Lots of horses and lots of fun.
It’s a fun, good looking, strong car. Has the gorgeous looks of a Chevelle with ability and convenience of a truck.
The Ford Ranchero was the first “coupe utility” and was introduced in ’57, two years before Chevrolet’s response. The 1955 introduction of Chevrolet’s Cameo Carrier pickup truck helped pave the way for the El Camino.
The El Camino was introduced for the 1959 model year two years after the Ford Ranchero.
A total of 22,246 El Caminos were produced for 1959. Engines offered were a 283-cid Turbo-Fire V8 with two- or four-barrel carburetion, several Turbo-Thrust 348-cid V8s with four-barrel or triple two-barrel carburetors producing 335 bhp (250 kW; 340 PS), and 250- and 290-bhp 283-cube Ramjet Fuel Injection V8s. Chevrolet discontinued the model in 1960 due to declining sales.
Chevrolet reintroduced an all new, mid-size El Camino four years later based on the Chevrolet Chevelle with a 300hp small-block V-8, adding a subsequent version powered by a 375hp big-block V-8.
This version lasted until ’67, succeeded by a larger third generation the following year. The El Camino offered a 350hp Super Sport variant, and a rare version with a 7.4L, 454ci V-8 making a jaw dropping 450 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. This muscled El Camino could reach quarter-mile time under 14 seconds while hitting 175 kmph.
A larger fourth generation spanned the years from ’73-’77. Front brake discs and frameless side windows were also introduced on this model. Generation five, ’78-’87, was smaller and sleeker than its predecessor, with a V-6 gasoline engine as standard, while offering diesel and gasoline V-8 options.
Specifications:
– Engine type: GM Chevrolet LS6 454 V-8
– Displacemen: 7.4 l (454 ci / 7440 cc)
– Power: 456 ps (450 bhp / 336 kw) @ 5600 rpm
– Torque: 678 Nm (500 lb-ft) @ 3600 rpm
– Transmission: Muncie M21/M22 close ratio 4 Speed Manual
– 0 – 100 kph: 5.2 s
– Top speed: 229 kph
– Layout: Fromt engine, rear wheel drive
– Curb weight: 1742 kg (3840 lbs)
