It’s hard to go wrong when you are talking about a classic car with a triple-black color combination. That is the case with this 1975 El Camino SS, although it does need some work to be returned to its former glory. There are some rust problems, but it is a classic that is said to run and drive. It also seems to represent a relatively affordable restoration project, and the result should be a vehicle that is entertaining to own and drive. The El Camino is located in Archer, Florida, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The BIN for the SS is $5,900, but there is also the option to make an offer.
In its heyday, the El Camino was finished in Tuxedo Black with a Black vinyl top. Time and the elements have taken the toll on the finish, and this is a classic that will require a full repaint. The panels seem to be straight, with no signs of any significant dings or dents. The trim and chrome appear to be in good order, and there are no apparent signs of any issues with the glass. The owner states that the floors have been patched at some point, but that they will require further attention. He floats the idea of repairing what is there but also suggests that they might benefit from total replacement. The panels themselves look to be rust-free, and the bed floor shows no signs of problems. That isn’t to say that the next owner will be getting off scot-free when it comes to exterior rust.
Now that looks a touch on the icky side. Moisture has managed to find its way under the original Black vinyl. I would say that this has been happening on a long-term basis, and there are plenty of holes that will now require attention. There are a couple of ways that this problem could be tackled. It would be possible to apply patches to address the issues. However, I suspect that the buyer would be on a hiding to nothing following that line of thinking. It might be possible to locate a roof from a donor car, and this is one potential option. The third, and probably the most satisfactory, would be to source a new roof skin. These are available and can be bought for under $400. That would provide a permanent solution using fresh steel.
This El Camino is not a numbers-matching car. The original engine suffered a failure, and in its place is a relatively fresh 350ci crate motor. This is backed by a 3-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, while the vehicle also features power steering and power brakes. The owner states that the El Camino runs and drives, which suggests that it could be actively used during the restoration process. Most of us are aware that the world is littered with “clone” cars, and I suspect that this vehicle might be an SS clone. Decoding the VIN indicates that this El Camino rolled off the line equipped with a 400ci V8, producing 175hp. This is what raises the warning flag for me. I followed up on this because I wasn’t 100% sure. What I have found is that the ’75 El Camino SS was offered with both the 350ci and 454ci V8s, but I can find no mention of the 400. It was certainly available in other offerings within the El Camino range, but I can’t find it linked to the SS. If this information is correct, then that makes this vehicle an SS clone. I will be interested in feedback from our knowledgeable Barn Finds readers on this. If I’m wrong, then I will happily admit my mistake. Over to you on that one.
I would describe the El Camino’s interior condition as being serviceable but tired. The passenger seat is broken and will require repair. The dash and pad look to be in restorable condition, but there is a lot of wear and tear that will need to be addressed. The seats would benefit from new covers, some of the plastic on the console is damaged, while the door trims have been cut to fit aftermarket speakers. For all of that, the interior is nicely appointed. It comes equipped with air conditioning, a remote driver’s mirror, swivel bucket seats, a console, and a tilt wheel.
By 1975, the El Camino had grown in every dimension. Tightening emission regulations and increased weight had impacted its performance, but it still promised to be an entertaining classic to own and drive. It may have shared a lot of its underpinnings with the Chevelle, but the El Camino will always tip the scales at a lower weight than an equivalent Chevelle. That is part of the secret behind its relatively impressive performance figures when compared to its sibling. This one has the potential to be something special once again, and it is just waiting for the right person to come along and fulfill that promise.
Clone
It’s being sold by Classic Car Barn, owned by Titus, in Williston, FL. With a non original engine and poor paint condition, it doesn’t look to have much value. In addition, with no undercar pics and only one engine pic, who knows what kind of condition it’s actually in. Would offer maybe $3k.
Even that’s too much.
Steve R
Ever notice in big parkin lots how many cars have clearcoat peeling? Even Lexuses. Then again, unlike when i was a kid in the 60’s, when was the last time you ever saw anyone waxing a car? (Or changing the oil in the driveway?) Hard to do either with your face buried in the phone all day & night.
Might as well have painted this car flat black – no clearcoat.
Also, the last cars that should have been ordered with vinyl roofs are 70’s cars.
Lexota is not the bar to use. Most of them are just cheap gold rebadged toyotas.
This car is 5899. Over its value.
The roof is as the B52’s tag line in their iconic song “Tin Roof Rusted”. The floors and a nice Florida climate.
Buy another one online or on a lot or in the bottom of a lake, rivet, ocean but pass on this beast.
How a out a Texas good paint looks nice 8800. and no work needed?
https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1313614/1976-chevrolet-el-camino-for-sale-in-fort-worth-texas-76110
I believe this may have been an SS. Regular El Camino’s came with “El Camino” front fender emblems. On SS’s the El Camino emblems were replaced with a stripe that wrapped around the body, from front fender to front fender. Since these emblems appear to be missing from this Camino, it could have been an SS.
By 75 the SS was not much more than a stripe package, available on any V8 El Camino. It could be had with either the 2bbl or 4bbl 350, the small block 400, or the big block 454. Also included in the 75 SS package were grill and dash SS emblems, painted sport mirrors, and the Monte Carlo round gauge dash (with idiot lights). 15″ rally wheels, GR70 white lettered tires and Sport Suspension, were also part of the package. Swivel buckets, console, full gauges, etc, were all optional on the SS. Other than the stripes, anything that was part of the SS package, was also available on any regular El Camino’s.
I don’t know that 75 SS’s are worth anything more than regular 75 El Camino’s or 75 El Camino Classic’s. But with the wrong motor, and as rough as this one is, SS or not, I’m not surprised it was a no sale at $5900.
Not to mention that this one has a 1974 grille. Everything you said is on the money. There were actually two models available in 75. A 1C80 and a 1D80. The C was the base car and the D was the Classic. Everything else were option packages.
Personal opinion is that this one is pure junk. Minimal parts value. I have one very similar with the original 454. Unfortunately, mine is in marginally better shape and I’m getting tempted to give up on it because of lack of parts availability.
$1500.00 or just part it out. Make more than that on parts anyway. When I see the word Florida and I’m in Seattle I just move on fast. Come to Puget sound I’ll find you a very little rust car that doesn’t need the whole top cut off.LOL ! !Later…………………JIMMY.
I bought one Brand New, but not the SS. And I kicked myself in the a$$ for not getting the SS. The TRUE SS had a 454 ci. and swivel bucket seats and you could get column shift, or 4 speed, or console mount. For $750 more than my gutless 350 ci….. But at that time was the Gas shortage and gas was moving toward 75 cents per gal. . Just picture the 454 with a 4 speed in a El Camino. (probably would have gotten impounded anyway) Not to mention the re-sale value.
I recently sold a 73 real SS missing the 454 got $1300, I do a lot of elcaminos but you can’t give away a 73-77, not wanted or desired by any auto enthusiast or collector.i drive an 83 Caballero every day and have several others (80-85) everyway I go people try to buy it but the heavies (73-77) no one even inquires
Colonnade Elky. Look at the Dec. ’19 Hot Rod, if any of you read that. There’s a ’73 in there that will change your mind completely about this style, it sure changed mine. This particular car was looking promising until I saw the roof. I’m sur the purchase price will end up much lower.