From 1964 forward, the El Camino “gentleman’s pickup” was based on the Chevelle mid-size offering. And like that automobile of the latter 1960s, it could be equipped as a SS 396. But after 1968 they were harder to verify as being a “real deal” since it was moved to option status just like on the Malibu-based Sport Coupe. This Fathom Green beauty is numbers matching and the seller says a code on the trim tag supports the SS 396 claim. Located in Tampa, Florida, this Chevy is available here on eBay where $26,300 has yet to crack the reserve.
Out of 39,000 El Caminos built in 1969, estimates are that around 4,000 came with the SS 396 package. The El Camino was considered a body style of the Chevelle and not a separate product line. Since the El Camino population was much smaller than the Malibu’s, logic would have it that fewer of them turn up today as clones. Selecting RPO Z25 on the order sheet got you one of these hot pickups, with a minimum horsepower output of 325.
No mention is made if this El Camino has been treated to any restoration work. Should the odometer reading of 63,000 miles be on point, it could be original, and the paint has a few imperfections, but nothing that should worry you unless you require nothing less than concours quality. The seller does indicate the interior is factory and it looks immaculate, indicating great care has been taken to preserve this Chevrolet. Everything is said to work as it should, including the factory air conditioning.
This is a turn-key vehicle that runs perfectly, according to the seller, so there is no reason you couldn’t run down to Home Depot like the seller, although I don’t think I would. If you’re been looking for an SS 396 Chevrolet from this era and think it would be cool to have one that’s not a Malibu, you should attract lots of attention at the next Cars & Coffee gathering. That’s if you’re the winning bidder!
Couple tire roasters 🔥 in the garage 🙌
I recall several years ago reading in an auto magazine about a big block just like this El Camino-fathom green no less-being found in a garage with FOURTEEN miles on it. I don’t remember if it was a 396 or a 454 (was that an option back then) and I’m not positive about the year, but this brings back a real barnfind from yesteryear.
454 was introduced in 1970 to replace the venerable 427.It was a 396 with either 325 350 or 375 hp ratings optional.GM’S corporate cid restrictions prevented a “factory” 427 in a chevelle, elco , nova or camaro.B bodies and the vette were allowed as far as for passenger cars.
Super nice truck.I’m guessing his reserve is 40k. I like these , sporty yet utilitarian.
This 1969 was one of my favorite El Camino vehicles. I liked the sporty look, yet it was also useful to haul a few things around. I liked to do a lot of camping out away from the “town campers” and this was perfect for hauling my camping equipment, fishing poles, etc. Now my camping is basically done in my recliner in a sunroom overlooking the valley behind my house. :-) 😊 (but I am in the hills).
With the passenger door open, I see problems in the lower left molding/weather stripping, also in the upper right, there is paint missing around a bolthead. I would want to do a really close inspection of this car before considering a purchase.
Oh Jesus it’s a 69 not a 23
In a world where most of these have been butchered up in a previous life, and then pieced back together, this one has all the signs of being an Unmolested through its life. The under hood shots, or a thing of beauty, everything appears very original, and Ia Unmolested through its life. The under hood shots, or a thing of beauty, everything appears very original, and untouched. Great colors except I always thought El Camino’s were pretty silly with a vinyl top.(?) Other than the steering wheel and Monte Carlo covers on the bucket seats interior looks great as well. If I was in the market for one of these, I would be chasing this one.
Was the NK1 steering wheel not available as an option on the 69? Good call on the upholstery!
My Wife’s Dad had one of these, bought new from dealer, white w black vinyl top and black vinyl bench seat. It was Awesome! Even with light throttle it would chirp tires into 2nd gear w TH400 auto. Sadly, after it was Sold, the buyer totalled it. Too much power for so little weight and hardly any traction, even running 60s on the rims.
The 68-72 El Camino’s actually weighed more (like 6 lbs) than a similarly equipped 2 door and had a better weight distribution front to rear than the 2 door, go figure… Granted, it is a really minor difference. 64-67 Elco’s had a slightly heavier front/rear weight distribution, but it wasn’t much. A 1-2 chirp on the upshift wasn’t that difficult with cars of this era. I used to think the Elco’s weighed much less and had horrible weight distribution until I bought my 70 SS 396 Elco. Needless to say I was quite surprised!
This is as good as it gets. Out of the Elkys I’ve owned, my 1969 was my favorite.
Cigar chomping Tennessean in Two-Lane Blacktop: “That’s a b$tch of a car.”
Driver: “Yours ain’t so bad either.”
after april 1969 396 engine no more 402 cubes, also the sport steering wheel was a option.