Chevrolet El Camino
Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	1959–1960 1964–1987
Successor	Chevrolet SSR
Class	Muscle car
Related	GMC Caballero, GMC Sprint

The Chevrolet El Camino (Spanish translation "The Road") was a car-like pick-up built by Chevrolet in the United States from 1959 to 1987. It was produced in response to the success of the rival Ford Ranchero. During its manufacturing time, the El Camino was sold under three main models: The Super Sport, The Conquista, and the regular El Camino. It also had a twin called the GMC Sprint and later the GMC Caballero from 1974 onward. Chevrolet El Camino. ... Automakers, also known as carmakers, automobile manufacturers, motor manufacturers, or the automobile industry are companies that design and manufacture automobiles. ... General Motors Corporation, also known as GM, is the worlds largest auto company by annual production volume as of 2006, and the second largest by sales volume as of the first half of 2007, behind Toyota Motor Corporation. ... The Chevrolet SSR (the SSR standing for Super Sport Roadster) was a convertible pickup truck produced from the Chevrolet division of American automaker General Motors from 2003 through 2006. ... Car classification is subjective since many vehicles fall into multiple categories. ... The Pontiac GTO is a classic example of the muscle car. ... The Chevrolet El Camino, a car-based small pickup truck built by Chevrolet in the United States, was produced in response to the success of the rival Ford Ranchero. ... The Chevrolet El Camino, a car-based small pickup truck built by Chevrolet in the United States, was produced in response to the success of the rival Ford Ranchero. ... Pickup or pick-up may refer to: Pickup, a device which detects vibrations from music instruments Pickup truck, a light truck with an open-top rear cargo area. ... Chevrolet (IPA: ʃɛv. ... The Ford Ranchero was a car/pickup truck combination vehicle produced between 1957 and 1979 based on full-size, compact and intermediate automobiles by the Ford Motor Company for the North American market. ... The Chevrolet El Camino, a car-based small pickup truck built by Chevrolet in the United States, was produced in response to the success of the rival Ford Ranchero. ... The initialism GMC can mean either: GMC, a division of General Motors formerly named GMC Truck Game Maker Community, a game making utility forum. ...

In Mexico, it was sometimes badged and sold as the Chevrolet Conquistador.

First generation (1959-1960)

The first El Camino was produced for the 1959 model year (two years after the Ford Ranchero) and, like the Ranchero, was based on an existing and easily modified platform, namely the new-for-1959 Brookwood two-door station wagon. This was also the first year of the flamboyant "batwing" full-sized Chevrolet which sold in fewer numbers than more conservatively styled Fords. So too did the El Camino suffer in comparison to the Ranchero despite availability of virtually any trim and powertrain option available on the full-sized car line, with 22,246 built the first year. The similar but less flamboyant 1960 model sold even worse at 14,163 units total at which point General Motors decided to discontinue the model. In total, 36,409 first generation El Caminos were produced. The Chevrolet inline 6 of the 1930s through 1970s was the base engine in many popular cars, including the Chevrolet Camaro. ... The straight-6 (also inline 6, I-6, or I6) is an internal combustion engine with six cylinders aligned in a single row. ... // Chevrolets small-block V8 is a famous automobile engine. ... The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders. ... Big block is the term used to describe the large displacement V8 engines that were developed in the USA during the 1950s and 1960s. ... The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders. ... The Chevrolet Impala is an automobile built for the Chevrolet division by General Motors. ... The Ford Ranchero was a car/pickup truck combination vehicle produced between 1957 and 1979 based on full-size, compact and intermediate automobiles by the Ford Motor Company for the North American market. ...

Second generation (1964-1967)

Second generation
Production	1964–1967
Platform	FR A-body
Engine(s)	327 in³ Small-Block V8 396 in³ Big-Block V8
Related	Chevrolet Chevelle Chevrolet Malibu

Four years later, with the Ranchero still selling well, Chevrolet reincarnated the El Camino, based on the then-new Chevrolet Chevelle. That 1964 model was basically identical to the Chevelle forward of the B-pillars, but Chevrolet considered the vehicle a practical, utility model and the Chevelle's most powerful engines were not available. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1280x1024, 173 KB) My 1964 El Camino prior to restoration (front view). ... An automobile platform is a shared set of components common to a number of different automobiles. ... In automobile design, an FR, or front-engine, rear wheel drive means a layout where the engine is in the front of the vehicle and drive wheels at the rear. ... The General Motors A platform (commonly called A-body) was a mid-size car automobile platform. ... // Chevrolets small-block V8 is a famous automobile engine. ... The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders. ... Big block is the term used to describe the large displacement V8 engines that were developed in the USA during the 1950s and 1960s. ... The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders. ... This article or section includes a list of works cited or a list of external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations. ... It has been suggested that Chevrolet Classic be merged into this article or section. ... This article or section includes a list of works cited or a list of external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations. ...

1965 saw the availability of performance versions of the 327 engine with some 350 hp. 1966 brought added a 396 in³ engine to the lineup rated from 325 to 375 hp. The 1965 327 would run low 15s in the 1/4 mile (at some 90 mph), while 1966 to 1969 models were easily into the mid- to upper-14s. The El Camino followed the Chevelle's styling update for 1967, with a new grille, front bumper, and trim. Air shocks were introduced, allowing the driver to compensate for a load.

The year 1967 also brought options of disc brakes, Turbo 400 3 speed tranmission and the collapsable steering column for the first time. It was the pinnacle year for the 2nd generation El Camino. 2,565 El Camino Customs came with the 396 big block. That option came with the Powerglide, Turbo-Hydro 400 automatic, manual 3 speed or two choices of 4 speed manual Muncie transmissons. The 396 four speed equipped El Caminos were the most rare with less than 500 units sold.

Third generation (1968-1972)

1968 introduced a longer El Camino, based on the station wagon/4-door sedan wheelbase. A new, high performance Super Sport SS396 version was launched, alongside the Chevelle version. 1969 models were very similar, but 1970 saw the availability of a new SS396 which actually displaced 402 in³ (although all emblems read 396). Chevrolet's largest and most-powerful engine of the time was also put into a select few El Caminos. The LS6 454 in³ engine, rated at 450 hp and 500 ft·lbf of torque, gave the El Camino 1/4 mile times in the upper 13 second range at almost 105 mph. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (3456x2304, 530 KB) I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... The Chevrolet El Camino, a car-based small pickup truck built by Chevrolet in the United States, was produced in response to the success of the rival Ford Ranchero. ... An automobile platform is a shared set of components common to a number of different automobiles. ... In automobile design, an FR, or front-engine, rear wheel drive means a layout where the engine is in the front of the vehicle and drive wheels at the rear. ... The General Motors A platform (commonly called A-body) was a mid-size car automobile platform. ... Big block is the term used to describe the large displacement V8 engines that were developed in the USA during the 1950s and 1960s. ... The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders. ... Big block is the term used to describe the large displacement V8 engines that were developed in the USA during the 1950s and 1960s. ... The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders. ... Big block is the term used to describe the large displacement V8 engines that were developed in the USA during the 1950s and 1960s. ... The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders. ... This article or section includes a list of works cited or a list of external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations. ... It has been suggested that Chevrolet Classic be merged into this article or section. ... Estate car body style (Saab 95) A station wagon (United States usage), wagon (Australian usage, though station wagon is widely used) or estate car (United Kingdom usage) is a car body style similar to a sedan car but with an extended rear cargo area. ... A notchback full-size luxury sedan. ...

The 1971 model saw reduced power and performance, along with the rest of Chevrolet's line, as lower-octane unleaded fuel was mandated, and emissions controls began to be felt. Single headlights replaced double for 1971, and the grille came now to a point. Little changed but still lower power outputs for 1972.

A rebadged El Camino called the GMC Sprint debuted in 1971. The Chevrolet El Camino, a car-based small pickup truck built by Chevrolet in the United States, was produced in response to the success of the rival Ford Ranchero. ...

Fourth generation (1973-1977)

Fourth generation
Production	1973–1977
Platform	FR A-body

For 1973, the El Camino was restyled again, matching changes to the Chevelle. It was the largest generation of El Camino, but thanks to lighter construction, it weighed less than the previous generation. A front-end restyle with quad stacked headlights was done in 1976, but otherwise it was the same truck until 1978. Download high resolution version (1806x1227, 690 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... An automobile platform is a shared set of components common to a number of different automobiles. ... In automobile design, an FR, or front-engine, rear wheel drive means a layout where the engine is in the front of the vehicle and drive wheels at the rear. ... The General Motors A platform (commonly called A-body) was a mid-size car automobile platform. ...

Fifth generation (1978-1987)

A new, smaller El Camino was unveiled in 1978, with more sharp-edged styling. With a single headlight design, until a later revision in 1982 that had a four headlight design on the same body style as previous years from 1978 to 1981. Since the Chevelle was no longer produced, the El Camino instead shared components with the Chevrolet Malibu and Chevrolet Monte Carlo. V6 engines (based on the Buick or Chevrolet 90-degree V6) were available for the first time, and from 1982 through 1984, Oldsmobile-sourced diesel engines. Chevrolet El Camino. ... An automobile platform is a shared set of components common to a number of different automobiles. ... In automobile design, an FR, or front-engine, rear wheel drive means a layout where the engine is in the front of the vehicle and drive wheels at the rear. ... The General Motors A platform (commonly called A-body) was a mid-size car automobile platform. ... In automobile design, an FR, or front-engine, rear wheel drive means a layout where the engine is in the front of the vehicle and drive wheels at the rear. ... The General Motors G platform (also called G-Body) automobile platform name was used twice. ... The Buick Regal was a mid-size automobile produced by General Motors Buick division from 1973 through 2004, during which Buick also used the Century name on mid-size models; the two frequently shared bodies and powertrains. ... It has been suggested that Chevrolet Classic be merged into this article or section. ... The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was an American mid-size car. ... The Pontiac Grand Prix is an automobile produced by the Pontiac division of General Motors. ... It has been suggested that Chevrolet Classic be merged into this article or section. ... The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was an American mid-size car. ... The Ford Essex V6 engine V6 and V-6 redirect here. ... The Buick V6 engine family, sometimes called the Fireball, is a large V6 engine used by General Motors. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

After 1984, GM shifted El Camino production to Mexico for three more years. Production ceased after the 1987 model year, as sales of the Chevrolet S-10 true pickup truck were outselling its passenger car counterpart. 1999 Chevrolet S-10 pickup The GMC Sonoma was a compact pickup truck from the GMC marquee of General Motors. ...

1985 to 1987 El Caminos (and its twin, the GMC Caballero) were produced in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. Around 425 unsold 1987 El Caminos were sold as 1988 models. The Chevrolet El Camino, a car-based small pickup truck built by Chevrolet in the United States, was produced in response to the success of the rival Ford Ranchero. ... Ramos Arizpe (RAH-mos ah-REES-pe) is a city and its surrounding municipality in the Mexican state of Coahuila. ...

The El Camino today

Many El Caminos are still used as daily drivers, and some are used in various racing venues. The 1980s version is the most popular of any of that generation of body styles, though the late 60s command the highest prices and inspire the most replicas from Hot Wheels, Matchbox and Johnny Lightning which have produced few Ford Rancheros. The Discovery Channel program Monster Garage once turned an El Camino into a Figure-8 racer (dubbed the "Hell-Camino"). The drift team Bubba Drift uses a 1986 El Camino as the only drifting truck. It is one of the few drift trucks that uses an automatic transmission instead of a manual transmission. Hot Wheels Car — Dodge viper Hot Wheels is a brand of die cast toy car, introduced by American toymaker Mattel in 1968. ... Matchbox Superfast box art. ... Johnny Lightning Dodge Rebellion modern Johnny Lightning model Johnny Lightning was a brand of model cars originally produced by Topper Toys, similar to the hugely successful Mattel Hot Wheels die cast racing cars. ... The Ford Ranchero was a car/pickup truck combination vehicle produced between 1957 and 1979 by the Ford Motor Company for the North American market. ... Discovery Channel is a United States-based TV channel founded by John Hendricks. ... Monster Garage (2002–2006) was a popular television show for the Discovery Channel hosted by Jesse G. James. ... A Toyota Supra in drifting exhibition in Atlanta in 2005. ... The automatic gear selector in a Ford Five Hundred vehicle An automatic transmission is an automobile gearbox that can change gear ratios automatically as the vehicle moves, thus freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually (similar but larger devices are also used for railroad locomotives). ... A manual transmission (also known as a stick shift, straight drive, or standard transmission) is a type of transmission used in automotive applications. ...

The titular character of "My Name Is Earl" owns a 1973 fourth generation El Camino, although it has suffered damage and now has several replacement parts, including a 1980s hood. The main character of the movie ATL, played by T.I., drives an El Camino. In the animated King of the Hill, Khan trades in his Maxima for a 1980s El Camino as he transforms into a redneck, and he parks it visibly in the parking lot to help generate sympathy for his daughter who is applying for college. On the television series Prison Break, "Scan" portrayed fugitive Fernando Sucre hotwiring an El Camino pickup in Defiance, Ohio. In the sitcom That 70's Show the character Steven Hyde owns a second generation El Camino. A vampire hunter in the television series Supernatural drives a fourth generation el camino. The movie Enemy of the State features a blue El Camino, driven by Gene Hackman. My Name Is Earl is an Emmy Award-winning American sitcom created by Greg Garcia. ... In Aztec mythology, Atl was a god of water. ... Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. ... King of the Hill is an American animated television series created by Mike Judge (creator of Beavis and Butt-head) and Greg Daniels for the Fox Broadcasting Company. ... // Redneck, in modern usage, predominantly refers to a particular stereotype of people who may be found in many regions of the United States or Canada. ... Prison Break is an American serial drama television series that premiered on the Fox Network on August 29, 2005. ... Scan is the twenty-fifth episode of television series Prison Break and is the third episode of its second season. ... Fernando Sucre, played by Amaury Nolasco, is a fictional character from the American television series, Prison Break. ... Defiance is a city located in northwestern Ohio, in Defiance County, about 55 miles southwest of Toledo. ... That 70s Show logo That 70s Show is a Fox Network television sitcom centered around the lives of a group of teenagers living in the fictional suburb of Point Place, near Green Bay, during the late 1970s. ... Enemy of the State is a 1998 film written by David Marconi, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, and directed by Tony Scott, and starring Will Smith, Gene Hackman, Jon Voight, Lisa Bonet and Regina King. ... Gene Hackman (born Eugene Allen Hackman[1] on January 30, 1930) is a two-time Academy Award-winning American actor. ...

The El Camino is ostensibly the subject of the songs "El Camino," by Ween and "El Caminos in the West" by Grandaddy. It is mentioned in the lyrics of several country music songs as well: Ween is an alternative rock group formed in 1984 in New Hope, Pennsylvania when Aaron Freeman and Mickey Melchiondo met in an eighth grade typing class. ... Grandaddy was an indie rock group from Modesto, California, United States. ... This article includes a list of works cited but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations. ...

• Good Night To Be Lonely by Mark Chesnutt
• What's Not to Love by Blue County
• Feels Just Like It Should by Pat Green which opens with the line: "Let's jump in my El Camino"
• Something To Believe In by John Rich
• Jalapeno by Big & Rich
• Sister by Cross Canadian Ragweed
• Dirty Girl by Terri Clark
• Lake Charles by Lucinda Williams
• Rachel's Song by James McMurtry
• It Takes A Man by Aaron Lines
• What I Like About Texas by Jerry Jeff Walker
• Ballad Of Tommy and Marla by Kelly Reckless
• Lucky 4 You by SHeDAISY
• Fat Lip By Sum 41

On a production note, it has been constantly rumored for years now that GM may bring back the El Camino. GM already has a vehicle ready in Australia in the form of the Holden Ute, save for some minor changes necessary to make it available in the U.S. This may have been backtracked within the past couple of years, however, as the Subaru Baja, the only "pickup car" recently available in the US, didn't sell well at all and was dropped after the 2006 model year. In addition, the Pontiac GTO (which Holden built and exported for Pontiac and was loosely related to the Holden Ute) didn't sell well either and was only programmed for three years ending in 2006 due to Holden upgrading the platform it was based on. A Chevrolet badged version, known as the Lumina Ute, is sold in South Africa. Mark Chesnutt Mark Chesnutt is an American country music singer. ... 2004 Presidential election by county A blue county is a county whose residents predominantly vote for the Democratic Party in local, state, United States House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and U.S. Presidential elections. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... There are multiple individuals by this name with entries in Wikipedia. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Lucinda Williams (born January 26, 1953) is an American rock, folk, and country music singer and songwriter. ... James McMurtry (born March 18, 1962 in Fort Worth, Texas) is an American folk music singer-songwriter and the son of novelist Larry McMurtry. ... Aaron Lines (born November 17, 1977 in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada) is a Canadian country musician. ... Jerry Jeff Walker, 2002 Jerry Jeff Walker (born March 16, 1942) is a country music singer. ... SHeDAISY is an American country music group composed of three Osborn sisters: Kristyn Robyn (b. ... General Motors Corporation, also known as GM, is the worlds largest auto company by annual production volume as of 2006, and the second largest by sales volume as of the first half of 2007, behind Toyota Motor Corporation. ... The Holden Ute is a a car-based small pickup truck built by the Holden division of General Motors in Australia. ... Formally introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model, the Subaru Baja combined the handling and passenger carrying characteristics of a car, the open-bed versatility of a truck -- and to a lesser degree, the load carrying capacity of a truck. ... 1965 Pontiac GTO convertible The Pontiac GTO was an automobile built by Pontiac from 1964 to 1974, and by General Motors Holden in Australia from 2004 to 2006. ... This article is about the Australian car manufacturer. ... Pontiac is a marque of automobile produced by General Motors and sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 1926 to the present. ...

See also

• List of Chevrolet vehicles
• Ute
• Dodge Rampage

This is a list of vehicles made by Chevrolet. ... Mazda B-Series compact pickup truck with extended cabin and home-made wooden rack. ... The Dodge Rampage was a compact pickup truck based on Chryslers L platform. ...

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Chevrolet El Camino

• El Camino - Jalopnik - In-depth coverage of the El Camino, and hundreds of non-El Camino "Caminoizations."
• Chevy El Camino at Muscle Car Facts — A year by year account of the car up to 1973.

• Chris Fridel's four wheel drive El Camino