Except for two years (1959-60), Chevrolet’s El Camino pickup was based on the mid-size Chevelle/Malibu (1964-87). That included the Colonnade era of GM intermediates (1973-77) that proved to be quite popular. Sporting new paint, we’re told this 1973 El Camino has the SS option and a 454 cubic-inch V8, but the photos provided for that are lacking. Located in Goliad, Texas, this almost finished project is available here on craigslist for $17,000. Tony Primo comes through again in the tips department.
The 1973 redesign resulted in a 12% increase in El Camino sales, which had already been up in 1972. As the SS was still an option on the Chevelle/El Camino, we don’t know how many of them were produced in 1973. Telltale signs were trim items like a blacked-out grill with emblems, Rally wheels, and SS instrumentation. V8 choices were either 350 or 454 CI displacements, of which the latter is in the seller’s pickup (numbers-matching?). It had been detuned to 245 hp SAE net.
We don’t know how long the seller has had this El Camino, but he/she has receipts dating back more than 35 years. The Turbo-Hydramatic has been rebuilt, but all the seller says that relates to the motor is that the vehicle “runs and drives.” The odometer is broken, so the seller does not hazard a guess at how many miles are on this Chevy. But a new carburetor and tires adorn the “Ute” (utility coupe).
Fresh blue paint can be seen everywhere, and we’re told there was no rust or body filler. A raised hood scoop was added to the package. The seller also says the interior is new, but it has escaped the camera lens. The buyer will need to replace the headliner, install the air conditioner, and get the glove box to latch. So, if you don’t mind doing some fine-tuning, does this El Camino float your boat?
Looks like a paint color that Ford had… Medium Shadow Blue.
It could be a trick of the light or camera Stan. In some photos it looks like the stock GM silver blue ( the ine that would fade and peel off). Either way. Its nicely done.
Every manufacturer had a metallic shade similar to this in the 1960’s and early-1970’s, they also each had variants of green and gold. They all look good on cars of that era, but largely lose their ability to be differentiated when seen on their own.
Steve R
Clean looking Elco. I’m not a fan of this body style, and the hood scoop doesn’t help the appearance at all.
Not sure if they improved the ad. But there’s one shot of the motor. And a few of the interior. Seats look great.
Why does everyone have to put a cowl induction hood on every Chevrolet vehicle. This one looks bad.
I had a ’76 Malibu Classic in that color.
not too sure of where this owner was going but the hood and modified interior are not a big selling point for me as is the missing a/c. this guy is worried about a non-latching glove box. really?
I like it! Subtle-not overdone.
Are those “factory” buckets??
NO the seats are not factory and neither is the console. I think this car should have the originals put back in it.
No, those are definitely not factory buckets. Bucket seats for those would have been the swivel bucket. I like the colonade body style. They really ride nice, I’ve had several
The cowl hood destroys the look and the console from a later model Trailblazer doesn’t help either
What does one do with the empty shifter slot?