![]() Despite its larger size, it was lighter than the previous generation thanks to lighter construction and a front-end restyle with quad stacked headlights. In alignment with its popularity, the El Camino grew in its third generation and was built on a 4-door sedan wheelbase. Third Generation (1968 - 1972)Ī 1968 El Camino SS 396 via Wikimedia Commons. Air shocks were also incorporated, which allowed drivers to compensate for heavy loads. This comprised of a new front bumper, grille, and trim. This trend of growing engines continued over the next few years, culminating in a 396 V8 big block rated up to 375 hp.Ĭertain Chevy models received a refreshed design in 1967, the El Camino included. The second-generation variant leaned more toward practicality but also had the option of packing a 327 cubic inch small-block V8 rated up to 300 hp in 1964.Ī year later, a performance version of the V8 was available that pushed it up to 350 hp. With the Ranchero still selling well, Chevy brought back the El Camino on the proven Chevelle platform. It could have been the new flamboyant wings of full-sized Chevys or perhaps the Ranchero's hefty stake in the market, but after just 2 years and 36,409 El Caminos produced, Chevy dropped the ax on the model. The El Camino was built on a modified Brookwood station wagon platform. GM flirted with coupe-type trucks such as the Chevrolet Cameo Carrier and the GMC Suburban Carrier in 1955, but they went all-in with the El Camino for the 1959 model year. The El Camino was a direct challenge Ford's Ranchero, a utility coupe dominating a previously untapped market. Is it a truck, or is it a car? We'll try to answer that question in this post. The torquey big-block makes great power and is shifted through a smooth 4-speed with nicely weighted clutch.In the history of the automotive world, no car has evoked the existential stoicism of the Chevy El Camino. Completely stock in tune apart from headers, the seller says the car is a blast to drive. The seller says it is pristine and more impressive in person than the photos show.Ĭompletely rebuilt during restoration, the car runs a non-original but era-correct 396 sourced from another ‘68 SS 396 El Camino. Several additional lift shots are provided in the gallery and show a very clean underbody. A few period-style aftermarket gauges have been added below the standard AM radio, and both the interesting clock and oil pressure/coolant temp/fuel level/charge monitor are fully functional, as is cold blowing A/C. The interior matches the rest of the car for attention to detail and overall cleanliness. Factory correct wheels and ride height give this one a great stance. The fresh looking bed and chrome surround look great, and the seller says that both side windows and quarter vents open and close smoothly with a tight seal. The “38” sequence of the VIN tells us this is a factory SS396, and the “K” indicates it was built at the Kansas City, MO assembly plant. The seller likes the ‘69 OEM grille currently installed, and a ’68 grill is also included. Rather than the factory setup where exhaust pipes terminate at the rear quarters, the builder elected to run them out towards the rear of the car instead. It presents extremely well with excellent paint, chrome, trim and sheet metal. The car was restored in 1999-2000 and subsequently went in a private collection in Illinois. Everything works and it’s ready to drive anywhere.” Described as being in 9 to 10 out of 10 condition throughout, the seller adds that “it turns heads, elicits photos, rings ears and spins tires at will. According to the previous owner, the engine block is not original but sourced from another 1968 SS 396. ![]() ![]() Around 2,000 miles have been added since the restoration was completed in the year 2000, and the car had a comprehensive servicing by a Chevy specialist earlier this year. ![]() The restoration is photo-documented and included fully rebuilt mechanicals and the installation of A/C using period-correct GM parts. This 1968 Chevrolet El Camino is a factory SS 396 with 4-speed Muncie M22 that has been fully restored by the previous owner. ![]()
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