The El Camino was Chevrolet’s version of the Ford Ranchero. It debuted in 1959-60 and didn’t return until 1964 when the new mid-size platform for the Chevelle was introduced. 1965 Chevelles and El Caminos were little-changed, and this nice example surprisingly has an inline-6 under the hood instead of, perhaps, a 327 V8. Only needing a new home and not in search of an LS restomod, this ’65 El Camino is in Littlerock, Washington, and is available here on craigslist for $15,299.
When the El Camino returned in 1964, it was in the market by itself because the Ranchero had switched to the compact Falcon platform. So, it had a greater payload capacity than its competitor. A 230 cubic-inch inline-6 was standard, which was fine as long as doing the quarter mile was not something you were interested in doing. A “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission was also standard, and the seller’s El Camino was built with both.
We’re told this vehicle has 160,000 miles, and there is no reference to an engine or tranny rebuild. However, much of the front suspension is newer. An HEI distributor replaces the original, and the front brakes have been converted to discs. The truck also has power steering and even an onboard trickle charger for the battery! The seller says this pickup runs great and will deliver 25 mpg (highway, no doubt).
The Tuxedo black paint looks good, and the red interior may reflect newer bench seat upholstery. The bed has a spray-in liner so you don’t have to worry about scuffing up the paint when hauling something. It’s not perfect, but certainly good enough for the Cars & Coffee crowd who’ve never seen an El Camino. This truck is on the market to produce cash to fund other “hot rod” projects the seller has. Low ballers be gone! And thanks to “Curvette” for the cool tip!
Schweet!
This El Camino is really nice. The brake upgrade will make it more drivable in today’s traffic. It almost begs for a small block 4 speed, but it would be a shame to trash its originality. $15k seems like a fair price for this beauty. I think I’d drive it for a while before deciding to change the driveline. GLWTS
Would have to replace the fuzzy pink seat upholstery. Other wise nice truck/car.
good looking camino. love the 6cly. not many left with these still in it. not fan of the black motor or that seat. car presents well and the price seems fair. some TLC and you have cool cruiser.
Lovely looking El. 1964 through 66 are my favourite years for the El Camino, at least until the 1970-71 models. I hope whoever buys this vehicle enjoys it.
I think I would keep the six but replace the 3-speed manual with a 4-speed manual on the floor. Then I’d look for the original factory-style seat covers and just enjoy driving it.
If I had the money and a mechanic who knows how to work manual gearbox, I’d love to keep the column gearchange, while adding a gear ratio if possible to make it a 4 spd. manual.
Had one of these 25 years ago with a 283 and a power glide with AC that I paid 1500 for. Sweet ride until my ex wife totalled it out.
I really don’t see a down side to this car. I was surprised by the 6, but why? It could be a great driver and with gas prices the 6 cylinder might be a real plus.
I’d drive the car as it is, six cyl. and all. The only upgrade I’d give it would be disc brakes and seat belts.
Replacement seat upholstery and door panels are the only things I would have to change. 6 cylinder, three on the tree is fine with me! I would at some point repaint the engine back to Chevy Orange. This would make a nice bookend for my 70 Elco SS396! Seems like a very reasonable price as well
Thank You Russ, There is absolutely nothing wrong with an inline 6 and 3 on the tree!!! I would get rid of the PINK interior!!! The rest of the interior looks dark red or maroon so match it. Would have to check with Hagerty and dicker a little on the price, otherwise this vehicle will make someone a great back up daily driver and grocery getter as well as a good conversation starter at Cars & Coffee.
Nice car, even with the 6 cylinder! While in high-school the owner of the gas station that I hung out at sometimes. Had a ’65 El Camiono 6 cylinder three on the tree. I drove it a couple of times and it was fine. Another guy that hung out there also had a Chevelle with a 307 that eat a camshaft. (a very common occurrence back then) He pulled the engine and replaced it with a 327 and gave the engine to the gas station owner. Who rebuilt it with a mild 350 camshaft. I stopped at the station a few days later and was told “you need to take the Elco for a drive “. No one realized that the ElCamino had such a low (numerically) gear. It seemed like it would never stop accelerating in second gear. I belive that 100 mph in second gear was possible! It didn’t accelerate hard, but just seemed like forever! I bet fuel economy would have been very decent with the 2 bbl. carburetor. (It was a 350 2bbl. Intake and carb. (The larger carb.)
I would like to hear about rust, past and present.
6 cyl. 3 on the tree ~ great setup for a driver. I had a ’79 C10 with that combo & it was an awesome workhorse truck.