It doesn’t take much for my suggestibility to get the better of me. For example, a kid in my neighborhood drives a gray El Camino much like this one, and I’ve regularly found myself wondering if I was an El Camino guy after all. There’s not much in the old car world I wouldn’t be interested in taking a crack at. If your mindset mirrors mine, you could be the third owner of this ’84 Conquista (which is a fancy trim package). Would you believe that it has 165,000 miles on it? It sure looks new, and aside from a couple minor flaws, it looks like a pretty good way to scratch that car-truck itch. It’s on eBay right now with a high bid of $7,100 (and I imagine it will go quite a bit higher).
The engine room is home to the “big motor,” which in 1984 was the 305. Hidden by miles of wiring and vacuum hose, it squeezes out 145 horsepower, but that’s enough to cruise around in one of the nicest El Caminos of this generation. It’s clear that this has been a meticulously maintained vehicle. The ad says that everything works, “even the clock and cruise control.” We’ll assume the air conditioning works, because it is indeed a part of “everything.”
One of the few flaws is the dash pad (which you can barely see in this image), in addition a few stone chips that you’re bound to get after so many miles on the road. I wonder if the Chevy hat comes with the deal.
Even the bed is extremely clean, with only a few dents to let you know that someone carried a load in there once or twice. It’s almost too nice to use as a practical errand runner, and I wouldn’t want to put a bedliner in there. What a conundrum!
Even the name is amazing. In case “El Camino” wasn’t exotic enough, “Conquista!” It conjures up images of knights errant and far away locales. For some reason, the El Camino in general makes me happy. It’s such a weird idea, but it became popular enough that nobody thought anything of it, and it actually makes all the sense in the world. (Before anyone says it, I know that the Australian utes were the originators of the Ranchero/El Camino concept.) Some people just don’t need a big old truck; perhaps a new El Camino would be popular all over again.
Since that’s unlikely to happen, someone will get a heck of a nice one in buying this ’84.
Wow!!! I am seriously impressed with the condition of the ElCamino. I also appreciate their honesty in reporting 165000 miles and not saying 65000. Heck, if they said 45000 original miles I would probably believe it. This is a great example of showing how a lot of care over the years really pays off. I agree with you Aaron. I wouldn’t put a bedliner in there. I dont know why but its one of the first places I look in any vintage truck. A clean dent free shiny bed just impresses me for some odd reason. I really like those seats, I dont know if they’re original or redone, but either way they are in remarkable shape. This really brings me back to 1984. Really nice. Great write up, Aaron.
Dave
💯 Driveinstile, another preventative maintenance example. That’s alot of driving, and use of a vehicle. 🙌
Always liked the Camino and Ranchero.
…if they just would start making these again…..
Amen….in AWD.
What Subaru should have built, instead of the BAJA.
Yes.. put ot on a modern platform.. I was hoping that the Ford Maverick was the answer…. not… I ended up buying a very clean F150… but it’s just kinda too big…
I owned a 1984 Conquista for 12 years. Loved it. I put a 1/4” thick vinyl sheet on just the floor of the bed, not a complete liner.
I dropped a sbc 350 in it eventually.
Like the old adage, wish I had never sold it…something about spilled milk?? lol
I have a 84 Conquista with 81k on it. I am 2nd owner. No rust but int and ext and paint are bad. Don’t know what to do with it but have to decide soon.
I have owned several El Caminos some nice ,others not so much! I liked them all. A great way to have a car and a P/U too.
I bought a new El Camino in 1987. It was my daily until last year. It still has the untouched 305-4v, 1 water pump.. 2 fuel pumps.. 2 carbs(Mountain Man) and 2 transmissions(200-4r). I drive it once a week to work. I have pulled my 16′ flatbed loaded with wood.. or sod.. or dirt. it now has 750k miles on it. I installed all of the F41 items available. Removed the air shocks and installed in spring air bags.. KYB Gas-adjust shocks all around. Its a perfect Cruck for a small farm. To be sure.. the car is a lover and not a fighter. The 305 is plenty strong for what I need. I also have HD2500 for the horse trailer and such. If you want a great ride and handling and the ability to haul and occasional 1/2 yard of dirt.. the Elco is recommended. Also.. It still knocks down 22 mpg. What’s not to like? The Camino is a love it or hate it car.. I love mine like I love my from new 78 King Cobra. Another love it or hate it car..
love (only) these 3rd’n final chevelle models (coup, sedan, this, wagon, vert). The return to ‘straight lines’, the big fat grill, roomy, long 116 inch WB. This one of that model has the curved back window/headboard, all excellent.
Still a lill big for me tho. Bring it down a foot… perfection (no, BRAT jus a lill small). Yup, just
Sign Me as Goldie
Always admired them. Never owned one. Uncle Orin owned a ’74 Conquista, first year. Man people used to love two tone. This one is a gem.
Bought my son an 84 El Camino Conquista when he turned 16. Still has it in the corner of his shed 17 years later, about 110k on it. 350 & 700R4 out of a Camaro, still says he’s ‘going to fix it up someday’. Hope he does before it rots!