1987 Chevrolet El Camino SS Choo Choo

Rumor has it that Mattel's Elliot Handler, (the 'el' in Mattel), spotted designer Harry Bradley's El Camino in the Mattel HQ parking lot and commented, “Those are some hot wheels,” coining the new name for Mattel's line of toy cars, Hot Wheels.  In fact, Elliot was so impressed by Bradley's custom El Camino, he insisted that Mattel use it as a model for the first line of Hot Wheels toy cars, (The Fleetside).  And the rest, as they say, is history. 

The concept of a truck-like car came from a farm woman in Australia who wanted a truck to haul hay on the weekdays, and a car she could drive to church on Sunday.  Someone from GM thought that was a good idea, and hence the EL Camino was born, although technically the Ford Ranchero beat them to it, (1957 as opposed to 1959), but hey it's a great story!  For consignment, a Choo Choo Custom version of the El Camino right out of 1987.  The final year for the El Camino and this model is carrying the SS decor package and is one of approximately 861 Choo Choo conversion cars built for the model year.  Very well maintained and with tons of upgrades including a rebuilt engine and transmission, new Cragar wheels and an added rear spoiler make for one snappy appearing and running hauler.  Oh, I cannot forget to mention a huge binder of paperwork including repair receipts and the sales invoice, order form and clean CarFax that are included with the car.

***Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public highways in your area.***  

Exterior
Donning the Choo Choo SS appearance package add-on from the dealership, this black beauty sports exacting gaps of straight steel panels and what appears to be the factory application of paint.  A few spider cracks are seen in the finish on the rocker fairings and there is a very small rust bubble on the lower rear driver's bed side, just in front of the bumper.  In addition to the aerodynamic nose treatment that was the primary styling feature of all El Camino SS's, all vehicles received graphics on the fascia, doors and tailgate, and a small chrome train logo above the glove compartment door.  The El Camino SS has aerodynamic-ground effect style rocker fairings but does not have the very rare faux side exhaust vents.  The hood has a rear facing scoop, and in the back, the bed on this example is lined with a rubber liner and shows with age appropriate wear.  Covering the bed is a snap on black tonneau cover with an added rear spoiler and chrome tie down rails complete the package.  Badging is all near perfect, and even the door handle notes its “Designer Series”.  I've always loved this year's El Camino with its in bumper tail lights, and curved rear glass, and this one the bumper on back and that rear window are just pristine.  Nearly new chrome 15-inch Cragar wheels are wrapped in blackwall Cooper Cobra radials from the 12th week of 2022 on all 4 corners.

Interior
Much like showroom, extremely clean surfaces starting with the swing of the doors revealing the door panels utilizing smooth padded vinyl in gray, molded plastic in excellent condition which houses the door pull, power windows, power locks and side view mirror joystick.  Slipping inside we are greeted with mid 1980's square and rectangle design for the dash, all functioning controls, and nicely set up for ease of operation.  Cruise control is noted, and A/C is on board as is an AM/FM/Cassette player is fitting neatly into a square panel.  Nice fade free crushed velour broadcloth with some tuck and roll inserts and smooth maroon vinyl bolsters form up the seating, and a large central armrest can be lifted to create an extra passenger space.  Part of the Choo Choo package is the addition of wood burl dressing for the dash as well as the surround for the console mounted shifter, all of which add a distinct touch of class over the standard interior.  Gray carpet floods the floors and is as clean as a whistle and only slightly faded, as is the tight gray fuzzy headliner above.  Gracing the headliner is a factory overhead console with a halon fire extinguisher and a factory installed analog trip meter.

Drivetrain
Remembering the SS was for the badging ONLY, this sports its original and rebuilt at 105,000 mile engine in V8 in 305ci format.  There is a 4-barrel carburetor atop, and on the back is a 200R4 4-speed automatic transmission that was rebuilt at the same time as the engine.  A 10 bolt 3.08 Positraction rear axle is on to spin both rear tires. 

Undercarriage
Looking just like it spent most of its time in a garage, this undercarriage shows light surface rust on the usual suspects, (axles, shock mounts, driveshaft, rear end), but is rust free on the floor pans, frame and toe kick areas.  Light patina is overall, but very structurally sound.  The suspension is of the independent coil spring variety up front and in the back is a 4 link set up with more coil springs.  Power disc brakes are up front and in the back are power drums, all with new stainless steel brake lines.  A custom stainless steel dual exhaust has been added with an X-pipe and Magnaflow mufflers, but we note the catalytic converter has been removed.

Drive-Ability
With my box of Good-N-Plenties, (referencing Choo Choo Charlie), she fired right up, and I was off to the Classic Auto Mall test track.  Here this car did very well, with plenty of power from the 305 cuber, handled like it was on “rails” and steamed along smoothly at cruising speed.  All comfy for the interior and all functioning.  I was truly the engineer but did not have to shovel any coal thankfully, I just pressed the accelerator and enjoyed the track.

For 1987 only 861 of these Choo Choo packages were made, and even less than that came from the dealer installing them.  This freight-carrying “train” has been well maintained, has a rebuilt drivetrain and has been used and enjoyed but never abused…Now that's classic!

3GCCW80H1H903696

3-Mexico
G-General Motors
C-Chevy Truck
C-Hydraulic Brakes
W-El Camino
80-2 Door PickUp Delivery
H-5.0L V8 4bbl
1-Check Digit
H-1987
S-Ramos Arizpe Mexico Assy Plant
903969-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.