1981 Chevrolet El Camino

Description

A big part of the car hobby is being able to spot potential, and this 1981 Chevrolet El Camino not only has a lot going for it, but it offers a big opportunity. It's got good bones, including a strong 350 cubic inch V8, an upgraded interior, and a slightly modified look that really works well. If you have a little vision, this affordable Elky could be something really special.

The silver paint on this car isn't original and that's probably where you'll want to start. It's not bad, but it isn't a high-priced show job so you don't have to worry if you start your upgrades outside. Fortunately, it doesn't seem to be hiding any nasty surprises underneath and things like the cowl induction hood and those long doors fit rather well for a car in this price class. The '80s El Camino shape is trim and actually quite sporty, arguably the best of the Chevy A-body lineup, and the monochromatic silver paint job only accentuates that look. The rear roll pan has been neatly faired into the body and uses the original taillights, so it's a cool twist on the original design, and there's an aftermarket chin spoiler up front that integrates better than most. There's a spray-in bedliner out back so you don't have to worry about using this truck/car as intended, and you'll be glad you have it when you need something big moved.

The interior got a bit of a makeover, too, starting with those sporty high-back bucket seats. Borrowed from a late-model, they have aggressive side bolsters and a lot more adjustability than the original El Camino bench, and the gray and blue upholstery works well with the silver bodywork. Black carpets are protected by matching floor mats and the original door panels are in remarkably good shape. A Grant GT steering wheel works with a big tach and auxiliary gauges to lend the El Camino a sportier attitude, and with the horsepower upgrades under the hood, they're a good idea. There's also a powerful Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo tucked into the original center stack, so you don't have to cruise in silence. Behind the seats you'll find a decent amount of inside storage and even though it's strictly a 2-seater, the cabin feels spacious and open.

We suspect that's the original 350 cubic inch V8, but does it even matter at this point? It's a great runner with a lot of upgrades, starting with an Edelbrock intake manifold and 4-barrel carburetor, a set of long-tube headers, and some shiny aluminum dress-up parts. Chevy Orange on the block looks great and it suggests that the engine was out of the car not too long ago and the way it runs confirms that it's still fresh and there's a lot more power on tap now than there was back in 1981. Those headers lead to a great-sounding Flowmaster dual exhaust system that dumps just ahead of the rear axle and the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission offers crisp shifts and quick downshifts so it's fun to drive. It sits right and rides rather well for a vehicle with a bed out back, and those Rally wheels look almost new and wear fresh 235/60/15 blackwall radials all around.

It's all about potential, and this El Camino has a ton of it. The price is shockingly reasonable and you can enjoy this one as-is or use it as a blank canvas for something truly amazing. It's all up to you. Call now!