Chevrolet had two “new” products to offer buyers in 1964. The first was the all-new mid-size Chevelle, designed to compete with the Ford Fairlane (which had been resized in 1962). The second was the return of the El Camino “gentleman’s pickup” after being absent from Chevy literature for three years. It was based on a 2-door Chevelle wagon. This first year of the reborn El Camino has recently emerged from a garage where it spent 15 years untouched. With some work done, the truck is ready to be driven home by its new owner. Located in Waynesville, North Carolina, this vintage transport is available here on eBay for $18,500 OBO.
In 1959, the El Camino and Ford Ranchero competed head-to-head. But in 1960, Ford moved the Ranchero to the new compact Falcon platform while the Chevy stayed where it was. Then a full-size redesign came along in 1961 when Chevrolet lost the “batwing” look and dropped the El Camino (perhaps to less-than-expected sales). When it returned in 1964, sales more than doubled over 1960 and the El Camino would handily beat the Ranchero in the sales game almost every year going forward. While the Ranchero was dropped in 1979, the El Camino was around through 1987.
The seller bought this ’64 Chevy from its original owner after having been dormant for a decade and a half. Some new parts were needed, including heater elements, brakes, tires, and a battery. It has a 283 cubic inch V8 engine, paired with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. An interesting feature is that the dealer added an overdrive to the transmission with a switch under the dashboard. Mechanically, everything seems up to snuff.
We assume the paint is original and most of the sheet metal is good. There is a small hole in the roof where an antenna was once mounted for the owner’s CB radio (“breaker, breaker, good buddy!). Of course, the bed has a lot of surface rust due to scratches and scrapes as the 91,000-mile truck had to work for a living back in the day. If you’re looking for a solid survivor from the second generation of the El Camino, this one looks stout.
Always a soft spot for ‘64 ChevellesEl Camino’s and this one would cost a lot more than money if it were closer and in as decent condition s it appears, whiskey bump’s notwithstanding..
This looks like a sound buy. 283 can’t be killed. 3 on the tree with overdrive is great too. Someone will get a nice Elcamino not needing to much.
In 1960 I became a forward lean’n Ford guy since my first car purchase was a 47 Ford convert for $125 (still sitting in my garage), first car kind of sets a life long preference, however, 55 Chevies had soft spots in every young guys heart. That soft spot hardened after the 58 redesign and when the Chevelles bounced up, hey, right size, right design and closest thing to an updated 55 became available. Have always liked the first and second editions, the El Camino was a real “heart throb”. Hope it gets a happy home.
Nearly got killed driving one. Buddy had one with the 283, Duntov cam, M22 and 4.11s. Had to shift like Grumpy Jenkins as the rpms came up fast. Brakes failed at the top of 3rd on a dead end street. Nearly drove up the steps into the girls dorm. Quick downshifts, parking brake and a change of underwear, in that order.
SBC, Duntov 30/30, 4 spd.,+ 4:11 = Mucho Fun. I know there are “new” better designs, but a Duntov 12/18 would wake up the 283 in this gem, looks to be in good condition, price seems in ballpark for El Camino.
This is a nice 64. A 283, three on the tree and an overdrive in what appears to be a pretty solid car for what seems like a fair price. I think addressing the hole in the roof would be a priority since the headliner seems to be in good condition currently.
Very cool, and no surprise that it’s sold. The overdrive is a factory unit, and that combined with a 283 was capable of fantastic gas mileage!