1971 Chevrolet El Camino 

Introduced in 1958 in response to Ford's Ranchero, American car-truck hybrids were originally inspired by Australia's “utes,” or “coupe utility” vehicles.  Rumor has it, in 1932, an Australian farmer's wife wrote to the Ford factory, requesting a vehicle that could get her to church in style on Sunday, and shuttle her husband's livestock to market on Monday.  Whether or not the story is true, the 1959 El Camino, a sedan-pickup truck, built on an Impala body, was Chevy's interpretation of an Australian ute, made to look good, while doing some heavy lifting.  In fact, Chevy promoted it as, “the most beautiful thing that ever shouldered a load!”  Even claiming, “It rides and handles like a convertible yet hauls and hustles like the workingest thing on wheels.”

For consignment, a pre gas crisis, pre emissions, pre muscle car killing legislation car that has had a restoration and has been modified with a SS tribute treatment.  With a 350ci V8, this farm to church hauler has some blackened trimmings and satin hotrod flat orange pearl paint; this hybrid presents racy and somewhat menacing.  Some recent new items like a fuel pump, carburetor, and front and rear brakes keeps things up to date and running smoothly while looking just fab.  Dig further my friend and stay thirsty for more info.

Exterior
Hotrod flat orange pearl in very good visual form covers this car/truck combo's steel panels.  The gaps are a little inconsistent, and no rust is seen.  Just a few faults in the paint which has a thick applied coating throughout.  The new bumpers, front and rear, are looking good and shiny, and all SS badging is present and accounted for.  In contrast to the orange pearl, we see some blackened bezels for head and tail lights, turn signals and grille.  Dual wide black racing stripes run through the center of the hood, and cozy up top the black trimmed windshield.  Just prior is a badged cowl induction rear scooped hood.  Above is a black vinyl covered roof.  The bed is painted black for the sides and bottom which is covered in protective black rubber liner.  A spare tire is in the bed,  just aft of the passenger compartment.  A black side view mirror is mounted to the driver's door, and below the rear tailgate and bumper are dual exhaust pipes.  The car has black polished 5 spoke SS Sport wheels with a red central bowtie badge, and tires are 225/70R15 from 2023, so they are new.

Interior
Black vinyl which shows a very rich padded smooth texture has a half bowtie center panel that is vertical tuck and roll with dual thin chrome delineating.  Shiny cranks and gold knobs add to the allure.  Inside, black vinyl covers the bench in this two seater, and the backs are split for access to a small storage area behind the bench.  The bolsters are smooth black vinyl  and the inserts are pressed tuck and roll vinyl and are looking in slightly used condition.  Like new black carpeting covers the floors, and the very clean and correct dash fronts the bench.  All is looking very good inside.  A black slightly wavy punched hole pattern headliner floats above. 

Drivetrain
A 350ci V8 fits nicely under the hood and is looking good as well.  It sports a GM orange/red block and black valve covers with Chevrolet badges written on them.  A 4-barrel carburetor is on top, and behind this healthy mill is a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission.  Power gets kicked rearwards to a 12-bolt rear with a 2.73 gear ratio.   With nice supple hoses and wiring, and overall, very clean and restored engine bay, we have a great example gracing our Hallowed Halls here in Morgantown, Pennsylvania.

Undercarriage
Underneath we meet plenty of black undercoating and it has been thickly applied.  The floor pans and framing are looking great and solid.   Independent coil springs for the front, and a 4-link with coil springs for the rear along with front and rear power disc brakes and rear power drums.  A dual Turbo muffler exhaust allows for an easy exhale from the mill.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and a good driver.  No apparent problems and a head turner for sure in the orange and black accented ute influenced hybrid hauler.  All looking just buttoned up and ready to roll.

A very nice job has been done overall as to the restoration of this car/truck.  With 350 cubes power, nice paint, and fab interior, this truck/car can haul hay or haul ass, or both, although the hay may all go away prior to arriving at your intended destination.  Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.  All thanks to a churchgoing farming woman from down under!

136801B120398

1-Chevrolet
36-Malibu V8
80-2 Door Sedan Pickup
1-1971
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
120398-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

ST 71 13680-1971 El Camino
BDY B09421-Baltimore Body #
TR-Illegible
PNT 67F-Classic Copper, Dark Brown Top

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.