Chevrolet El Camino
From 1959 - 1960 1964 - 1987
General motors made the first truck like car in 1959. It was named the El Camino. It was the first truck which had a steel-ribbed bed. For an unknown reason the El Camino line was dropped in 1960. It returned again in 1964. The 1959 El Camino was equipped with a 348 c.i. V8 producing 315 horsepower.
In 1964 the El Camino was built on the Chevelle platform. The Chevelle promised to be the car of the future. It was used primarily as a light utility truck, with an inline 6 as a standard powerplant, and a V8 as an option. The SS package wasn't available until 1967, but if the buyer ordered the appropriate options, he could have the same features, comfort and power of the SS. The Chevelle based elky was a hit in it's first year.
This generation was still built on the popular Chevelle platform, and shared the new styling. In 1968 the El Camino SS was available with a 396 c.i. V8 in 325 and 350 hp versions. This big-block option continued till 1970, when the new 454 c.i. 360 hp arrived. In 1971 the headlights turned to single power-beams and the grill resembled an ice-cube tray. 1972's sales increased with 10,000.
Larger and lighter then the years before were the fourth generation El Camino's. They had more options and trim packages then ever available before. 1973 was the first year for the all-new body style, which included Estate and Conquista packages. 1973 was the highest sales year for El Camino's ever 64.987 were built. A different headlight treatment was the major change in 1976, but it was basically the same El Camino then the rest of this generation.
The last generation of El Camino's. I prefer this generation, course of to reasons, they will never look old-fashioned. And second, the little side window behind the doors makes these cars very special. 1978 was the first year a V6 engine was available. This generation shares parts with the Malibu and Monte Carlo. All elky's built after 1984 , were built in Mexico. For 1982 to 1984 there were diesel engines available. 1987 was the last year El Camino's were built. Today Chevrolet has introduced the SSR, this might be the El Camino of the future.
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