The coupé utility originates from Australia, but America made the ute cool with the introduction of the El Camino. More specifically, the 396- and 454-engined variants that combine utility with big-block V8 power.
Be that as it may, the Elky features a relatively humble origin. General Motors introduced the Brookwood station wagon-based pickup truck after Ford introduced the Ranchero in December 1956 for the 1957 model year.
More stylized and a bigger commercial success than Ford’s contender, the Chevrolet El Camino is also a favorite of the restomodding scene thanks to the simplicity of the A-body platform the Elky used from 1964 to 1981. Even custom builders took a liking to it, which brings us to a one-off show car that won the Barris d'Elegance award at the 2015 Grand National Roadster Show.
Envisioned by George Barris associate Karl Krummy and finished by Keith Dean, the “Triton” is half El Camino and half Eldorado. Old-school Cadillac influences are most obvious at the rear of the vehicle, where you’ll find two tail fins, no fewer than seven chrome bars on the handle-less tailgate, and a tonneau cover that raises on hydraulic struts and billet hinges.
Offered by Barrett-Jackson from the Petersen Vault at no reserve, this one-of-a-kind coupé utility is rolling on turbine-style wheels that feature yellow-striped tires. The see-through roof allows passersby to glance inside the vehicle, where you’ll find individual bolsters for the fighter jet-inspired seats, a cut-down steering wheel, and a horseshoe-like transmission shifter.
Even the engine compartment is a work of art that blends vintage and modern elements to create a sight to behold. Four twin velocity stacks top a 350 small-block V8 with custom-designed valve covers, a muscly little powerplant that’s kept cool by a twin-fan aluminum radiator. Unfortunately, the consignor didn’t mention what kind of 350 was used for this build.
As opposed to the 1959 El Camino on which it’s based, the bite-the-back-of-your-hand beautiful Triton is certain to fetch a lot of money despite the uncomfortable-looking seats. For reference, the most expensive 1959 Elky sold in 2020 hammered for $81,400 at Mecum’s 2020 Kissimmee auction.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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