1982 Chevrolet El Camino

Description

The vintage El Camino has passed beyond the realm of mere "used car" and now legitimately a car of interest. Not exactly a grade-A collectable, cars like this 1982 Chevrolet El Camino are nonetheless cool pieces of automotive irony, and perhaps the day will come when we abandon our small SUVs and the venerable truck/car will rise again. In the meantime, they're still practical, fun machines that will always have a loyal following.

Restyled in 1981, the El Camino retained its very visible link to the Malibu with interchangeable front end and clean, unadorned lines. The black paint on this one is in good condition and was apparently repainted once before, which is probably when they added the cowl induction hood. Even in black, the truck/car is quite straight, and since this car comes to us from the sunny south it's no rust bucket. Despite the bed out back, it doesn't look like this one ever had to earn its keep in the trenches. Super straight quarter panels, good gaps, and a bed with a nicely done spray-in bedliner mean it's ready to work or play, and the reproduction decals are in great condition. The chrome and stainless trim is probably original and unrestored, but it shines up well and looks great against the black paint.

Three-across seating was the norm in most El Caminos, and the dark gray upholstery in this one is welcoming yet durable. Additional ties to its purely passenger car brothers include the upscale seat covers, padded door panels, and a dash that's passenger car, not truck. There's also a sporty array of gauges for the driver, and they all work including the clock! Options include A/C, power windows, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM stereo radio. The carpets are remarkably plush, further blurring the line between commercial and passenger vehicle, and there's even modest storage behind the seat just in case you have gear that needs to stay out of the rain. Everything is in great shape, including the dash pad and door panels, although the steering wheel is showing its age with the usual cracks and missing trim. If you're looking for a clean Elky, you won't find many this nice for less money.

The engine is Chevy's familiar 305 cubic inch V8, which was a popular choice in 1982. Purely a response to fuel economy concerns, it still runs like a small block Chevy with plenty of torque and an energetic demeanor. Almost completely stock and unmodified save for an Edelbrock carburetor, it starts easily and drives well, just as you'd expect, and the obvious signs of regular maintenance are reassuring. It's been detailed because the corporate blue paint is just too bright to be original and the A/C has been converted to R134a refrigerant, so service is inexpensive and can be done almost anywhere. The only real modification is a true dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers, so it certainly sounds racy when you're out cruising. It also runs a TH350 3-speed automatic and a highway-friendly rear end, so you can still drive it to work every day if you're inclined. IROC-style wheels are painted to match the body and wear 215/60/15 performance radials.

El Caminos hold a special place in this hobby and their unique combination of passenger car and pickup truck will always attract attention. Affordable fun that remains practical. Call today!