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. An engine
rebuild, this farm to church hauler presents in nice condition. A
few dents and dings, scratches, all in all a very nice paint job,
two tone tan and brown and some vinyl added to the top. Dig further
my Camino loving colleagues and stay thirsty for more info.
Exterior
Sandalwood Tan in very good visual form covers this car/truck
combo's steel panels. Gaps are consistent, and no rust is seen.
Bumpers, front and rear, are looking good and all badging is
present and accounted for. The metal bed shows a near perfect coat
of bed liner spray on anti is looking all rust free. The tailgate
functions fine, and sporty color matching side mirrors are on
either side attached to the doors. Just above covering the roof is
a well preserved and unscathed brown vinyl top. On all 4 corners
are GM rally style wheels wrapped by 215/75R14s.
Interior
Dark Saddle which shows a very rich texture of grained vinyl covers
the door panels. These have some slight wave to the covering but
are all clean and nicely preserved. A light tan random pattern
broadcloth covers the bench in this two seater, and the backs are
split for access to a small storage area behind the bench. Bolsters
are smooth brown vinyl and there are some areas of tearing on the
bolsters. New brown carpeting covers the floors, and the very clean
and correct dash fronts the cloth bench. Save for the water temp
gauge now neatly mounted beside the radio, the dash is in good
condition. A newer tan headliner floats above. This car features
working R134A A/C in full working blowing cold order.
Drivetrain
This numbers matching 350ci V8 which has recently undergone a top
end rebuild with new cam, timing chain, lifters and pushrods. A new
radiator and thermostat, water pump and antifreeze refresh have
been put into this drivetrain. A 4-barrel carburetor Quadrajet, is
on top, and behind this healthy mill is a TH350 3-speed automatic
transmission. Power gets kicked rearwards to a 10-bolt rear with
3.36 gear ratio.
Undercarriage
Underneath we meet totally rust-free matte black painted
structurally sound undercarriage. All freshly coated but not
covering anything nefarious. Independent coil springs for the
front, and a 4-link with coil springs for the rear along with front
power discs and rear power drums are seen. These brakes rotors and
drums are all recently replaced. A Flowmaster in dual exhaust form
allows for an easy exhale from the mill.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and good driver. No apparent problems, and air was
blowing cold although it was very cold outside, so it did not stay
on for long! Consigner states that the A/C has a slow leak.
A very nice job has been done overall as to the restoration of this
car/truck. With added power, nice paint, vinyl top and some new
interior pieces, this truck/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. All thanks to a
churchgoing farming woman from down under!
VIN DECODE
136801L101944
1-Chevrolet
36-Malibu V8
80-El Camino 2 Door Sedan Pickup
1-1971
L-Van Nuys, CA Assy Plant
101944-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 71 13680-1971 El Camino 2 Door Sedan
BDY L00395-Van Nuys Body #
TR 721-Dark Saddle
PNT 61F-Sandalwood, Brown Vinyl Top
08C-3rd Week August Build
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.