When it comes to naming your vehicle and adding a mural or other graphics to tell its story, the van community has long dominated this arena of automotive artistry. However, it appears a challenger has emerged with this 1980 Chevrolet El Camino named “The Royal Knight” and customized with a black and red paint and graphics scheme that certainly helps it stand out from the crowd. But wait! It turns out this isn’t custom at all, but actually a factory package offered by GM and highlighted by a lawsuit that caused the company to quickly pivot from its original naming convention of “The Black Knight” and thus, the Royal Knight emerged.
Given what was going on with the van community at the time, I have to believe someone at GM wanted to capture some of that magic and apply it to the El Camino, which certainly would have been welcome at most camp sites and other venues where “vanners” hung out. The decal kit included the striping all around the car, lettering in classic “Old English” style, color-matched front air dam, blacked-out grill and window moldings, sport mirrors, and of course, a massive winged dragon motif on the hood. Obviously, you were someone who enjoyed the thought of being a real-life dragon slayer if you owned a car like this.
So, what’s interesting about this particular car is the seller notes it has been “… at this location since 1982” and that it came with the property when he purchased it. Still, he has done some research to confirm the car’s history and the changes that have happened along the way, including a respray and an engine swap to a 400. The original 305 still comes with it, and despite the changes, the previous owner obviously intended to keep it as original as possible. The interior looks to be in good order, but I can’t tell if those are the factory “Royal Knight” floor mats.
The engine upgrade makes this El Camino even cooler and the fact that the matching numbers engine comes with it is icing on the cake. The seller notes that the rear air shocks do not hold air but that the ride height is perfect; regardless, I’d want to know if it was slamming on the bump stops at every road abrasion. Rear shocks are an easy fix for sure, and the seller notes the A/C will hold a charge for a full year once re-fueled. Although this is a rare variant, values aren’t super high so you should be able to get into this cool El Camino for reasonable money. Find it here on eBay with bids to $5,100 and the reserve unmet.
As a kid i remember staring at an ad for one of these in Car&Driver for hours on end. It was black with gold decals. I think at the time you could get one with the 160hp 305 and a 4 spd. That was decent for the day. And to this day these are one of the most useful vehicles out there. Maybe not for heavy loads but so easy to reach into for tools and such. And theres no vehicle easier to load a dirtbike or any motorcycle into, really. Great find
You are correct Matt. I bought 87 El Camino new and still use it as my daily driver. Orig 305 w/747k miles. The original timing chain even. I use it as it was intended. She’s a lover.. not a fighter. I am also short so the low bed side is perfect. I have a HD2500 for heavier loads but the Camino pulls my 16′ flat bed trailer just fine.
One slight comment. The ones with the hold decals actually were the black knight edition mentioned in the article. The Royal Knight seems to be a little less common, but idk what the numbers were, just from observation.
Gold not hold. I hate spell check.
Great for dirtbike haulers and mountain bikes too!!! They will pull a snowmobile trailer really well, and you can even put the Santa Claus sleigh in the bed!
These are rare as hen teeth! I had a ‘81 Elky Conquista, a SW edition that is rare today. I had a crate motor/trans & air shocks for hauling and was amazing as a daily driver. My dad drove it for years after I got tired of it.
This El Camino doesn’t give off a custom van vibe to me. But it does scream Firebird Trans Am, big time. Can’t say I’ve ever seen one in the wild.
I had a 1978 Black Knight with saddle bucket seats console and every option available. Sold it in 1980 because my newborn son needed a better spot than in his car seat behind me. 1978 was the only year you could get the 350 4bbl and it was a very nice running car/truck. Would love to have one again. Saw one in 1980 when I sold mine at the dealer with a 305 and 4 speed with console and buckets. Very cool ride.
Nice ride! Would $7,100 get me there?