Ford however had a totally new chassis and body that year making the timing right only for Ford. Chevrolet was locked into the third and final edition of its 1955 chassis/body program for 1957. The 1959 El Camino was Chevy's eventual answer to the Ford Ranchero. But Ford had another surprise in store for the competition in 1957. The Cameo no doubt inspired Dodge, International, and Ford to offer flush-side cargo boxes on some of their 1957 pickups. Although a truck in every sense, the Cameo offered an unprecedented array of car-like features Two-tone paint, smooth V8 power, an automatic transmission, a relatively luxurious interior, power assists, and more were among its attractions. If it needs some fine-tuning, why not just do it and help with the sale? No telling what the reserve is on this example but my El Camino jones is telling me to pass and keep looking.The mid-1955 introduction of Chevrolet's stylish Cameo Carrier pickup helped pave the way for the El Camino.
The engine is a bit of a cause for concern too, simply because of the way the seller has described it. So, what do we really have here? It’s not a bad start, depends on how extensive the rust really is and the unknown condition of the cargo bed. The seller also claims that the Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic transmission was rebuilt when the engine was redone. I would guess that this engine is not the original. The temperature sending unit is in the wrong place for a ’68 engine as it should be located in the driver’s side cylinder head, not the intake manifold, and a ’68 intake does not have a provision for it.
396 ENGINE 1968 EL CAMINO UPGRADE
There is no word regarding engine originality or variant as in 325 or 350 HP and the only noted upgrade is the inclusion of headers. That’s a bit of a red flag for an engine that was rebuilt a few years ago and has very few miles on it. Nevertheless, the seller adds, “ The Long and short, The car runs, stops and steers. Under the hood is a 396 CI, big-block V8 engine that was rebuilt a few thousand miles ago, and this example is a running vehicle. The good news is that a Camino’s interior is abbreviated so there’s not that much to refurbish.
396 ENGINE 1968 EL CAMINO CRACKED
As is typically the case, the steering wheel is significantly cracked around the hub, a ’68 Chevrolet trademark. The center console is a nice inclusion but it appears that something was screwed to the stainless trim panel at one time and now all that remains are the holes. The door cards and armrests are tired and the carpet is missing. The interior of this Camino has seen some reupholstering in the form of a diamond-patterned, velour fabric spread across what look like 1969 or later bucket seats. It also looks like some side grab rails have been attached to the bedsides though they look more like shower curtain rods. Unfortunately, there is no image of the cargo bed included, a major source of rust commencement. It appears, however, that parts of some body panels have been repainted as there is notable flaking occurring.
396 ENGINE 1968 EL CAMINO CODE
According to the trim tag, white, code C, is the correct original finish for this Chevy, both body and roof, so the roof must be a repaint. Furthermore, GM “A” bodies, such as this El Camino, are definitely subject to destructive corrosion, so rust is no surprise with this example. Sure many do, and geographical location does play a part. I would disagree with the sentiment that all old cars possess rust and I have reviewed enough to know this is true.
There is a spot or two in the pans (does not need new pans)”. This is NOT an up north rotted road salt car. YES, the car has rust, but it’s not rotten…ALL old cars have rust! Again, The car is not rotten. The exterior is a little rough around the edges, the seller states, “Most people will ask, does the car have rust…. After ’68, the SS396 identity is lost due to it becoming an option and not remaining as a separate model. Owing to this Camino’s VIN, it can be determined that this example is what it purports to be. Of note, this El Camino is an SS396 model which was first offered on the El Camino in ’68 even though the 396 engine was available in ’66 and ’67. The El Camino story has been covered here on Barn Finds numerous times in the past, so it’s best to just delve into this example. It is located in Walker, Louisiana and is available here on eBay for a current bid of $5,001, reserve not yet met. Being an SS396 version, in particular, caught my interest with this 1968 Chevrolet El Camino so let’s examine it.
As is often the case, you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. I have always like this kit-bash between a car and a 1/2 ton pickup. I have been looking at the ’68 to ’72 version lately and with more than just a passing interest.
0 kommentar(er)
