Here’s a rare beast: it’s the GMC version of Chevy’s El Camino coupe utility, rare as a hen’s tooth thanks to limited distribution versus its sibling. Only about 30,200 Caballeros saw the light of day over the entire production run from 1977 through 1987; meanwhile, in a single good year, the El Camino would sell around 50,000 copies. Visual differences between the two are nearly imperceptible; both shared the Chevy Malibu’s mechanicals. The Caballero received two trim packages: Amarillo (formerly Laredo) and Diablo. In the typical American approach to differentiation, the add-ons provided by these options were only cosmetic. Here on eBay in a no-reserve auction, is a 1985 Caballero Amarillo. Despite known history and fewer than 26k on the clock, this coupe utility is bid to just $8900 so far. It’s currently located in Nine Mile Falls, Washington, though it was sold new in Idaho, just across the state line.
This Caballero’s powerplant was reportedly replaced when the vehicle was new. The original 305 cu. in. V8 was tossed in favor of a 350 ordered from the factory. The seller claims output of 245 hp. An automatic transmission handles gear changes, though a four-speed manual was standard. Like any nice car available at the time, the Caballero – which means “gentleman” in Spanish – offered power everything: brakes, steering, windows, locks. Cruise control, air conditioning, two-tone paint, and special wheels (included with the sale but not installed) were also on the menu. This was no base-model truck; in fact, GM took pains to advertise the Caballero in elegant settings – no hay or gravel allowed.
The Amarillo is equipped with split-bench cloth-upholstered seating with headrests and deep pile carpet. Color-keyed “sport” mirrors, a tilt wheel, and a full gauge package round out the options. The seller notes that the gauges and power equipment all work, but no word on the air conditioner. A modern bluetooth stereo is installed. The manuals and other dealer information come with the car.
This Caballero’s two owners were excellent caretakers, judging by the photos supplied. Despite its similarity to the El Camino, the Caballero has gathered a segment of fans who appreciate its rarity. Prices have been inching up over the last few years and currently range from $10k for a higher-mileage example all the way to near $20k. The current bid here is a bargain, but with time left on the clock, that’s sure to change.
I’ve always pronounced this “Cab a YAR oh”. Is that accurate?
We pronounced it with hard L’s up here 🍁 Danno 👍
Almost. Two consecutive L’s (ll) are pronounced as a y. The stress in the Spanish word caballero falls on the “ye” syllable, making the pronunciation
caballero * kah. – bah. – yeh. – roh Try rolling the r.
mid eighties and power options you can hardly fine on late 90s trucks. This is a sweeet ride!
If i remember well during the 80’s GM had service replacement 350’s under the name Target Master. I doubt the 245 ponies here but if it was an emission legal replacement probably around 185 and 280 in torque so even with 2.29 or 2.73 gears it must have a decent scoot. This one should find a new home real quick
25k why the new motor? why is it rare? neat
If you click through to the eBay ad, the seller discusses why the new motor.
Regarding rarity, GMC sold these in its truck division dealerships, apparently. Yet they often never even featured the Caballero in their truck line-up advertising. That’s why I mentioned “limited distribution”. The sales channel was no match for Chevy’s.
It is rare because it is a GMC, they did not make tens of thousands.
Factory motor failed under warenty is my guess and maybe the owner worked a deal for the bigger engine after not likinng the scoot of the 305 I think it had.
This engine swap can’t help but make one skeptical. If new, as the text reads, there’s NO way that a dealer, much less the factory, would authorize a 350 to replace the 305. 1979 was the final year for 5.7 availability in the El Camino & Malibu. A dealer would lose its license for violating federally-certified emissions testing for the 1985 model year.
Incorrect engine or not, I’m liking this El Callero. I always liked these and the 350 will make it snappier. Burn tires anyone? I wish I had the space and the scratch to buy it.
I always thought it was a wasted opportunity for GMC not to use the Buick, Olds or Pontiac front clip and interiors. It’s not like they’d have had to tool something up themselves.
I have the exact same vehicle same color same year same options mine is a rust free California car but with a difference we installed a crate 383 from GM and an r 400 from gear Stars a 12 volt rear-around from mosher and a four-wheel disc brakes from wilwood. Summertime it’s my daily driver and it’s been on the power tour. Why they don’t make things like these anymore I just don’t understand so much handier than my giant four wheel drive pickup
SOLD for $11,101.
39 bids.