170hp, 283 cu. in. overhead valve V8 engine, single two-barrel Rochester carburetor, two-speed Powerglide transmission, coil spring front and rear suspension, four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 119"
1960 was a year of change and challenge. The charismatic John F. Kennedy won the presidency, the no less charismatic Elvis Presley returned home from the army, Francis Gary Powers was shot down over Russia in his U-2 spyplane, OPEC was formed and France tested its first nuclear weapon.
On the automotive scene, Ford boasted an all-new body style, while the best their arch-rival Chevrolet could do (besides launching the revolutionary Corvair) was to offer refined versions of their new-for-‘59 models. One of which was the full-size El Camino car/truck hybrid, available in its second and last year. The idea of a car body and chassis integrated with a pickup bed was not new, and it was not very popular, either, with only 14,163 units finding buyers. Still, they were attractively styled and did offer the comfort of a car with the practicality of a light-duty pickup.
This sharp ‘arrest me’ red example has been extensively restored to a high standard and exhibits only a few very minor paint chips. Its contrasting white top, whitewall tires and chrome bed rails combine to make it even more distinctive. The chrome and stainless trim pieces have been replated or restored to match the quality of the rest of the vehicle.
Inside, more evidence of a top-notch restoration, with flawless red and white houndstooth upholstery, as-new carpeting and a spotless body-colored dash that features both radio and clock.
A tried-and-true Chevy 283 V8 provides the go, and it too has been completely restored and detailed. The chassis and undercarriage have also been done to the same high standards, showing only very minor signs of wear.
All in all, this is an outstanding fully restored example of Chevy’s unique 1960 El Camino and is as distinctive and eye-catching today as it was when it rolled out of the dealer’s showroom. |
