Elkys don’t typically get me going but this ’71 has a few options that caught my attention. I’ve always thought an El Camino could make an affordable muscle car alternative if it had the right hardware. This particular one may not be packing a big block but the 4-speed, positraction, and 4-barrel small block could make it a fun driver. The seller claims that the options make it a 1-of-1 car. Take a look here on eBay where it’s being auctioned off. It’ll be interesting to see if it sells for less than a comparable Nova.
There are some obvious cosmetic flaws here that made me skip over this find at first. The big rust holes in the rockers are a huge turn off but after a closer inspection, things may not be as bad as they first appear. The bed looks surprisingly rust-free, and the seller claims the floors are solid. Someone has painted the frame so let’s hope they weren’t trying to cover up anything. The rest of the body looks clean so maybe there is hope yet.
Back to the hardware. There’s a 350 V8 under the hood that’s breathing through a 4-barrel carburetor. Sure, a 454 would have been cooler but a small block is cheaper to run and easier to get parts for. The seller claims that this is a one-owner pickup and that it has only covered 33k miles. If all the claims are true here, this is quite a find even with the rocker rust.
That engine should provide enough power for most people and the 4-on-the-floor has the added entertainment of rowing your own gears. It’s not all hard work though with power steering and power brakes. This one was even optioned with AC to keep you cool while you’re working out. It may not look it, but this thing is tricked out inside – extra lights, tint, and SS gauges!
It sounds like a lot of work has already been done to make this Chevy a runner, so the first order of business would be doing something about that rust. Rather than slapping some Bondo in there, I’d recommend welding in some patch panels. The two-tone paint job should make it so you can just respray the lower section. After that, I would focus on catching up on any deferred maintenance and fixing any glaring issues. This would then be a fun and functional muscle car alternative. Would you choose it over a Nova?
This El Camino has a great list of options. The problem is a dealer is selling it, so the reserve is likely to be high. There has been previous rust repair, which is evident in the last picture, which casts doubt on their description. A thorough inspection prior to purchase would be wise.
Steve R
From this post, what great list of options? The posts says “The seller claims that the options make it a 1-of-1 car” Did the seller actual list these options? Are they factory or aftermarket….for people concerned if original, 1 of 1 car? From the engine pic, the brake power booster likes like maybe aftermarket. As for AC, power steering & brakes they were the common normal equipment back in ’71….So what is the well optioned parts other then aftermarket parts??? From the post, is the seller the 1 owner of 55years for this car with “only 33k” miles??? This sounds super fishy, like a dealer flipping a car that could have a lot of problems. But maybe I’m just old, cheap and cynical.
What’s your point? Did you read the ad? Picture 26 of 41 shows the invoice with all of the options. Many don’t mean much on their own, but together they suggest someone put in a lot of thought about what they were ordering. By today’s standards most would be considered nonnegotiable. As for it being 1 of 1 or rarity, you brought that up, I didn’t. I think sellers playing the numbers game is just a way of them to drive a price higher.
Steve R
Check the rear frame rails where the controls for the lower rear hook up. They are probably rusted thin. Too bad it has a high reserve. I miss my elkys.
“It’ll be interesting to see if it sells for less than a comparable Nova.”
I think Chevelle would be the more apt comparison.
I’d spring for new fenders, then you get rid of all the rust, although a thorough inspection is warranted given the appearance of surface rust on the quarters. I dunno, might be more there than meets the eye.
Two front fenders, right rocker panel I believe and quarter work. If all else checks out it could be worth it
Bottom side has been spray undercoated and spray can painted covering the sins. Fenders and quarters all show rot. Save your money. This will require a LOT of sheet metal work. Could be a good donor if you can find a rust free shell and frame.
I had a 68 with the 350, auto trans. I really liked it but it began rusting around the rear window trim and the rockers.
I always thought the El Camino was much better looking that the Ford Ranchero. I thought the Ford was boxy looking whereas the El Camino was sleek. Just my opinion.
Lovely looking El Camino. I haven’t seen one this nice in who knows how long. I hope whoever buys it enjoys it and carefully maintain it.
Nice?!?! This bucket is FAR from NICE!!! It’s a MAJOR bodywork project with all the visible rust and God only KNOWS how badly that undercarriage is under that cheap spray coating!! If that crap was done to hide rust like I suspect, this El Camino is junk!!!
This is an interesting El Camino. As others pointed out, the visible rust would suggest an in person inspection to determine how extensive the rust is. Maybe new fenders and some quarter repair would do the trick? But the bed is rust free, and the options on this car make it very attractive, if it can be bought at the right price. At $10k – $12k a buyer might not go too far under water.
The rust you can see is often like the tip of an iceberg. An in person inspection would be a must on this one. New Jersey is not typically kind to vehicles of this age.
Its a AMD special . Half the catalog and a couple rolls of wire , and a paint job shouldnt cost much over $50,000
Its not really an auction if it has a reserve on it ! The selling dealer ( first red flag- “dealer “) knows what he’s got and has got what he knows. You know nothing about the hidden rust. Personally I don’t get suckered in on things like this .
Interesting concept, “not an auction if it has a reserve” most auction houses would disagree with you, but ok. It’s not an ‘absolute’ auction to be sure.
I think Dana and Frank Mecum would disagree on your take on auctions.
good looker for sure. from the pics that motor was out to be painted looking like that. good to see dealer paperwork but need to see papers to back the miles. my guess is a reserve of at least 25k. rare options such as the gauges, and the stick shift. i like it but for my taste i would prefer the automatic.
These were not only the mullet but the red headed step kid of the car world. I always liked them because of the Chevelle kinship but also that some pretty cool people in my circle of acquaintances had them. One was a good friend of my dad who bought a used ’71 with a small block a 3 on the floor. Us kids rode in back under the topper.
Too bad about the rust, an otherwise nice car , I find it hard to have too much faith in what the seller says about the car , original paint ? an awful lot of over spray . An in person inspection would be a wise move if this el Camino is the one you want .
I have liked that color same with the green interior. Just me
Well that doesn’t look like rocker rust it looks like bottom of the fender rust.
I’m not a Chevy guy but I drive it don’t really care for the color though.
Engine looks really clean from one picture I saw.
There is rust underneath nearly every piece of molding. Doesn’t bode well for that vinyl top. I’m curious why there are so many new bolts holding the frame together……. hmmm. And all that recent undercoating spray…hmmm. And then there’s all the visible body rust. This one will require a lot of work now and later. Best to REALLY look up close and personal on this one. I do like the subtle pinstriping though.
I wondered if anyone else picked that up. There’s just way too much visible rust. I’d be afraid of what’s hidden rust wise.
Sharp looking Camino but pretty easy to get upside down with body and paint work. I had one this year, loved it as a driver but it was pretty rusty and I ended up selling it. Mine was auto but 4 speed would be great! Always loved Chevelles and El Caminos, drove two of each. Liked Novas too since you mentioned them, I owned 3 of them, and currently own my 3rd Camaro. Too bad I don’t still have them all, it’d be a nice collection. I’m sure many of us could say that, actually!
The Chevy orange engine paint looks too red and too new.Well optioned ? Where are the bucket seats and power windows ?