1970 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 1970 El Camino has been built to further blur the lines that separate 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 Torch Red paint. These vehicles typically led harder lives than your average Chevelle, and finding a clean one, let alone 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, and that red paint is simply brilliant. A cowl-induction hood was installed during the build, but otherwise it's completely stock. Trim is bright and well maintained, with sparkling chrome on the bumpers, a stock grille, and the trim around the bed is very nice with no obvious dings or damage from use. I applaud the builder who was able to resist the temptation to make an SS clone, and instead presents an honest Elkie with no stories that's ready to rumble.

A new black bench seat anchors the interior, which is a nice mixture of restoration pieces and aftermarket upgrades. Carpets, headliner, and door panels are reproduction pieces that look good and fit right, and the fat leather-wrapped steering wheel is an awesome addition to the usually bare-bones El Camino. The dash is original with only a basic set of factory gauges, but you will note that this is a factory A/C car, which is always a nice bonus. An AM/FM/cassette head unit lives in the original AM radio's slot in the dash. Carpets are protected by a set of heavy-duty rubber mats, and the overall look is that of a car that has always been loved.

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. The warmed-over 350 cubic inch V8 offers an Edelbrock aluminum intake, 4-barrel carburetor, and air cleaner. The engine bay is sanitary and clean, with a few dress-up items such as chrome valve covers and traditional Chevy Orange paint on the block itself. The transmission is a TH350 3-speed automatic and lives between the pipes of a nice-sounding dual exhaust system with chrome tips peeking out from behind the rear tires. The stock suspension has been lowered a bit to give it a low, mean look that is still fully functional on the street. Handsome 16-inch Torque Thrusts stuff the wheel wells, wearing tallish 245/70/16 radials that look right.

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. That stout small block sounds awesome and you won't be keeping a low profile with that Torch Red paint. But if there are times when you just feel like relaxing, simply turn on the A/C, crank up your favorite tunes, and enjoy the ride. Call it a truck, call it a car, either way you're going to love this El Camino. Call us today!