1964 Chevrolet El Camino

Description

This handsome red 1964 El Camino is perhaps an idea whose time has come again. With pickup trucks selling in record numbers, maybe the automotive buying public would appreciate a utility vehicle with the performance and comfort of a car and the utility of a truck. It worked in 1964, giving the mid-sized Chevelle a blue collar stable mate, and went on to sell successfully for more than two decades.

With a recent repaint in bright red, it's hard to miss this El Camino, and you'll be struck by just how right it looks. There isn't an awkward line anywhere on the car, and the grafting of the pickup bed onto the Chevelle's front clip is seamless, a testament to the stylists at GM. The paint and bodywork remain in good condition throughout, with decent panel gaps and straight sheetmetal that has apparently never been rusty. The paint is two-stage urethane, so it'll look this good practically forever given even moderate care. The bed has obviously seen some use, but then what's the point of having a truck if you can't put it to work now and again? I guarantee you'll be the only one at the Home Depot with one of these carrying your supplies.

Thanks to its Chevelle DNA, the El Camino benefits from the myriad of interior choices available to Chevelle restorers, including the lovely parchment upholstery found inside this Elky. A subtle contrast to the bright red paint, the interior is so pretty you're almost afraid to sit in it. Using period-correct materials and factory designs surely help maintain the authentic feel, but a few smart upgrades help make this a car that can be driven daily. There's a newer AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit in the dash, along with a pair of Pioneer 6x9 speakers behind the seat to deliver the sound, and the gauges are all fully functional. A beautiful two-tone deluxe steering wheel is pure 1960s cool and it shows no cracks or other damage as well as a crystal clear center horn button.

Familiar can also describe the powertrain, which is comprised of a 350 crate engine and the original Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission. Although there were no 350s available in 1964, it looks like it belongs there thanks to a coat of Chevy Orange paint, simple Chevrolet valve covers, and a chrome air cleaner. A new Carter 4-barrel carburetor features an electric choke, and a recent alternator is a smart upgrade over the original generator setup. Not really intended to be a street brawler, the engine is instead a relaxed travelling partner that isn't afraid to work hard with great torque and a wonderful V8 sound from the dual tailpipes out back. The original 14-inch wheels wear stock hubcaps and a set of recent 205/75/14 whitewall radials.

With all the goodness of a Chevelle and the practicality of a truck, perhaps it's time to revisit the El Camino. Better yet, take this one home instead.