The Chevy El Camino debuted for the 1959 model year in response to the Ford Ranchero. Based on GM’s B-Body platform, the El Camino utilized the Chevrolet station wagon architecture, with its Safety-Girder X-Frame chassis. The El Camino would only be produced for two years before taking a hiatus that ended with its re-introduction with the 1964 model year.
Though only in its second year, the Chevy El Camino received a redesign for 1960. Along with the rest of the B-Body platform, the El Camino featured a smoother grille with slats, two taillights per side as opposed the 1959’s almond-shaped units, flatter angled fins, and “jet” beltline trim. The wraparound windshield was less pronounced with the addition of roll-out wind windows.
Our feature 1960 Chevy El Camino has been given a fastidious restoration, as evidenced by its multiple show wins. During the restoration, the El Camino was treated to a high quality respray in Cascade Green and Jade Green. Chrome bumpers and trim have been either refinished or replaced. Stainless trim has been polished well. Painted steel wheels wear full-size spinner covers and are shod in wide whitewall rubber. The bed is spotless, with shine every bit the measure as the rest of the exterior.
Inside the Chevy El Camino, the interior is showroom fresh. The bench seat is covered in green vinyl with patterned cloth inserts. The carpet appears as new, with no sign of wear or fading. Gauge lenses are all crystal clear. The round speedometer sits directly above the steering column, with smaller round gauges flanking on either side. The automatic transmission shifter is column mounted, and just to the right of the column are the climate controls. This El Camino is equipped with rare factory air conditioning. Other optional equipment includes power steering, power brakes, rare cable-operated factory cruise control, and a pushbutton radio.
Beneath the hood of the Chevy El Camino resides the 348 cubic-inch W-Head Big Block V8, topped by a four-barrel carb and backed by the aforementioned two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. The engine bay is spotless and beautiful, having been brilliantly detailed.
This Chevy El Camino won the AACA National First Prize in 2004, and was a VCCA Senior Award winner in 2011 with a score of 944 points out of a possible 1,000. It is accompanied by both the AACA and VCCA judging documents. This stunning El Camino will cross the auction block at the Mecum Auctions Kissimmee sale taking place January 6-16, 2022.
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Comments
Wow!
Yes, WOW !! this vehicle will go for $85.000 plus at that auction. Looks better then new.
Sold for $176,000.
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I recall meeting the former owner of this stunning ‘60 Chevrolet Ute, at a Vintage Chevrolet Car Club of America convention. I understand he passed away about 2 years ago. So its not surprising to see this ute for sale.
The text contains a few errors that suggest the writer does not have much knowledge of full size early 1960s Chevrolets. For example, the comment that the windscreen differed from the previous ‘59 model is of course incorrect. The ‘59 and ‘60 models shared identical windscreen and roof design.
Apart from the quality of the restoration, the highlight of this Chevrolet ute is the number of factory / dealer options and the fact that its totally dressed in Impala / Nomad trim. These important facts and more should be pointed out to prospective bidders.
Reproducing this car (its not a ‘truck’), its a sedan based ute, would be very difficult in 2021.
On a final note, Chevrolets first sedan based utes were manufactured in Australia by General Motors – Holden. Effectively Australians could buy a Chevrolet El Camino utes 20 years before the GM parent company introduced them to US buyers in 1959.
As a result, for some years Australian built 1949, 1950, 1951 and 1952 Chevrolet sedan based utes have been a popular import into the United States. The examples that remain in Australia have an increased following and have become very collectable.
Don’t think Mary needs reminding what that vehicle is. It was one of GM’s worst. Look at the picture, the front suspension is broken on the drivers side!
These were not the greatest GM vehicles made.
Better jump back into your pickup truck and scurry on to your Trump rally before the truth bites you!!!
Above all, remember that passenger car based / styled ‘trucks’ or more correctly utilities (Utes) were an Australian invention that started with early 1930s Fords. The concept was a vehicle that provided passenger car comfort / styling but could also ‘carry the pigs to market’.
Effectively, General Motors Holden (GMH) offered the Chevrolet El Camino in Australia, a good 25 years before the parent company GM offered the concept to Americans. Sedan based utes, in Australia proved very popular with ute versions of the Valiant, Ford Falcon and many others. Americans came very close to getting a Pontiac G8 utility via GMH and Chevrolet SS utility was a close possibility.
These passenger car based ‘trucks’ like the ‘60 model featured offered styling that was simply not available in any shoe box SUV or truck. Trucks simply don’t have styling. Probably the ugliest vehicle even built has to be the Hummer with its nothing shoe box design.
Yes, the featured 1960 Chevrolet may look a little dated in 2021, but remember its over 60 years old. In its day, its styling and engineering were nothing short of cutting edge.
I love my 60 Camino and hate the thought of having to sell something Ive put my blood and sweat in for 30 plus years.. But all things must pass and Im looking for serious inquires .Thanks