Photo: Cars Remember When
While today the Chevrolet El Camino is a cult classic that will provoke a lot of owners to do their longest burnout ever when faced with the inevitable “it’s me or that car” from their (formerly) significant other, times were a bit different back in the 1960s. GM’s odd crossover between a car and a truck wasn’t actually regarded as “the most beautiful thing that ever shouldered a load” like Chevy promoted the original. But perseverance paid off.
The Chevy El Camino was born in 1959 as GM’s answer to the Ford Ranchero, but the original didn’t sell well and was retired after a two-year stint. The company went back to the drawing board, and was tenacious enough to come up with some four more generations, as well as muscle car vibes thanks to the SS versions.
This 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS might easily count as a perfect example of its sedulity, as the third generation moved to a longer wheelbase (akin to the Chevelle sedan/station wagon's 116 in/2,946 mm) and shared styling connections with the Chevelle Malibu. Still, the El Camino SS had a mind of its own, and for the 1970 model year was treated to an SS396 version.
It’s exactly the one seen here on sale by Cars Remember When offered by a hair under the $50k milestone ($49,900 to be more precise). The fiery red exterior hides a few surprises under those racy black stripes, mind you. That’s because along with the restoration, a few modification ideas also popped up. For example, the big-block V8 is now paired to a six-speed stick shift from Tremec.
The 396ci (6.5-liter) V8 also sports a new HD aluminum radiator, Edelbrock’s signature up top, an MSD ignition system, and will clear its meaty throat through a pair of headers and a brawny dual exhaust setup. That’s not all, because the driver will have the alternative of a pleasurable ride thanks to the power steering and powered front disc brakes.
Other interesting highlights include the polished 17-inch alloys that work like a charm to provide a contrast to the bright red paintwork and those black stripes, as well as the custom bed cover or the bucket seats for the driver and passenger.
This 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS might easily count as a perfect example of its sedulity, as the third generation moved to a longer wheelbase (akin to the Chevelle sedan/station wagon's 116 in/2,946 mm) and shared styling connections with the Chevelle Malibu. Still, the El Camino SS had a mind of its own, and for the 1970 model year was treated to an SS396 version.
It’s exactly the one seen here on sale by Cars Remember When offered by a hair under the $50k milestone ($49,900 to be more precise). The fiery red exterior hides a few surprises under those racy black stripes, mind you. That’s because along with the restoration, a few modification ideas also popped up. For example, the big-block V8 is now paired to a six-speed stick shift from Tremec.
The 396ci (6.5-liter) V8 also sports a new HD aluminum radiator, Edelbrock’s signature up top, an MSD ignition system, and will clear its meaty throat through a pair of headers and a brawny dual exhaust setup. That’s not all, because the driver will have the alternative of a pleasurable ride thanks to the power steering and powered front disc brakes.
Other interesting highlights include the polished 17-inch alloys that work like a charm to provide a contrast to the bright red paintwork and those black stripes, as well as the custom bed cover or the bucket seats for the driver and passenger.
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