The Chevy El Camino was launched in 1959 in response to Ford’s Ranchero, a wagon-based pickup that was more car than it was truck. Its initial run only lasted two years, but the “gentlemen’s pickup” returned in 1964 as a variant of the then-new, mid-size Chevelle. This ’59 El Camino looks to have been stored in a barn in Kalispell, Montana, perhaps after being whacked in the roof by something very heavy. It’s a project with a lot of unknown variables that’s available for $10,000 here on Facebook Marketplace.
Ford and Chevrolet have always been in a battle for first place. If one introduced a new product, it was a near certainty that the other would quickly follow. When Ford took its 2-door station wagon platform and created a pickup in 1957, Chevy would emerge with one as part of its all-new cars of 1959. Ford sold 21,696 Ranchero’s in 1957 which would be its best sales year until 1966. That compares to the 22,246 El Camino’s that Chevy built in 1959, so market dominance for the utility pickup was an early draw. Ford would shift gears and turn the Ranchero into a Falcon-based compact in 1960, while Chevy exited the market altogether from 1961-63.
The seller is helping his/her father liquidate this 1959 El Camino. Little information is imparted, so we don’t know how long it’s been parked and if it’s anywhere near being in running condition. While the seller says it has a manual transmission, we don’t know if a 283 V8 or a 235 cubic-inch inline-6 is sandwiched under the hood. We’re guessing the former given some of the aftermarket cues we see with the pickup.
The blue paint on the Chevy has given up the ghost, though once the truck is given a good bath, perhaps some nice patina will surface. Is rust a problem? We don’t know. Is there any body damage besides the roof where perhaps a tree branch fell on it? We don’t know that either. The interior appears to have been modified with a later bench seat with a fold-down center armrest and a snappier steering wheel. It may also have a set of aftermarket “mag” wheels at all four corners. How big an effort will a restoration take here?
Looks good until you reach the top. Atleast my one 59 convertible can easily get a top in the mail..lol. not sure how or better yet who could straighten that mess for under a kings ransom. It is very easy to replace the roof but finding a donor for less than a first class 2 week vacation might prove difficult. 10k seems high but 59s are, well the convertibles and coupes insane on price right now. I would pass on this as I have seen super decent ones in the mid 20k range and this one will set you back that plus some.
It’s amazing that rear glass didn’t shatter. Taking that glass out to fix the roof would be a delicate operation.
This might be a decent 59. If people would just bend down and take lower pictures so you can see bottom of the 1/4’s would give a better idea of the condition. One thing that I like is both bumpers are one piece, so could have been from California. Hood emblem script is for a 6 Cly. It will selll.
Is not a hard job to replace the top, but it is time consuming to get it right. If you can straight the windshield lip you can probably just skin it.
A guy I worked with has a 59 Elco with a 348 tripower four speed. Nice solid truck that moves pretty well. I told him he needs to swap a 425hp 409 into it, he just laughs and says at his age the 348 is just fine. His son has a 59 two door hardtop, sweet original car. I’d like a two door sedan to put a 409 into
Crummy pictures and poor description. I wouldn’t pay 10k for this that’s for sure especially with the damage imo and you can see the rr quarter rotted thru.At least open the hood for a pic.Sheesh.
The roof is the problem isn’t it? Cut it off, cut out the inner structure, straighten it and re-assemble. Easier said than done but not impossible. I already know who I’d see to straighten the roof skin.
I agree Dave. If this car will run and drive with some work and isn’t too rusty (both big ifs), it’s worth the money. The first thing I would do is cut whatever I had to, as conservatively as possible of course, in order to get the rear glass out, then straighten the roof as well as I could, put the glass back in, clean it up, get it running and drive it until I either found a roof skin or made a suitable replacement panel, even if it took me a few tries to get it right.
no “v” emblem on – denotes 6cyl
expanding the photos on the Marketplace ad, appears it may have been an automatic trans. model. I believe there is an indicator like the one chevy used on the backside of the indicator quadrant. Also the added on turn signal indicator. Dave is correct as to repairing the roof structure, however it will be expensive. if you are able to cut off a section of station wagon roof, would be slightly less time consuming. More than likely a 6 cylinder, possibly a V-8 transplant as indicated by ad stating manual transmission. There is rot in the quarters behind the rear wheel well openings, and the controls for the power seat look like they were mounted up on the left side of the windshield dogleg. I would only do about $5,000 max for it.
What a damn shame with that catastrophic hit to the roof. I know a good body guy and don’t think he could even tackle this damage. That along with no pics or details about the engine means, run away.
That roof will pound right out. Love the batwing.