The quirky Level Air suspension option, in its second and final year, was listed as available, but was almost never seen on any Chevrolet model, much less an El Camino.

The somewhat soft passenger car suspension of the base model left the vehicle level without a load, in contrast the Ranchero, where standard 1100-pound rated heavy duty rear springs gave it a distinct rake when empty. The El Camino's payload rating ranged from 650–1,150 lb (290–520 kg), with gross vehicle weights ranging from 4,400–4,900 lb (2,000–2,200 kg) depending on powertrain and suspension. The 119 in (3,000 mm) wheel-base was 1.5 inches (38 mm) longer, and overall length for all 1959 Chevrolets was up to 210.9 in (5,360 mm). Its chassis featured Chevrolet's 'Safety-Girder' X-frame design and a full-coil suspension, both introduced in the 1958 model year. It came in a single trim level, its exterior using the mid-level Bel-Air's trim, and the interior of the low-end Biscayne. Unlike the Brookwoods wagon and a sedan delivery variant, the El Camino was available with any full-sized Chevrolet drivetrain. Highly stylized, it initially sold 50% more briskly than the more conservative Ranchero, some 22,000 to 14,000. Like the Ranchero, it was based on an existing and modified platform, the new-for-1959 Brookwood two-door station wagon, itself based on the completely redesigned, longer, lower and wider full-sized Chevrolet. According to Chevrolet stylist Chuck Jordan, GM Harley Earl had suggested a coupé pickup in 1952. The El Camino was introduced for the 1959 model year two years after the Ford Ranchero. Renamed Caballero in 1978, it was also produced through the 1987 model year. GMC's badge engineered El Camino variant, the Sprint, was introduced for the 1971 model year. Production resumed for the 1964–1977 model years based on the Chevelle platform, and continued for the 1978–1987 model years based on the GM G-body platform.Īlthough based on corresponding General Motors car lines, the vehicle is classified in the United States as a pickup. Introduced in the 1959 model year in response to the success of the Ford Ranchero pickup, its first run lasted only two years. Unlike a standard pickup truck, the El Camino was adapted from the standard two-door Chevrolet station wagon platform and integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body. The El Camino, though opinions vary, remains an iconic piece of American automotive history and beloved by many.The Chevrolet El Camino is a pickup / coupé utility vehicle that was produced by Chevrolet between 1959––1987. GM actually shut down El Camino production for a few years after the 1960 sales slump before reviving the car/truck in 1964, which is why you’ll notice the missing years in the Ride Guide graphic below.įor us, we are especially fond of the 1959-60 first-gen Elco, based on the Chevy Brookwood wagon. The El Camino has been built on several GM platforms, including the A-body and B-body, but the sales figures indicate the 1960 model was among the least popular. It has been featured in auto magazines and blogs, i ncluding OnAllCylinders, and depending on the model year AND build style, has either been the butt of jokes or the objects of our automotive affection since John F. The distinctive Elco has a look all its own. Is it a car? A truck? Who can tell? And does it even matter?

The Chevrolet El Caminowasn’t the first American “coupe utility pickup” vehicle -the Ford Ranchero beat it by two years -but it’s probably the most famous.

60s el camino