1965 Chevrolet El Camino

The El Camino was a direct challenge to Ford's Ranchero, a utility coupe dominating a previously untapped market.  GM flirted with coupe-type trucks such as the Chevrolet Cameo Carrier and the GMC Suburban Carrier in 1955, but they went all-in with the El Camino for the 1959 model year.  The El Camino was built on a modified Brookwood Station Wagon platform.  The first generation didn't last long.  It could have been the new flamboyant wings of full-sized Chevys or perhaps the Ranchero's hefty stake in the market, but after just 2 years and 36,409 El Caminos produced, Chevy dropped the axe on the model.  After dropping the axe on the original model GM decided to bring it back in 1964 as version 2 which lasted until 1967.

For consignment, a second generation El Camino which had undergone a frame off restoration in Las Vegas in the past and is now gracing our Hallowed Halls.  Sporting a consignor stated 350ci ZZ4 crate engine, a 700R4 transmission, power steering, power brakes and even the convenience of a modern air conditioning.  All restored and all ready to haul the goods and haul some ass!

Exterior
Wonderfully preserved straight steel panels with well minded gaps make up this car like pickup.  The correct Regal Red respray is very nice and deep, and has just a few scratches here and there, but nothing major.  Plenty of chrome trimmings surrounding the wheel wells, covering the rockers, lining the top of the bed and defining the cabin glass, and all is in very nice mirror-like condition.  Front and rear bumpers as well as the front grille present nearly new.  Lifting the hydraulic shock assisted white tonneau reveals the fully restored and unused bed, looking nearly as nice as the body itself.  A red rubber slip-proof mat is lining the floor just in case you're in the mood to haul something.  On all 4 corners are 17" highly polished American Racing Torque Thrust wheels in 5 spoke format that are wrapped in 215/75R17 blackwall rubber and all are looking fine.

Interior
Opening the doors you will have the pleasure of feasting your eyes on the well restored interior which is in amazing condition.  Looking very much factory, red vinyl bolsters surround wide tuck and roll red inserts on the twin bucket seats, and all presents as extremely clean.  Door panels are red as well, and again very clean just like the seats.  The original dash sits proudly in front of the buckets and is also amazingly clean.  It is made up of a fine mixture of padded red painted steel, silver anodized aluminum and faux leather texture red vinyl.  An aftermarket AM/FM radio occupies dash central as do the heater/ac vents and chrome climate control slides all in working condition.  A few auxiliary gauges are down low to the left of the driver along with twin toggles switches just under the steering column.  Speaking of the steering column, an Autogage by AutoMeter tachometer is strapped to the top of the column in between the factory steering wheel and instrument cluster.  Clean red carpeting floods the floors and the small storage area behind the bucket seats also we note the addition of speakers in the red plastic kick panels.  The red vinyl headliner is nice, clean and tight.  A standing ovation for the interior please!

Drivetrain
Nice black well restored surfaces line the engine bay and hold within a consignor stated 350ci ZZ4 crate V8.  A mix of black paint and natural finish aluminum cover this mighty mill and our consignor notes that roller rocker arms have been installed under the custom ribbed Chevrolet valve covers.  An Edelbrock AVS 650cfm 4-barrel carburetor feeds the precise amount of air and fossils to the engine via an Edelbrock intake manifold.  A professionally built 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission is attached to the back and is actuated by a B&M Quicksilver ratchet shifter.  Way back is a 12 bolt rear axle weighing in with a 3.08 ratio.  Of special note, a heavy duty aluminum radiator has been added along with a thermostatically controlled electric fan and manual override to keep the bling under the hood cool, and for the passengers, a Classic Auto AC & heat system has been added to keep their temperature at bay.

Undercarriage
Straight steel frame and floor pans along with all working mechanicals are seen underneath.  All surfaces are black and nary a hint of even surface rust can be seen.  Power disc brakes have been added to the front and in the rear are power drums, and the exhaust system with Magnaflow is rust free.  Providing the car/truck ride is an independent coil spring arrangement in front with new shocks and in the back we note a 4 link and coil spring set up with new lower control arms as well as a rear anti-sway bar and air shocks.  Our consignor also notes the addition of a newer steering box to the power steering system.

Drive-Ability
These late 60's early 70's muscle cars never cease to amaze me and this one is all buttoned up and ready to perform for you.  Just sneak it a treat of high test gas and it will stand on its own two rear tires…(well maybe not!), but it performs beautifully, great acceleration, good solid braking, and there is almost no better feeling in the world than changing gears with a Hurst shifter…SMOOOOOOOTH!  All working, all good for the test track drive.

A fine example of a restored El Camino right out of its prime year 1965.  A pre gas crisis, pre-emissions car, with lots of capabilities to haul goods and some ass!

136805K202635

1-Chevrolet
36-El Camino V8
80-2 Door Sedan Pickup
5-1965
K-Kansas City, MO Assy Plant
202635-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

06C-3rd Week June
ST 65 13680-1965 El Camino 2 Door Sedan Pickup
BDY EUC11264-Kansas City Body #
TR 772-Medium Red Ramada Cloth, Imitation Leather
PNT RR-Regal Red
W-Tinted Windshield
3C-Padded Dash

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.