Vehicle Description
1971 Chevrolet El Camino
Rumor has it that Mattel's Elliot Handler (the 'el' in Mattel),
spotted designer Harry Bradley's El Camino in the Mattel HQ parking
lot and commented, "Those are some hot wheels," coining the new
name for Mattel's line of toy cars, Hot Wheels. In fact, Elliot was
so impressed by Bradley's custom El Camino, he insisted that Mattel
use it as a model for the first line of Hot Wheels toy cars. And
the rest as they say is history.
For consignment, a pre gas crisis, pre emissions, pre muscle car
killing legislation car that has had a restoration. A definite
power upgrade, this farm to church hauler presents in nice
condition. A few dents and dings, scratches, and a slight bubbling
paint area, all in all a very nice paint job, and indeed painted on
stripes. Dig further my friend and stay thirsty for more info.
Exterior
Lezzene Blue Metallic in very good visual form covers this
car/truck combo's steel panels. Gaps are a bit inconsistent, but
all steel will tend to do this over time. Slight bubbling can be
seen on the driver's lower door, but otherwise it's clean. As
noted, painted on striping in contrasting black run the length of
the "Cowl Induction" hood and meet up with clean windshield glass
that is surrounded by fine looking polished stainless trim.
Bumpers, front and rear, are looking good and all badging is
present and accounted for. The metal bed shows a few bumps from
obvious use, but paint is good all over this area. The tailgate
functions fine, and sporty color matching side mirrors are on
either side attached to the doors.
Interior
Cloth velour in dark Gun Metal Gray covers the buckets in this
two-seater, and the drivers bucket shows slight wear and some
"pilling". Black carpeting covers the floors, and the very clean
and correct dash fronts the buckets. Tuck and roll stitched black
vinyl mixed with smooth black vinyl and framed by lines of polished
aluminum make up the door panels that flank the buckets. Other than
an aftermarket radio, and some hanging extra gauges, the padded
dash is all Chevy...think S-10. The headliner shows a slight
sagging but is otherwise unremarkable.
Drivetrain
A circa 1975 454ci V8 replaces the original power plant, carries an
Edelbrock performance intake manifold, and is topped by a Holley
4-barrel carburetor. A 3-speed automatic transmission in the form
of a TH400 is strapped to the rear of this healthy mill and shifts
smoothly. This combo puts power back to a limited slip 12-bolt
rear, spinning 255/55/R17's all around. Gasses are evacuated
quickly through headers and a Flowmaster exhaust system. Note that
AC has been disconnected, even though the controls exist for it on
the dash.
Undercarriage
At first, we are met with a chromed pumpkin, but upon further
inspection all is seen is jet black restored suspension, solid
frame with no rust surface or otherwise, and clean floorpans and
toe kicks. Wonderful presentation underneath.
A very nice job has been done overall as to the restoration of this
car/truck. With added power, nice paint, and American Racing
Polished Torque Thrust wheels, this car can haul hay or haul ass,
or both, although the hay may all go away prior to arriving at your
intended destination. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.
VIN Decode
136801K176442
1-Chevrolet
3-Chevelle/El Camino
6-V8
80-2 Door PickUp Delivery
1-1971
K-Kansas City MO Assy Plant
176442-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag
ST 71 13680-1971 Chevrolet El Camino V8
BDY K785079- Kansas City MO Body #
TR 731-Jade Green Bench Seat
PNT 49 G-Antique Green, Green Vinyl Top
02C-3rd Week February Build
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.