is in good condition. The same is true of all of the glass, with no signs of any chips or cracks.
Peeking into the engine bay reveals the 235ci 6-cylinder engine, which is backed by a 3-speed manual transmission. While the owner doesn’t say it outright, he does give the impression in the listing that this combination is original to this car. This combination delivered 135hp, which gave the car adequate performance, even when carrying a load. It isn’t clear when the engine last fired a shot in anger, but judging by its overall appearance, I suspect that it probably wasn’t yesterday. The owner doesn’t mention whether or not the engine turns freely, so that is something to consider for the person who might be looking to take on the El Camino for a full and faithful restoration. If complete originality isn’t a high priority, then the owner not only offers an alternative, but he is throwing this in free-of-charge. What he has is a 283ci V8 and a 4-speed manual transmission. Installing this combination would not be a radical departure for the vehicle, because both were available as factory options in the ’59 El Camino. Even in a mild state of tune, the 283 will deliver at least 50hp more than the six, and that would make some significant difference to the El Camino’s performance figures. Anyway, it’s certainly something to think about.
The interior of the Chevy really doesn’t look that bad when you examine it carefully. The door trims look like they might present quite well if given a deep clean, while the dash looks really good. The seat is wearing a different cover, but I think that I can see the original poking its head out through a seam separation. Depending on which way the next owner is considering heading with this as a project, there is a chance that a new seat cover, new mats or a carpet set for the floors, and new armrests for the doors might be required. Of course, for those who want to go for a more “high-end” look, there are some really nice trim kits out in the market at present, and $2,000 will secure one that will knock your socks off! If you want to hang onto your socks, there are still plenty of really nice kits available at lower prices.
So, how much is a ’59 El Camino worth? How long is a piece of string? Prices on these vary wildly at present, and while it is possible to secure a respectable example that is a bit rough around the edges for around $24,000, a really pristine one can fetch at least twice that figure quite easily. I decided to do something different this time and looked at recent sales of ’59 El Caminos that were project cars in about the same state as this one. I had no trouble finding numerous examples in the $10,000 to $12,000 range that have sold in recent times. Interestingly, not one of them was as rust-free, complete, nor as original as this one. Also, not one of them offered an additional engine and transmission as part of the deal. Putting all of those factors together, I tend to think that if this particular vehicle proves to be as good on personal inspection as it appears to be in the photos and listing text, then it could be a really great project car.
Looks like they spray can painted the front of the hood to make it look better in (some) of the pics. the bent core support gives the story away. Still it is a beautiful restoration candidate. If I had more bla bla bla because I have liked these since I was a child, after all we were born the same year. who besides me would keep the 6 cyl.?
I would keep the six and three on the tree. Originality trumps horsepower with this one. I’d use it as I would any ordinary pickup to haul things from Home Depot.
Originality trumps horsepower–well that is just wrong
Eons ago my family had a junky 61 Ford sedan with a 6 & 3 on the tree. There was no problem keeping up with normal traffic. Now if you want blow everyone off the road build the 283 to the max.
Bent core support is the way they were designed. Does not mean they were damaged.
I would as this one is very original. Not only that, but I’m not mechanically inclined anyway. But even if I were, I’d still keep it original.
For only two grand more than the previously featured Nova, this Elky is by far a better deal.
Unlike the Nova. my verdict on this one is.
“I LIKE IT”
Can we quote you on that John?
Nice car, one of the best Elky designs IMO.
Very cool. Either leave the six or drop in the 283, either one would suit me, heck even put the 4 speed behind the stovebolt! Love the style of these. Good luck, sweeet cruiser.
Stay safe and Cheers
GPC
I really like the idea of this. I’m no huge El Camino fan, but I can’t resist the swoopy lines of this ’59. If this were mine, I’d be torn between keeping the original six and three on the tree and swapping in the 283 and four speed. I love the 283, have one in my ’65 C20 with a three speed. I also really like a straight six. Maybe the original six with the four speed, and a bunch of go fast goodies from Clifford Performance like a cam, twin carb manifold and header would be a great choice. When you’re spending imaginary money anything is possible.
Any relation to Kafka?
Still has the factory fdr.skirts.Restore or a mildly modify.
There where NO factory fender skirts in 59
I would source a 409 and put the 4 speed behind that. put some wider rear tires maybe some slicks and take it to the strip. I don’t believe to skirts are factory El Camino but from an Impala.
I’ve said it a hundred times, these are.real head turners. This one needs love and money, keep the six, squirt the belly with motor oil, maybe put a cheapo white paint job on it and drive it everywhere.
I”d keep the six. Mild cam, buzzed head, Fenton exhaust manifold, dual exhaust, and you would have the bast sounding engine at the Car Show!
I think overdrive was an option on this Chevy. I can’t see any evidence on this particular one but I’ll bet that would be a nice drivability addition.
Fully modern frame off with the Ls, auto , discs, lowered suspension , the full pro touring but without doing the body work , its nice as it stands …
But for now , stay safe and dream !🦠😷☀️👍
I just love it with the fender skirts!
I doubt the V8 is really a 283 due to the the fact the intake manifold has an egr blockoff plate on it.
Fender skirts where never a factory Chevrolet option in 1959. There is not a Chevrolet part number for fender skirts in 1959. The dealer would paint and install aftermarket skirts from, Perfection or Foxcraft if customers wanted.
This ElCamino is really nice. Sure it will find a nice home.
Nice air cleaner design
302 and 5 speed from a wrecked Mustang to po the purists.
Maybe this is in good enough condition, I don’t know, but a quick look see reveals a lot of 59’s in driveable condition for under 10k. I like these but Itjink I’ll pass on this one.
God bless America
I am not a fan of slamming every classic out there by any means, but this body style with its low flowing lines and mile-long looking bed almost demand it in my book. My favorite el-cam by far.
AZVanMan, I’m also not a fan of slamming everything, or the big hoop look, but with the skirts it really would look super cool. 18″ or 19′” wheels would just “fit” this car. A decent but not over the top re-spray in white, and if the six runs, swap the 4 speed into it and drive the snot out of it! I have a 70 SS Elco, would love to have this one as well.
I’d keep the six, but warm it up considerably. Anyone can drop a SBC, BBC, or LS in this – but a hot 6-pot will stand out in the crowd. I’d also keep the 3-speed, but install an overdrive unit for the highway.
A w-motor with the 4 speed would really be the way to go, 409’s are getting scarce. I would be happy with a 348.
Change the engine to whatever you want but save everything so it can be put back to original.
If the new owner must abominate the originality, at least let it be reversible.🤨
Last one of these I got close to had a 3 carb 348 in front of a four speed. Put together properly these are great looking cars… and I assume with the 348 in one it would be a kick to drive.
Keep the 6, re-build it, warm it up with carbs, headers, cam, etc., add a T-5 and a set of American Torque-Thrust wheels. Body & paint-work wouldn’t be a huge deal. Keep the skirts, lower it 2-3 inches… Oh yeah!
Saw it….it’s a nice one…..got to wonder what the flipper paid for it.
Restomod city.