Vehicle Description
Cars like this 1970 Chevy El Camino SS 454 always get us excited.
Heck, with a strong-running 454 big block, an original factory A/C
set-up (albeit not currently in service), choice power options
under the hood, and a slick red-on-black color combination, it has
to be one of the better 'car-truck' iterations we've ever seen. If
this was a Chevelle, it would cost considerably more than it does,
and wouldn't be even half as practical, making this Elky a smart
buy by all accounts.
The bodywork on this daily driver is nicely finished and the
workmanship is shown to great effect thanks to the always popular
Cranberry Red paint. With black SS stripes over the hood and a
blacked-out panel on the tailgate, it's obvious that this isn't
your Grandad's grocery-getter, just in case you missed the 'SS'
badging. These vehicles typically led harder lives than your
average Chevelle, and finding a clean one, let alone investing
enough to bring it to this slick condition, is tough. Gaps are good
and a lot of time was invested in getting the body panels this
straight, and that Cranberry Red paint is simply brilliant even
with a handful of imperfections, most of which could be easily
remedied with a proper buff-and-polish. A functioning
cowl-induction hood with accessory hood pins is a must for any
SS-spec sled, and when coupled with the blacked-out SS grille up
front, this 'car-truck' certainly means business. All the
brightwork and trim is shiny and very well-maintained, with
sparkling chrome on the bumpers, bright stainless around the bed
that's free from dings and damage from heavy use, and glistening
wheel arches providing nice contrast against the red finish. The
interior of the bed was neatly finished with a spray-in bedliner
that not only looks good, but also means you can still use this
Elky like a truck.
A new black bench seat anchors the cab interior, which features a
nice mixture of restoration pieces and fresh upgrades. Black vinyl
and cloth on the bench seat looks far more elegant than one might
expect inside a utilitarian hauler, and the matching black carpets,
taut headliner, and door panels are reproduction pieces that look
good and fit right. The thick SS steering wheel is a perfect
addition to the usually bare-bones El Camino, joined on the
original column with the shifter for the automatic transmission
below. The dash is likely original and filled with a set of
SS-style factory gauges, and although they're a bit cloudy from
years of service, their faces could easily be refreshed. You will
note that this is a factory A/C car, although most of the
components have been removed, but nevertheless that makes this Elky
a much more valuable piece, especially should anyone decide to
return a replacement A/C system. The radio has also been deleted,
but a retro-style stereo would easily slide into the original slot,
and until then the soundtrack of the big block under the hood
should more than suffice. Tidy and straight to the point, the cabin
of this Elky is certainly a comfortable place in which to spend
some time.
There's no question that whomever spec'd out this unusual El Camino
had his priorities straight when he picked a 454 V8 to lead the
carriage. It's not the numbers matching block, but it is period
correct, with a casting and suffix code decoding to a 1970 454 LS4
V8 with a stout 345 horsepower rating. In terms of power, torque,
and drivability, this is the one you really want to own if you like
to drive and strike fear into any challengers. It also makes power
steering, power brakes, and A/C a reality (should it be returned
back to its factory settings), and with a towering torque curve,
there's insane amounts of power anywhere on the speedometer and
shredding the tires takes just a tickle of the throttle. The big
engine is topped with a 4-barrel carb and stock intake, then
dressed like the factory would have done it with Chevy Orange on
the block and a black snorkeled air cleaner decked out with correct
454 decals. Underneath, there's an optional F41 suspension, a
smooth-shifting TH350 3-speed automatic transmission, and a
heavy-duty 12-bolt rear end. A rumbling dual exhaust with
Flowmaster mufflers sounds spectacular and handsome SS Mag wheels
carry 225/60/14 white-letter radials.
Nicely restored and ready to rock right now, this is one heck of a
car-truck. Like I said, if this was a Chevelle, it would be a major
player, yet you can own this incredible big block El Camino for far
less. Call today!
