Still based on the Chevrolet Malibu, the final generation of the El Camino is one of the smaller models but features the sharpest lines and most modern design cues. The fifth generation of the El Camino is the final generation that ran for nearly a decade starting in 1978 and running until 1987. All the same engine options from the third generation carried over into the fourth generation here along with the same transmissions except for the two speed Powerglide which was now replaced with a 3-speed turbo hydramatic automatic. The front end received singular headlights, a more pronounced front bumper, and more subtle styling throughout including a more sloped rear end. At this time this was the largest El Camino General Motors had ever produced and was based on the Chevrolet Malibu. The fourth generation started in 1973 and ran until 1977. The design and massive engines available in the El Camino during this generation, including the 454 cubic inch V8, made this generation of the El Camino the one to have. As most enthusiasts know, the third generation of the Chevelle is one of the most desirable in the world, especially the 19 model years. This is arguably the most popular generation of the Chevrolet El Camino thanks to its primary basis on the third generation of Chevelle. The third generation of the El Camino came around in 1968 and ran until 1972. Like the first generation, the new El Camino still had the pickup truck rear end and the muscle car front fascia however this generation was one of the more subtle stylings and is not so common to be seen today. The second generation started in 1964 and ran through 1967 this was primarily based on the Chevrolet Chevelle platform and carried a lot of the same front-end features. By the end of the first generation in 1960, Chevrolet had sold just over 36,000 El Camino's making it a hit but the sales started to die off towards the end of the year in 1960. This made hot rodding enthusiasts absolutely love the El Camino for its utility and huge powerful drive train. The top of the line 348 cubic inch V8 was rated at 315 horsepower and was matted to a four-speed manual transmission. The El Camino had three different engine variants, a 235 cubic inch inline 6, but 283 cubic inch V8, and a 348 cubic inch V8. The El Camino only had a single trim level and only came in a 2-door coupe body style. This meant that it utilized all of the same space that came in the station wagon but had an open-top rear end. The 1959 El Camino was based on the Brookwood 2 door station wagon platform. Designed to compete with the Ford Ranchero, this interesting vehicle segment came to be when General Motors and Ford both realized the American market loved the muscle car but didn't want to sacrifice the utility of a pickup truck. The all-wheel drive Santa Cruz is clearly the Millennial version of El Caminos past.The El Camino was first produced back in 1959. The little car truck wowed the crowd with its distinctive hexagonal grille, oversized wheels, and Brembo brakes. In January 2015, Hyundai unveiled its Santa Cruz car with a truck bed concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Thankfully some ideas are too good to fade away. This could have been the end of the story. GM cut the Mexican-built car truck from the lineup after 1987, following the launch of Chevrolet’s compact S-10 pickup. Those not equipped with Oldsmobile’s disreputable diesel engines came with detuned Chevrolet small blocks rated at a paltry 180-horsepower. The car truck’s mishmash of parts largely sourced from the Chevrolet Chevelle and Monte Carlo did not gain favor with fans. The Camaro and Mustang held out, but the proper muscle car with a truck bed was no more.Ī downsized version of the El Camino for the 1978 model year was disappointing. In that era, oil embargoes and federally-mandated emissions controls wielded the death blow to big American muscle cars. What could be better than a car that could go to church, haul hay, and burn rubber? Why Did Cars with Truck Beds Go Away?īlame it on the 1970s. An available 450-horsepower LS6 engine was available for the 1970 model year. It was no surprise that the El Camino followed in the Chevelle’s muscle-car footsteps. In 1964, Chevrolet reintroduced its car-based truck-building it off the then-new Chevelle platform. GM discontinued the El Camino after the 1960 model year. As a result, the first-generation car truck didn’t sell particularly well. General Motors showed up late to the dance. The ’68 El Camino SS hauls hay and burns rubber.Įl Camino is Spanish for “the way.” Chevrolet’s 1959 model introduced in response to the Ford Ranchero was based on the Brookwood two-door station wagon.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |