From air conditioning to RideTech gas shocks and air bags for the suspension, this El Camino has seen more than $110,000 in upgrades as well as a ground-up restoration. Finished in Corvette Yellow, the 1968 model is offered for sale at $52,998 by Volo Cars in Illinois.
Even though the 396 badge on the front grille suggests a 6.5-liter displacement for the engine, this fellow here actually packs 454 cubic inches of motor with aluminum heads. The 7.2-liter leviathan is decked with an aluminum intake, Demon tri-power carbs, aluminum valve covers, and polished garnish for the water pump, billet pulley, and the alternator.
Dual electric fans and a big radiator keep the big-block V8 cool at all times while the HEI ignition ensures the 454 never skips a beat. Even the cargo compartment looks pristine thanks to repainted metal down to the tailgate jamb. The front of the undercarriage is “completely rebuilt” according to the seller, now featuring Strong Arm tubular control arms, a beefier sway bar, polyurethane bushings, and chrome for the oil pan and flywheel cover.
The suck-squeeze-bang-blow is sent to the rear wheels by a TCI 700R-4 overdrive automatic transmission with a 2,400 stall, complemented by a new driveshaft and a 3.55 posi-type rear end. Of course, the exhaust system hasn’t been forgotten for now it features a custom crossover pipe and Flowmaster mufflers to make that thundering bellow sound even better.
Two binders of documents reveal that 1,363 hours were needed to restore and build this El Camino to the current specification. To the point, “just about every single part was replaced, upgraded, or restored.”
The 1968 Chevrolet El Camino SS in the photo gallery started life out in California, hence the lack of rust. As you would expect from a Super Sport, the El Camino also features black stripes for period-correct aesthetics. Performance tires wrapped around Cragar S/S wheels, custom headlamps, Auto Meter gauges, and a retro stereo with AUX IN are a few other highlights.
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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