1986 GMC Caballero/El Camino

Description

As you've guessed, the Caballero was GMC's version of the venerable El Camino, although this particular 1986 GMC Caballero is far from ordinary. With a snarling big block V8, gorgeous custom paint, and plenty of upgrades, it's a seldom-seen hauler with big performance.

The first thing you notice is that incredible custom paint job, and it's every bit as impressive as you think. The subtle combination is accentuated by a cowl induction hood and a chin spoiler to make this hauler look like a first-class show piece. Nothing else was notably shaved or modified, and things like the hood pins seem right at home next to the upright GM hood ornament. It was finished a few years ago, but the quality work means that it's holding up extremely well with only minor signs of use. No worries, though, because showing up in this truck/car means you get all the attention, mostly because most folks haven't seen a Caballero before. Aside from that hood, the bodywork remains completely stock, and that frenched license plate frame was original equipment; pretty cool, right? You also get a bed that doesn't look like it ever had to work very hard as well as traditional touches like chrome bumpers, factory grille, and color-matched mirrors to give it a sleek look.

The custom leather interior reflects the exterior color combination with gray seats and black carpets, and the look is extremely attractive. The door panels look fairly stock and this Caballero comes fully loaded with options like power windows and locks, a tilt steering column, and power brakes and steering. The original gauges are joined by a big tachometer on top of the dash and a trio of auxiliary gauges under the dash, all of which add a sporty look to the Cab's interior. There's also an AM/FM/CD stereo in the original slot, a Grant GT steering wheel wrapped in leather, and nice factory gauges that are in decent shape. The new stuff is in excellent shape, making this a car you can get in and go right now without a second thought.

Mechanically, this Caballero originally carried a wheezing 305 cubic inch V8, but today there's a 454 cubic inch V8 that was built to be entertaining. It's a tight fit in the engine bay, which was only designed for small blocks, but with an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, HEI ignition, and what sounds like a decent cam inside, it transforms the Caballero's personality. Aside from some polished aluminum bits, the engine bay looks pretty stock, including the Chevy orange engine, suggesting that this is how GM might have done it. The 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission means that this is a great highway cruiser and it spins what appears to be the original rear end. Standard cast iron exhaust manifolds feed a custom Flowmaster exhaust system that sounds throaty without getting annoying on long drives and the underside is clean but not over-detailed, so you can still drive this car without worries. Chrome wheels look like modern Torque Thrusts and are wrapped with 235/40/18 front and 255/35/18 rear Michelin radials.

Unusual, beautifully built, and plenty fast, this GMC is a standout in our showroom and could be a standout at the next show you attend. Call today!