1969 Chevrolet El Camino

Description

With the handsome good looks of a Chevelle and the utility of a pickup, the El Camino offers the best of both worlds: performance and practicality. This 1969 El Camino has been built to further blur the lines that separate most vehicles: big performance, great looks, and a lot of comfort.

The bodywork is nicely finished and the workmanship is shown to great effect thanks to the awesome Hugger Orange paint. These vehicles typically led harder lives than your average Chevelle, and finding a clean one, let along investing enough to bring it to this condition, is tough. Gaps are good and a lot of time was invested in getting the body panels this straight. They added a cowl-induction hood, but they didn't go crazy with stripes or fake SS badges, which makes this one look especially clean. The bed was refinished and carries a rubber mat, so you can still use it as intended. Trim is bright and well maintained, with good chrome on the bumpers, a stock grille, and the trim around the bed is very nice with no obvious dings or damage from use.

A familiar black vinyl bench seat anchors the interior, which is a nice mixture of restoration pieces and original components. Carpets, headliner, and door panels are reproduction pieces that look good and fit right, and the wood steering wheel is an awesome addition to the usually bare-bones El Camino. The dash is original, including the gauges which show some age, but the basic OEM gauges are joined by a white-faced tach and auxiliary gauges under the dash. There's also an upgraded AM/FM/CD stereo system, and if you tilt the seats forward you'll discover a pair of custom enclosures with upgraded speakers. It's not exotic or flashy, but from behind the wheel, it definitely looks and feels like a vintage muscle car, which is the whole point.

If your idea of entertainment runs more towards G-forces rather than decibels, you'll be relieved to know that the engine is packing heat. A 350 cubic inch V8 is certainly appropriate in a Chevy like this, and with some upgrades like a Holley carburetor on an Edelbrock intake manifold, HEI ignition, and a mild cam, it remains a blast to drive. The engine bay is sanitary and clean, with a few dress-up items such as cast valve covers and a chrome air cleaner. A big aluminum radiator keeps it cool and long-tube headers feed a great-sounding dual exhaust system. The TH350 3-speed automatic, and with a mild shift kit inside, it is always on its toes. The stock suspension has been lowered a bit, giving it a low, mean look that is still fully functional on the street. Pretty Torque Thrust style wheels look right and carry recent rubber that fills the fenders properly.

This is a really nice car, er, truck. None of the upgrades have compromised its utility, but its drivability and performance have been greatly enhanced. Call it a truck, call it a car, either way you're going to love this El Camino. Call us today!