This one’s a surprise! It’s a 1967 Chevrolet El Camino, in excellent shape, sporting a 396 CI engine and living life with a four-speed manual transmission. This would normally be a high-dollar seller – not as much as a Chevelle, the vehicle on which it’s based, but still pricey. Not this one; it has a $16,500 ask, and that sounds very reasonable in my book; maybe too reasonable. That being the case, let’s do a deep dive and see what Curvette has found for us. Chehalis, Washington, is where you’ll find this neat Ute, and it’s listed here on craigslist.
So, to be specific: this is not an SS396 El Camino – that didn’t officially occur until the ’68 model year. This Chevy is an El Camino Custom that just happens to have a 396 CI engine, and it’s the second year for this configuration, one that was first available in ’66. Chevrolet built 34,830 El Caminos in ’67, of which 26,480 wore the “Custom” trim designation. I must say, this example is resplendent in its deep Marina Blue finish! As with the Chevelle coupe and convertible, rust is hardly the friend of this generation Camino, but none is noted in the few pictures that comprise the listing. I’d appreciate a shot or two of the underside – and one of the cargo bed to help with an objective assessment. With what can be viewed, this is one very clean car/truck!
Underhood is a typical big-block engine, but the “long pump” water pump and passenger-side mounted alternator tell me this is not the born-with powerplant. Long pump engines, both big and small block, debuted in 1969. Anyway, for ’67, the horsepower outputs were 325, 350, or 375 gross HP (very rare) – there’s no way of knowing how this engine started life. It looks fairly stock, though it is topped with an Edelbrock intake manifold and what looks like a Holley carburetor. I’m not sure what the driver’s-side billet canister is for – it looks like a vacuum reservoir, as it has a connection to the power brake booster. As noted earlier, a four-speed manual gearbox handles gear changes, and the seller states, “very fun car to drive.”
The compact interior is fantastically clean, and the black vinyl upholstery and carpet show no signs of wear. Also, the seller mentions that a new, uninstalled headliner is included in the sale. A typical steering column-mounted tachometer is present along with an aftermarket steering wheel that, subjectively, does little to enhance this Chevy’s interior – to each his own, of course. The gear shifter is a Hurst unit and not an original Muncie piece, but that’s no surprise, as the Muncies were “loose”, wore quickly, and became problematic. This is a non A/C equipped car.
The listing claims, “Price Drop,” but by how much is not stated. Yup, seems like a heck of a buy, but that old saying “All that glitters is not gold” comes to mind. Interested parties should definitely consider an in-person inspection (interrogation?). What’s your thought: too good to be true, or no, it’s about right?
Sweet looking car, great price. Nice find, and write up.
It’s still available. Maybe it isn’t a scam? I like the steering wheel. I’d rather see that than those cheap a$$ vinyl steering wheel covers with the whip cord tie. I like it but maybe the price of gas is keeping buyers away?
Looks like a great deal. I’d try and make arrangements to see in in person as soon as possible, but by no means send a deposit. I’d let my eyes do the “interrogation”, potentially creating an adversarial relationship is unnecessary and pointless.
Steve R