This is the third time we’ve seen a Studemino here on Barn Finds. A Studemino is/was a 1978 to 1987 Chevrolet El Camino with the bullet nose of a 1950-51 Studebaker grated on to it. The obvious question is “why”, and the company that provided fiberglass kits for these transformations seems to be no more. Here, we have a 1981 El Camino with the Stude snoot on the front, hence a Studemino that was done as a rat rod. Located in Sequim, Washington, this almost one-of-a-kind pickup is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $5.000 OBO. Thanks for the odd tip, Rocco B!
We assume this vehicle has had one of the Studemino kits bolted on. But the website for the former supplier has apparently been hijacked and no longer has reference material. Examples of one from 1983 can be found here on Barn Finds, and another from 1981 was also covered a few years ago. Not only has the seller’s El Camino been cosmetically changed, but it’s also been revised mechanically, too.
Instead of a V6 or V8, this truck has a 292 cubic inch straight six, perhaps from Chevy’s earlier truck days. But it’s not in stock form either, with a Clifford intake manifold, Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, headers, side pipes, a 700R4 overdrive transmission, and more. We’re told it runs, drives, and sounds great, but it’s likely going to need some TLC.
Inside, a set of non-Chevy bucket seats has been added with a Camaro center console. The exterior wears some flat black paint on purpose that could stand a refresh. The seller says work is needed on the “accessory brackets,” so we assume that to mean what holds the front clip in place. And some spare parts are included. The interesting truck is for sale due to the advancing age of its owner.
Somehow it works. It does need somethin in the back to match the front though.