Chevrolet El Camino

Chevrolet El Camino
1969 Chevrolet El Camino SS
Overview
Manufacturer	Chevrolet (General Motors)
Model years	1959–1960 1964–1987
Body and chassis
Class	Coupé utility pickup
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Related	Holden Commodore Utility (Australia)

Chevrolet El Camino is a coupé utility/pickup vehicle that was produced by Chevrolet between 1959–60 and 1964-87.

Introduced in the 1959–1960 model years in response to the success of the Ford Ranchero pickup, its first run lasted only two years. Production resumed for the 1964–1977 model years based on the Chevelle platform, and continued for the 1978–1987 model years based on the GM G-body platform.

Although based on corresponding Chevrolet car lines, the vehicle is classified and titled in North America as a truck. GMC's badge engineered El Camino variant, the Sprint, was introduced for the 1971 model year. Renamed Caballero in 1978, it was also produced through the 1987 model year.

History

Origin

Ford Australia was the first company to produce a coupé utility as a result of a 1932 letter from the wife of a farmer in Victoria, Australia, asking for "a vehicle to go to church in on a Sunday and which can carry our pigs to market on Mondays".^[1] Ford designer Lew Bandt developed a suitable solution, and the first coupé utility model was released in 1934.^[1] Bandt went on to manage Ford’s Advanced Design Department, being responsible for the body engineering of the XP, XT, XW, and XA series Ford Falcon utilities. General Motors’ Australian subsidiary Holden also produced a Chevrolet coupé utility in 1935, Studebaker produced the Coupé Express from 1937 to 1939. The body style did not reappear on the American market until the release of the 1957 Ford Ranchero.

Both the coupé utility and the similar open-topped roadster utility continued in production, but the improving economy of the mid- to late-1930s and the desire for improved comfort saw coupé utility sales climb at the expense of the roadster utility until, by 1939, the latter was all but a fading memory.

1957 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier

The mid-1955 introduction of Chevrolet's Cameo Carrier pickup truck helped pave the way for the El Camino. Although it was a model variant of Chevrolet's Task Force light-duty pickup, the Cameo offered an array of car-like features that included passenger-car styling, fiberglass rear fenders, two-tone paint, a relatively luxurious interior, as well as an optional V8 engine, automatic transmission, and power assists.^[2] As always, there was a GMC version offered during the same time, called the GMC Suburban Carrier with the same features offered on the Chevrolet. In 1957 a special version was made for GMC to be shown at national car shows called the Palomino,^[3] which had a Pontiac 347 cu in (5.7 L) V8 installed, borrowed from the 1957 Star Chief.

Other pickup truck producers, including Dodge, Ford, Studebaker, and International, began to offer flush-side cargo boxes on some of their 1957 models, such as the Dodge C Series, and the Studebaker E-series Deluxe. However, Ford also introduced the 1957 Ranchero, and established a new market segment in the U.S. market of an automobile platform based coupé utility. In 1959, Chevrolet responded with the El Camino to compete with Ford's full-sized Ranchero. The original El Camino and Ranchero would compete directly only in the 1959 model year.^[4]

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  1955 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier
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  1955 GMC Suburban Carrier
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  1956 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier rear view
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  1957 GMC Suburban Carrier
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  1957 GMC Palomino
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  1958 GMC Suburban Carrier
• 
  1959 GMC Suburban Carrier rear view

First generation (1959–1960)

First generation
1959 Chevrolet El Camino
Overview
Production	1959 El Camino Total 22,246[5] 1960 El Camino Total 14,163[5]
Model years	1959–1960
Assembly	Arlington, Texas, United States
Body and chassis
Platform	GM B platform pickup
Related	1959–1960 Chevrolet Biscayne 1959–1960 Chevrolet Bel Air 1959–1960 Chevrolet Impala 1959–1960 Chevrolet Brookwood 1959–1960 Chevrolet Parkwood 1959–1960 Chevrolet Kingswood 1959–1960 Chevrolet Nomad
Powertrain
Engine	235 cu in (3.9 L) I6 283 cu in (4.6 L) V8 348 cu in (5.7 L) V8
Transmission	3-speed manual 4-speed manual 2-speed Powerglide automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	119"[6]
Length	210.9"[6]

The El Camino was introduced for the 1959 model year two years after the Ford Ranchero. According to Chevrolet stylist Chuck Jordan, GM Harley Earl had suggested a coupé pickup in 1952.

Like the Ranchero, it was based on an existing and modified platform, the new-for-1959 Brookwood two-door station wagon, itself based on the completely redesigned, longer, lower and wider full-sized Chevrolet. Highly stylized, it initially sold 50% more briskly than the more conservative Ranchero, some 22,000 to 14,000.

1959 El Camino

Unlike the Brookwoods wagon and a sedan delivery variant, the El Camino was available with any full-sized Chevy drivetrain. It came in a single trim level, its exterior using the mid-level Bel-Air's trim, and the interior of the low-end Biscayne. Its chassis featured Chevrolet's "Safety-Girder" X-frame design and a full-coil suspension, both introduced in the 1958 model year. The 119-inch (3,000 mm) wheel-base was 1.5 inches (38 mm) longer, and overall length for all 1959 Chevys was up to 210.9 inches (5,360 mm). The El Camino's payload rating ranged from 650 to 1150 pounds, with gross vehicle weights ranging from 4400 to 4900 pounds depending on powertrain and suspension. The somewhat soft passenger car suspension of the base model left the vehicle level without a load, in contrast the Ranchero, where standard 1100-pound rated heavy duty rear springs gave it a distinct rake when empty. The quirky Level Air suspension option, in its second and final year, was listed as available, but was almost never seen on any Chevrolet model, much less an El Camino. The 1959 El Camino was promoted as the first Chevrolet pickup built with a steel bed floor instead of wood. The floor was a corrugated sheetmetal insert, secured with 26 recessed bolts. Concealed beneath it was the floor pan from the Brookwood two-door wagon, complete with foot wells. Box capacity was almost 33 cubic feet (0.93 m³).

Among the performance engines offered were a 283-cid Turbo-jet V8 with two- or four-barrel carburetion, several Turbo-Thrust 348-cid V8s with four-barrel or triple two-barrel carburetors producing 335 bhp (250 kW; 340 PS), and 250- and 290-bhp 283-cube Ramjet Fuel Injection V8s.

Hot Rod magazine conducted a test of an El Camino equipped with the hottest powertrain combination available in early 1959—a 315 bhp (235 kW; 319 PS), triple-carb, solid-lifter 348 V8 mated to a four-speed. Staff testers clocked 0-60 mph times of around seven seconds, estimated top speed at 130 mph (210 km/h), and predicted 14-second/100-mph quarter-mile performance with a rear-axle ratio suitable for drag racing installed.

A total of 22,246 El Caminos were produced for 1959. That bested the count of 21,706 first-year Rancheros made in 1957 and the 14,169 Ford sedan pickups built in direct competition for the 1959 model year. But 1960 would be a different story.

1960 El Camino

The similar but less flamboyant 1960 model started at $2366 for the six-cylinder model; another $107 for a V8 with the two-barrel 283. At first glance, the exterior once again had a Bel Air look, with that series' bright-metal "jet" appliqué and narrow trailing molding used to accent the rear quarters. Inside, Biscayne/Brookwood appointments also persisted. The seat was now covered in striped-pattern cloth with vinyl facings. Available interior trim shades were once again gray, blue, and green. Floor coverings were in medium-tone vinyl. Mid-1959 powertrain availability was carried over with minimal changes for 1960: The base 283-cid V8 was detuned a bit for fuel economy and was now rated at 170 bhp (127 kW; 172 PS), and the fuel-injected engines were officially gone.

Orders plummeted by a third, to just 14,163, at which point Chevrolet discontinued the model; meanwhile, Ford moved 21,027 Rancheros, which were now based on the brand-new Falcon compact. The pioneering American sedan pickups just did not connect with enough car-buying Americans. Perhaps these early "crossovers" didn't carry enough passengers; in a time when baby-boomer families dominated the market, three across was the best they could offer. Cargo volume was meager compared with pickup trucks. The low-level trim and marketing efforts focused almost exclusively on commercial customers may have inhibited sales, as well.^[4]

Second generation
1964 Chevrolet Chevelle El Camino
Overview
Production	1964 El Camino Total 32,548[7] 1965 El Camino Total 34,724[7] 1966 El Camino Total 35,119[7] 1967 El Camino Total 34,830[7]
Model years	1964–1967
Assembly	Atlanta, Georgia Baltimore, Maryland Fremont, California Framingham, Massachusetts Kansas City, Missouri Oshawa, Ontario
Body and chassis
Platform	A-body pickup
Related	1964–1967 Chevrolet Chevelle
Powertrain
Engine	194 cu in (3.2 L) I6 230 cu in (3.8 L) I6 250 cu in (4.1 L) I6 283 cu in (4.6 L) Small-Block V8 327 cu in (5.4 L) Small-Block V8 396 cu in (6.5 L) Big-Block V8
Transmission	3-speed manual 4-speed manual 2-speed Powerglide automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	115 in (2,921 mm)[8]

Second generation (1964–1967)

Chevrolet reintroduced an all new, mid-size El Camino four years later based on the Chevrolet Chevelle. The 1964 model was similar to the Chevelle two-door wagon forward of the B-pillars and carried both "Chevelle" and "El Camino" badges, but Chevrolet marketed the vehicle as a utility model and Chevelle's most powerful engines were not available. Initial engine offerings included six-cylinder engines of 194 and 230 cubic inches with horsepower ratings of 120 and 155, respectively. The standard V8 was a 283 cubic-inch Chevy small block with two-barrel carburetor and 195 horsepower (145 kW) with optional engines including a 220-horsepower 283 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts. Added to the El Camino's option list during the course of the 1964 model year were two versions of the 327 cubic-inch small block V8 rated at 250 and 300 horsepower (220 kW) — the latter featuring a higher compression ratio of 10.5:1, larger four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts.^[9]El Caminos also featured Air shocks in the rear,as well as fully boxed frames. The shocks were continued over all generations, the frames only thru 1967.^[10]

1965

The 1965 El Camino received the same attractive facelift as the '65 Chevelle, with a more pronounced V-shaped front end, and a higher performance L79 version of the 327 engine rated at 350 hp (261 kW) that was also available in Chevelles. Most of the other engines were carried over from 1964, including the 194 and 230 cubic-inch Turbo Thrift sixes, the 195-horsepower 283 cubic-inch Turbo-Fire V8 and 327 cubic-inch Turbo-Fire V8s of 250 and 300 horsepower (220 kW).^[11]

1966

In 1966, GM added a 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8 engine to the lineup rated from 325 to 375 hp (280 kW). The 1965 327 would run low 15s in the 1/4 mile (at some 90 mph), while 1966 to 1969 models were easily into the mid- to upper-14s. New sheetmetal highlighted the 1966 El Camino, identical to the Chevelle. A new instrument panel with horizontal sweep speedometer was featured. Inside, the standard version featured a bench seat interior and rubber floor mat from the low-line Chevelle 300 series, while the Custom used a more upscale interior from the Chevelle Malibu with plusher cloth-and-vinyl or all-vinyl bench seats and deep twist carpeting, or optional Strato swivel bucket seats with console. A tachometer was optional.^[12]

1967

The 1967 El Camino followed the Chevelle's styling facelift with a new grille, front bumper, and trim. Air shocks remained standard equipment on the El Camino, allowing the driver to compensate for a load. The year 1967 also brought the collapsible steering column and options of disc brakes and Turbo Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission. It was the second year the 396 (L35, L34, and L78) could be had in the El Camino (both 13480 300 Deluxe base and 13680 Malibu series). Since the L35 396/325 hp engine was the base for the SS396 series, the number of L35 engines reported sold by Chevrolet in 1967 (2,565) were sold in one of the two El Camino series, which were the only other series the engine could be ordered in. Since the L34 (now 350 hp) & L78 (375 hp) were available in either El Camino series as well as the two SS396 body styles, there is no way of knowing how many of these optional engines went to which body style. Chevrolet does report 17,176 L34 and 612 L78 engine options were sold in 1967 Chevelles, but there is no breakdown of body styles. The TH400 3-speed automatic was now available as an option (RPO M40) with the 396 engine in both the SS396 series and the 396-equipped El Caminos. The 3-speed manual transmission remained the standard transmission with a heavy duty (RPO M13) also available along with the 2-speed Powerglide and either M20 wide ratio or M21 close ratio 4-speed transmissions. Although there was no actual factory El Camino Super Sport until 1968, many owners have "cloned" '67 SS396s using 1967 Chevelle SS396 badges and trim.

Third generation
1972 Chevrolet El Camino
Overview
Production	1968 El Camino SS V8 5,190[7] 1968 El Camino Total 41,791[7] 1969 El Camino Total 48,385[7] 1970 El Camino Total 47,707[7] 1971 El Camino Total 41,606[7] 1972 El Camino Total 57,147[7]
Model years	1968–1972
Assembly	Arlington, United States Atlanta, United States Baltimore, United States Flint, United States Fremont, United States Kansas City, United States Van Nuys, United States Oshawa, Ontario, Canada Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
Body and chassis
Platform	A-body pickup
Related	1968–1972 Chevrolet Chevelle 1971-1972 GMC Sprint
Powertrain
Engine	230 cu in (3.8 L) I6 250 cu in (4.1 L) I6 307 cu in (5.0 L) V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8 454 cu in (7.4 L) V8
Transmission	3-speed manual 4-speed manual 2-speed Powerglide auto. 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic auto
Dimensions
Wheelbase	116 in (2,946 mm)

Third generation (1968–1972)

Chevy introduced a longer El Camino in 1968, based on the Chevelle station wagon/four-door sedan wheelbase (116 in (2,946 mm), overall length: 208 in (5,283 mm)); it also shared Chevelle Malibu exterior and interior trims. The interior was revamped including cloth and vinyl or all-vinyl bench seats and deep twist carpeting. All-vinyl Strato bucket seats and center console were an $111 option. Power front disc brakes and Positraction were optional. A new, high-performance Super Sport SS396 version was launched. The Turbo-Jet 396 had 325 bhp (242 kW) or 350 bhp (260 kW) versions. Returning to the official options list for the first time since late 1966 was the 375 bhp (280 kW) L78. It had solid lifters, big-port heads, and an 800 cfm Holley four-barrel on a low-rise aluminum manifold. A three-speed manual was standard with all engines, and a four-speed or automatic was optional. In 1968, the SS was a separate model (the "SS-396").

The 1969 models showed only minor changes, led by more-rounded front-end styling. A single chrome bar connected quad headlights, and a slotted bumper held the parking lights. New round instrument pods replaced the former linear layout. For the first time, the Chevrolet 350 V8 was used in an El Camino. The Super Sport group included a 265- or 325-horsepower 396-cubic-inch V8 beneath a double-domed hood, along with a black-out grille displaying an SS emblem. More potent editions of the 396 engine, developing 350 or 375 horsepower (280 kW) also made the options list. Options included power windows and locks. Curiously, back-up lights moved from the rear bumper to the tailgate, where they were ineffective when the gate was down.

The 1970 models received sheet metal revisions that gave the bodies a more squared-up stance, and interiors were also redesigned. The new SS396, which actually displaced 402 cu in (6.6 L) (although all emblems read 396) was available. Chevrolet's largest and most-powerful engine of the time was also put into a select few El Caminos. The LS6 454 CID engine, rated at 450 hp (336 kW) and 500 lb·ft (680 N·m) of torque, gave the El Camino 1/4-mile times in the lower 13-second range at around  108 mph (174 km/h).

The 1971 El Camino got fresh front-end styling that included large Power-Beam single-unit headlights, a reworked grille and bumper, and integral park/signal/marker lights. For 1971, mandated lower-octane unleaded fuel necessitated a reduction in engine compression, and GM's A.I.R. system, a "smog pump", was added to control tailpipe emissions. Power and performance were reduced. Engine offerings for 1971 included the 250-6, small-block V8s of 307 and 350 cubic inches; and big block V8s of 402 and 454-cubic-inch displacements. Horsepower ratings of those engines for 1971 ranged from 145 for the six to 365 for the RPO LS5 454 – all in gross figures. The LS6 454 V8 was gone forever. A rebadged El Camino, the GMC Sprint debuted in 1971. It shared the same engine and transmission offerings as its Chevrolet counterpart.

The 1972 El Caminos wore single-unit parking and side marker lights on their front fenders, outside of a revised twin-bar grille, but little changed. For 1972, horsepower measurements were switched to the "net" figures as installed in a vehicle with all accessories and emission controls hooked up. Engine offerings included the 110 horsepower (82 kW) 250-6, a 307 V8, a 175 horsepower (130 kW) 350-cubic-inch V8, and big block V8s of 402 and 454 cubic-inch displacements. The 402-cubic-inch (still known as a 396) produced 240 horsepower (180 kW); the 454 managed to put out 270 horsepower (200 kW) under the net rating system. Super Sport equipment could now be ordered with any V8 engine, including the base 307-cubic-inch version. All 1972 El Caminos with the 454 ci engine have a "W" as the fifth digit in the VIN, and the 454 was only available with Super Sport trim.

Fourth generation
1973 Chevrolet El Camino
Overview
Production	1973 El Camino Total 64,987[7] 1974 El Camino SS 4,543[7] 1974 El Camino Total 51,223[7] 1975 El Camino SS 3,521[7] 1975 El Camino Total 33,620[7] 1976 El Camino SS 5,163[7] 1976 El Camino Total 44,890[7] 1977 El Camino SS 5,226[7] 1977 El Camino Total 54,321[7]
Model years	1973–1977
Assembly	Baltimore, United States Doraville, Georgia, United States Leeds, Missouri, United States Arlington, United States Fremont, United States Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Body and chassis
Platform	A-body pickup
Related	1973–1977 Chevrolet Chevelle 1973–1977 GMC Sprint
Powertrain
Engine	250 cu in (4.1 L) I6 307 cu in (5.0 L) V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 454 cu in (7.4 L) V8
Transmission	3-speed manual 4-speed manual 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic auto.

Fourth generation (1973–1977)

For 1973, the El Camino was redesigned. Matching the Chevelle line and using the wagon chassis, it was the largest El Camino generation. Energy-absorbing hydraulic front bumper systems on these vehicles added more weight. There were two different trim levels of El Caminos during this period. The base model and SS option shared interior and exterior appointments with the Chevelle Malibu, while the El Camino Classic (introduced for 1974) shared its trim with the more upscale Chevelle Malibu Classic.

1973 El Camino

The chassis design was as new as the bodies with 1-inch (25 mm) a wider wheel track, front and rear. The left wheel was adjusted to have slightly more positive camber than the right, which resulted in a more uniform and stable steering feel on high-crown road surfaces while maintaining excellent freeway cruise stability. Clearances for spring travel were also improved for a smoother ride over all types of surfaces; the coil springs at each wheel were computer-selected to match the individual car's weight. Front disc brakes were now standard on all '73 El Caminos. Additional new features were an acoustical double-panel roof, tighter-fitting glass, flush-style outside door handles, molded full-foam seat construction, flow-through power ventilation system, inside hood release, refined Delcotron generator and sealed side-terminal battery, a larger 22-US-gallon (83 L; 18 imp gal) fuel tank, and "flush and dry" rocker panels introduced first on the redesigned 1971 full-size Chevrolets. New options included swivel bucket seats (with console) and Turbine I urethane (backed by steel) wheels, as was the instrument gauge cluster.^[13] A benefit of the new body designs was much better visibility of which the unusually thin windshield pillars contributed. A structural improvement was a stronger design for the side door guard beams. El Caminos shared the "Colonnade" frameless door glass with other Chevelles, and would continue this feature into the next generation as well.

The 307 2-barrel V8 of 115 hp (86 kW) was the base engine. Options included a 350 2-barrel V8 of 145 hp (108 kW), a 350 4-barrel V8 of 175 hp (130 kW), and a 454 4-barrel V8 rated at 245 hp (183 kW). Hardened engine valve seats and hydraulic camshafts made these engines reliable for many miles, and allowed them to accept the increasingly popular unleaded regular gasoline. The three-speed manual transmission was standard; 4-speed manual and Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed automatic transmissions were optional. Crossflow radiators and coolant reservoirs prevented overheating.^[14]

1973 El Camino SS

The SS, now a trim option, included a black grill with SS emblem, bodyside striping, bright roof drip moldings, color-keyed dual sport mirrors, special front and rear stabilizer bars, rally wheels, 70-series raised white-lettered tires, special instrumentation and SS interior emblems.^[14] The SS option was available with a 350 or 454 V8 with the 4-speed or Turbo Hydra-Matic transmissions. ^[15]

The 1974 El Caminos sported an elongated, Mercedes-type grille. Inside, the new top-of-the-line El Camino Classic featured luxurious interiors with notchback bench seats (or optional Strato bucket seats) upholstered in cloth or vinyl, carpeted door panels and woodgrain instrument panel trim. The 350 V8 became the base engine and a 400 V8 engine was new this year. The 454, the top engine, was available with the Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 automatic or 4-speed manual transmission.

The 1975 models featured a new grill, providing a fresh appearance. Suspension upgrades offered a quieter ride, and radial-ply tires became standard. Dual remote mirrors, new twin sport mirrors, intermittent wipers, and cruise control were among new convenience features this year. The 1975 high energy ignition (HEI) provided spark to the spark plugs with minimal maintenance and increased power. The larger distributor cap also provided better high-RPM performance by decreasing the likelihood of the spark conducting to the wrong terminal. The 250-cubic-inch in-line six of 105 hp (78 kW) was offered as the base engine. The 454-cubic-inch V8, downrated yet again to 215 horsepower (160 kW), made it into 1975 as an El Camino option, but this would be its last go-around. It was not available in California, and the optional four-speed stick was no longer offered. Buyers could now choose an Econominder instrument package that included a vacuum gauge to point out when optimum fuel economy was being attained.

1977 El Camino Classic

For 1976, El Camino Classic models now featured the new rectangular headlights that other high-end GM cars were sporting. These were quad units in stacked arrangement. The base model retained the previously used dual round headlights. Engines included the base 250 I6 engine, a new 140-horsepower 305-cubic-inch V8, two- and four-barrel 350s (with availability still depending on California delivery), and the 400-cubic-inch V8, still good for 175 hp. All engines except the 250 I6 came with the Turbo Hydra-matic automatic transmission as the only transmission available. The 250 I6 came with a 3-speed manual or an optional Turbo Hydra-matic.

The 1977 models were little changed, except the 400 V8 was gone. The El Camino Classic was again the top model and the SS option continued.^[16]

Fifth generation
1978 Chevrolet El Camino
Overview
Also called	Chevrolet Pickup (Iran, 1984-1987)
Production	1978 El Camino SS 12,027[7] 1978 El Camino Total 54,286[7] 1979 El Camino Total 58,008[7] 1980 El Camino Total 40,932[7] 1981 El Camino Total 36,711[7] 1982 El Camino Total 22,732[7] 1983 El Camino Total 24,010[7] 1984 El Camino Total 22,997[7] 1985 El Camino Total 21,816[7] 1986 El Camino Total 21,508[7] 1987 El Camino Total 13,743[7] 1988 El Camino Total 420[7]
Model years	1978–1987
Assembly	Baltimore, United States Doraville, Georgia, United States Leeds, Missouri, United States Arlington, United States Fremont, United States Oshawa, Ontario, Canada Ramos Arizpe, Mexico Tehran, Iran (CKD, Pars Khodro)[17]
Body and chassis
Platform	A-body pickup (1978-1981) G-body pickup (1982-1987)
Related	1978-1983 Chevrolet Malibu 1978-1988 GMC Caballero
Powertrain
Engine	3.3 L (200 cu in) Chevrolet V6 3.8 L (229 cu in) Chevrolet V6 3.8 L (231 cu in) Buick V6 4.3 L (262 cu in) Chevrolet V6 4.4 L (267 cu in) Small-Block V8 5.0 L (305 cu in) Small-Block V8 5.7 L (350 cu in) Small-Block V8 5.7 L (350 cu in) Diesel V8
Transmission	3-speed manual 4-speed manual 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic.
Dimensions
Wheelbase	117 in (2,972 mm)

Fifth generation (1978–1987)

The 1978 through 1987 El Caminos were produced in four trim levels: Classic, Black Knight (1978)/Royal Knight (1979–83), Conquista and Super Sport, and shared chassis components with the Chevrolet Malibu. Chevrolet 90° V6 and Buick V6 engines were used for the first time. The optional 305 cubic-inch small block V8 was rated at 150 or 165 horsepower (123 kW), and from 1982–1984, the Oldsmobile-sourced Diesel engine was also optional.

1979 El Camino

A new, trimmer El Camino was unveiled in 1978, adopting the new, more sharp-edged Malibu styling, and a one-inch longer wheelbase of 117 in (2,972 mm). The front end sheet metal and doors were shared with the Malibu, and the rear tailgate and bumper was shared with the Malibu station wagon. For the first time, though, the El Camino had a unique chassis - it was shared with no other Chevrolet. The front end featured a new single rectangular headlight design. The base engine was a 200-cubic-inch (3.3-liter) V6 that developed 95 horsepower (71 kW), except in California where, to meet emissions standards, the 231-cubic-inch Buick engine was the base engine . Two upgrades could be ordered: a 305-cubic-inch V8 with 145 horsepower (108 kW), or a 350-cubic-inch V8 with 170 horsepower (130 kW) that was only available in El Caminos and Malibu station wagons. It was not available on Malibu passenger cars (with exception to coupe and sedan Malibu 9C1 police vehicles). Among GM makes, at least, the era of bigness was fading into history, overtaken by a new age of efficiency and economy.

The 1979 model got minimal changes following its debut as a redesigned "new-size" model in 1978. Alterations to the 1979 El Camino amounting to little more than a new divided grille. However, a "small-block" 267-cubic-inch (4.4-liter) V8 joined the options list and slotted between the standard 3.3-liter V6 and the optional 5.0-liter four-barrel V8. The 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) V8, developing 170 horsepower (130 kW) was again available. Both three- and four-speed manual transmissions had floor shifters.

The 1980 El Camino started out the 1980s with few changes, though engine choices were shuffled a little. The base V6 displaced 229 cubic inches, up from 200 the year before. Horsepower increased from 94 to 115. Optional again were a 267-cubic-inch V8 with 125 horsepower (93 kW) and a 305 V8, now with 155 horsepower (down five). The 350 with 170 horsepower (130 kW) offered in 1979 was dropped. A three speed floor shifted manual transmission was standard, but most got the optional three-speed automatic.

The 1981 models received a new horizontal tube grill. The 1981 engines mostly continued from 1980, but now used GM's Computer Command Control (CCC) emission system. The base 229-cubic-inch V6 made 110 horsepower (down from 115), as did the California-only 231-cubic-inch Buick V6. Optional engines were the 267-cubic-inch V8 with 115 horsepower (86 kW) and The 305-cubic-inch V8, now with 150 horsepower (110 kW). The three-speed automatic added a lock-up torque converter to aid highway mileage.

1982

The 1982 (through the final 1987) El Camino sported a new frontal appearance with a crosshatch grille flanked by quad rectangular headlights. New under the hood for 1982 was a 105-horsepower 5.7-liter (350-cubic-inch) Diesel V8, which was also offered in Chevy's full-size cars. Though mileage with the diesel was commendable, it was an expensive option and would eventually amass a dismal repair record. Gasoline-engine choices were unchanged, except Chevy's 229-cubic-inch (3.8-liter) V6 was now standard in California-bound cars, replacing Buick's 231-cubic-inch V6.

In 1983, the 4.4-liter V8 was gone, leaving the 5.0-liter version as the only optional gas V8. The standard engine was again Chevy's 3.8-liter V6 with 110 horsepower (82 kW), though California cars, once again, got a Buick V6 with similar specifications. Continuing on the options list was the 5.7-liter V8 Diesel with 105 hp (78 kW). The sister Malibu sedan and wagon were discontinued after the 1983 model year.

The 1984-87 El Camino SS was offered as a conversion (completed by Choo-Choo Customs Inc., of Chattanooga, Tennessee) to include the aerodynamic front end similar to the Monte Carlo SS, but did not receive the L69 engine package.

For 1985, GM shifted El Camino production to Mexico, and the new 4.3 L was standard through 1987.

1982-1987 El Camino

The mythical 1988 model year

El Camino production ended quietly in late 1987.^[18] The serial number of the last El Camino to roll off the line was not publicised; and the GM Heritage Center did not acquire the last one built for its collection. Speculation in online forums^[19] indicates 3GCCW80H2HS915586 may be the final vehicle.

Confusion exists because Automotive News lists 420 El Caminos and 325 GMC Caballeros as new car retail deliveries in calendar year 1988. Some of these vehicles have been titled as 1988 models, based on the date of first retail sale.^[20] However, these 1988s have "H" as the tenth character in their VIN, so they are actually leftover MY (model year) 1987 vehicles. A legitimate MY 1988 car must have a "J" as the tenth VIN character.^[21] Finally, the GM Media Archive/Heritage Center confirmed that no MY 1988 El Caminos or Caballeros were produced.^[22]

Australia, South Africa and Middle East

General Motors-Holden's manufactured and marketed coupé utility models in Australia commencing in 1935. GMH continued to offer a Chevrolet coupé utility until 1952. Rebadged Holden coupé utilities, including later Commodore-based models, were sold as the Chevrolet El Camino and Chevrolet Lumina in South Africa and the Middle East. As of 2016, Holden still produces a Commodore-based coupé utility in Australia as the Holden Ute.

Concept vehicles

In 1974, Chevrolet's sister division, Pontiac, reportedly took an El Camino body and grafted on the urethane-nose front end from its Grand Am series and added the GA's instrument panel and Strato bucket seats with recliners and adjustable lumbar support along with Pontiac's Rally II wheels as a styling exercise for a possible Pontiac version of the El Camino; the concept, however, never reached production.

In 1992, GM unveiled an El Camino concept, which was basically a pickup variant of the Chevrolet Lumina Z34. The concept received mixed, mostly negative reviews, most of it because of the car's front wheel drive layout.

2010 Pontiac G8 ST, NY Auto Show, 2008

During the 1995 model year, GM had a concept El Camino based on the full-size Caprice station wagon using the grille of a 1994-96 Impala SS; this concept was destined for production, but was shelved due to GM's decision to discontinue the B-platform car line at the end of 1996..

The Pontiac G8 ST was shown at the New York International Auto Show in March 2008. Based on the Holden Ute, it was built on the same G8 platform with a 73-inch (1,900 mm) cargo bed. The Sport Truck had the same 361 hp (269 kW), 6.0-liter V8 used in the G8 GT, as well as the 3.6-liter, 300 hp (220 kW) direct-injection V6.^[23] The G8 ST, slated for release as a 2010 model, was to be GM's first coupé utility in North America since the El Camino was discontinued in 1987. In January 2009, GM announced to dealers the G8 ST was cancelled due to budget cuts and restructuring.^[24] GM was speculated, in 2011, to be considering bringing back the El Camino under the Chevrolet brand as early as 2015.^[25]

Today

For years, GM has been rumored to be considering bringing back the El Camino. GM already has a vehicle ready in Australia in the form of the Holden Ute (a Chevrolet-badged version of which, known as the Lumina Ute, is sold in South Africa and Middle East), save for some minor changes necessary to make it available in the U.S.. With Holden production ending, it is now clear that the Holden Ute will not be imported to the US. From 2003-2006, GM did sell in limited numbers the Chevrolet SSR; sales were not what they had hoped and it was cancelled.

References

1. Warner, Gary (1999-08-08). "Who built the first utility - where - when...". fastlane.com.au. Retrieved 2011-09-25.
2. Auto Editors of Consumer Guide (2007-10-17). "1955 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier". auto.howstuffworks.com. Retrieved 2011-09-25.
3. http://1955gmc.com/1957palomino.html GMC Palomino
4. The Editors of Consumer Guide
5. Bob. "1958-1965 Chevrolet full size production numbers". 348-409.com.
6. Gunnell, John A. (1993). Standard Catalog of American Light-Duty Trucks. krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-238-9.
7. http://www.chevelles.com/elcamino/ec_total.htm
8. https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs/gm-heritage-archive/vehicle-information-kits/El-Camino/1964-Chevrolet-El-Camino.pdf
9. 1964 El Camino brochure
10. Owner observation
11. 1965 El Camino brochure
12. "Directory Index: Chevrolet_El_Camino-GMC_Caballero/1966_Chevrolet_El_Camino_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-04-09.
13. 1973-1977 Chevrolet El camino brochures
14. 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle Brochure
15. Cars of the 70's - By the Editors of Consumer Guide
16. 1973-77 El Camino brochures
17. "Pars Khodro in history". Pars Khodro.
18. http://www.autonews.com/article/20020826/SUB/208260746. Missing or empty |title= (help)
19. http://www.elcaminocentral.com/showthread.php?t=44295&highlight=1988. Missing or empty |title= (help)
20. http://blog.elcaminostore.com/el-camino-timeline-1959-1987/. Missing or empty |title= (help)
21. Wikibooks:Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/Model year
22. http://www.elcaminocentral.com/showpost.php?p=1413609&postcount=122. Missing or empty |title= (help)
23. "Pontiac Names All New Sport Truck The "G8 ST"". Retrieved 6 January 2009.
24. "GM kills Pontiac G8 Sport Truck". Freep.
25. "Chevy Considers Return of the El Camino". Jalopnik.

External links

• Chevrolet El Camino at the Internet Movie Cars Database
• Car Domain: 1959-1960/1964-1987 Chevrolet El Camino