1984 GMC Caballero

Description

El Caminos/Caballeros are a unique piece of the American landscape. With decades of tradition behind it, this 1984 GMC Caballero is an awesome and affordable special interest car and has a lot to offer the beginning collector or long-time car-truck fan. If you've been looking for one that hasn't been worked to death or modified beyond recognition, this is 1-owner GMC is a great choice with a newer motor, handsome repaint, and low miles.

Caballeros were trucks, and most of them were used like trucks and left for dead when they gave up. Fortunately, this nicely preserved/restored example has always been a 1-owner civilian vehicle for all of its life, and thanks to life down in Texas where the roads are warm and dry, it doesn't suffer from the dreaded tin worm, either. Repainted in 1995, the black paint that has an appropriate look without the goofy 1980s add-ons like graphics and stripe kits. Fit and finish are about average, especially for a GM product of this era, so the guys who have been maintaining this car were pretty careful about what they were doing. And speaking of preservation, just take a look at the bed, which has a nicely done spray-in bedliner just in case you really want to haul something. Better yet, all the chrome and stainless trim remains in good shape, so it's ready to enjoy immediately.

The plush interior was redone in 1998 and is a reminder that this is no ordinary pickup truck. Since it's related to the Monte Carlo, it's luxurious instead of plain and it's all quite nice, with few signs of wear and no notable damage to the seating surfaces. The maroon fabric bench offers enough room for three, but it's really best with two on board. The door panels are pretty nice, too, with no cracking like you so often see on cars from the '80s, although the arm rests are likely replacements. You can see where the Caballero shared DNA with the Malibu and Monte Carlo in the dash, which covers only speed and fuel level, but this one also carries options like A/C, cruise control, tilt wheel, and an AM/FM/Cassette stereo radio in the dash.

The 305 cubic inch V8 was optional in 1984 but most Caballero buyers chose it for obvious reasons. In 2007, a replacement 305 V8 was swapped in, and approximately 15k miles have been put on the block since. Smooth and torquey, it's a great companion in the GMC and as a small block Chevy, you know it'll run this well practically forever. As you might expect, the engine bay is pretty tidy, with most of the factory equipment intact save for the chrome air cleaner up top, the chrome Edelbrock valve covers, and the long-tube headers that feed the dual exhaust system. There's no sign of neglect, no questionable upgrades, yet plenty of evidence of expert maintenance and it runs well enough to drive just about anywhere with confidence. It's backed by a newer 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission that swapped in in 2007, and it spins a standard 10-bolt rear end out back. And if you're looking around underneath, you'll note the only deviation from stock is a newer dual exhaust system with a pair of mellow-sounding mufflers and a set of air shocks. Handsome chrome wheels finish the sporty look with period-appropriate 215/65/15 Cooper Cobra white-letter radials.

So El Camino/Caballero fans rejoice, this clean late-model has been preserved and updated for your enjoyment and is ready to go today, all at a very reasonable price. Call now!