If I had a dollar for every classic I’ve seen upgraded from a six-cylinder motor to a V8, I could probably afford to bid on this 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. What makes this classic unusual is that the seller has headed in the opposite direction with one of the most unusual transplants you will ever see. It may now only have a six under the hood, but its performance will be mighty impressive. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Les for spotting the El Camino listed here at Hagerty in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Bidding sits at $9,999 with all bids in US dollars.
As with its predecessor, Chevrolet based the Third Generation El Camino on the then-current Chevelle. The first examples hit showroom floors in 1968, while our featured classic rolled off the line when the company performed a facelift in 1971. The word “striking” springs to mind when describing its appearance. The panels are laser-straight, cloaked in stunning Burgundy Wine paint. It has a depth of color and shine that you could walk into, although the seller’s comprehensive image gallery reveals a few minor paint imperfections and bubbles. However, the El Camino remains exceptionally presentable, and the winning bidder can address the shortcomings at their leisure. The trim and glass are spotless, and the headlights are updated LED units. Rounding out the exterior and making a further bold visual statement are the 18″ American Racing wheels.
Lifting the El Camino’s hood reveals an almighty surprise. Those expecting a V8 will be shocked to discover that the six occupying the engine bay isn’t even a GM product. The builder created this classic for the All Supra Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, and that’s the clue. They utilized Toyota’s 3.0-liter 2JZ-GTE VVT-i inline-six. This turbocharged DOHC powerplant produced 320hp and 315 ft/lbs of torque when bolted beneath a Supra’s hood. However, their decision to replace the original twin-turbo system with a larger Precision 6766 turbocharger should increase output. This beast sends its power to a Currie 9″ limited-slip rear end via a six-speed CD009 manual transmission. Add an AEM Infinity-6 standalone ECU, enormous upgraded Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes, and a list of suspension improvements and chassis bracing, and the creator has clearly adopted a “total package” approach. Although it’s not stated, the El Camino appears to be a turnkey proposition.
This El Camino’s interior features a mix of standard trim pieces and custom touches. It retains its factory door trims, headliner, and basic dash structure. However, additions include deeply sculpted leather bucket seats, a four-spoke Grant wood-rim wheel, a custom console, and an AEM digital instrument cluster. The condition is pretty tidy, with no major wear or other problems. The leather looks supple, but the custom fascia for the instrument cluster has a couple of rough edges that are unexpected from a custom of this caliber. However, any perceived interior faults would require more time than money to address.
I know that many Barn Finds readers feel that there’s nothing as great as a thumping V8, so it will be interesting to gauge your responses to this 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. The engine swap is unusual, blending American charm with Japanese high-tech performance. I know it won’t appeal to everyone, but I will be fascinated to see whether any Barn Finders are so intrigued by this classic that they plan to join the bidding. I’d wish you luck if you do.
This is a great looking ElCamino. The engine choice is definitely not at all what I expected. When Adam started off about a six cylinder I was expecting a Diesel truth be told. Nice job with the surprise Adam!!! I’d be very interested in how the work was done. And how it runs and drives. I’m sure its got to be very quick. I’m not sure how right I would be here, but if that Toyota 6 cylinder weighs less than a Chevy big block, or even a small block, you’d have a good weight distribution here. Definitely would start some interesting conversations at a Cars and Coffee for sure.
Since I have nothing nice to say, I won’t say anything at all.
Joy.
Too late.
We’ve seen American Iron wedged into various British, European and Asian machinery-now, in turn, one bridging that with a different twist. Appears to be nice work and would definitely turn heads at any car meet, be it any of the above.
Interesting catch, Les! And excellent write up as always, Adam, especially as one that completely demands a look from a different perspective.
Very cool looking ElCam. And since I like different, I appreciate the work and thought process. Would be interesting to see a dyno printout. Because of the engine choice, I don’t believe the car will fetch anything close to the $ invested. $10,200 with 2 days remaining.
Not a fan. The 68 to 72 El Caminos were the absolute best of the best the way they came off the showroom floor.
But that’s just me and my humble opinion.
Agreed. I understand the plus one when choosing tire & wheel combos. Moving up from a 14″ to a 15″ can enhance the appearance and improve performance. Having 18s like this doesn’t necessarily improve the looks and likely makes it ride worse without attention to other suspension components. Maybe the ugliest improvement to these classics has to be the LED headlamps. Atrocious.
Seriously. This thing looks psychotic.
Being a light freak/Snob ( used to work for the Marchal factory/importer rep and did many special applications, testing and aiming lights at the Daytona 24 hours before Daytona had lights) I have yet to find an LED headlamp worth spit. They make lots of light up close but have no depth of pattern. (Plus alot of them look just plain stupid like these.) Different? Yes. Improvement for maybe up to 50 MPH, maybe. After that speed, most likely not.
Perhaps it was built to drift race in Tokyo?
I kinda like this swap, it’s different from the standard V8 swap. That i6 has a lot of aftermarket performance parts available, I think. I seem to recall the Toyota-built engines having a difficult time with their cylinders heads, but I suspect the aftermarket crowd has dealt with that. Looks good in that engine bay.
1z 1.8L I4 had the piston oiling problem. I can pull the engines out of the last Gen Celica in about 1.5 hours. The 2JZ GTE is a completely different animal. 320hp is mild, those can go up to 1000hp without changing any of the internals.The 2JZ GT can sneak up on 500hp without changing internals.
Being a ElCamino lover, the more I looked at the pictures the less impressed I was and the less I liked it…
Being a big toyota fan,this is one of my favorite swaps.Less weight pure Japanese power with a different twist.
This should scarper I’m sure.
It has potential and it’s different. The interior is what makes everything fall apart. Wiring is a mess, and what’s hiding behind the blanking panel that holds the AEM readout? Returning the interior to a somewhat stock look and retaining the engine shouldn’t be difficult, but it will cost. As will the rust bubbles all over the car..
I agree 100%.. plus they used those bulky, fat, aftermarket bucket seats. They might be comfortable, but they sure aren’t pretty. The El Camino, Camaro, Chevelle of that era had the coolest looking interiors.
One heck of a sweet-fast ride! Someone will get a heck of a ride with this!!! Been in this several times and it wont disappoint anyone!!!
Well constructed and well built!!!
Just no.
Hastily painted with nasty surprises coming, and exhaust system dragging the ground are big demerits. Some good parts but an impractical money pit.
Built for one show then flip it quick.
I’m going to follow Zen’s advice
Great looking elCamino. Good color and stance. The drivetrain is cool and an interesting twist on what is expected.
not what i would do with an el camino.
They should’ve finished the engine cover in brandy wine with pin striping.
Not my cup of tea.
The 1970 4 headlights are the collectible year to get. Looks to me like it’s missing something. The 71 and 72 is a big pass for me.
Not my “Cup of Tea”!!! Personally I like the earlier of the Chevelle based El Caminos. And if you are going with an inline 6 lets keep it GM. A “built” GMC 261 or Chevy 292 will not have the performance of this Jap powerplant, But at least it would be an American truck!!!! The interior does nothing for me.
Well, Brocky, I have to side with you on this. The builder did a nice job, and the outside looks great, but the engine is the equivilant of shooting himself in the foot.
Japanese vehicles have barely made status in our region but only a shaky truce. Too many people with relatives who fought them are still around and dropping an engine from a Japanese car into an American vehicle is enough to start another war. It’s really too bad because the Japanese have learned to produce some good products.
Maybe the Left Coast…
Beautiful machine! definitely not a fan of the engine choice, I would of been comfortable with say a turbocharged grand national motor or something from a gm product but I absolutely hate the engine being from an important. Pretty ridiculous in my eyes.
High end Cuban custom.
A chev-ota engine .
I would love to know the mpg and torque.
It’s a good looking Elcamino …
I like it.
Pretty cool swap actually. Only detraction to me are the headlights, easily rectified. I just sold my 70 El Camino SS396 yesterday after 10.5 years.
I love the concept of the engine swap. Very creative. But IMO it’s just the wrong car to do it to. Maybe a Nova? Or Maverick? Or something similar to those. But not an El Camino.
But the 292 is easily build able make quite the monster even 261 turbocharged either or keep it American pleases 🙏
What a way to devalue a nice Elky.
Why!!!?
I wonder if one would have to pay a tarriff to bring it over?
But which crowd are you going to hang out with, the import groups or the muscle car crowd? Or, which one will let you? It’d be interesting to find out. I personally like the car if the work was done well.
SOLD (after the auction ended) for $22,500.
22 bids.