Vehicle Description
1983 Chevrolet El Camino
The El Camino was a direct challenge to Ford's Ranchero, a utility
coupe dominating a previously untapped market. 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 built on a modified
Brookwood station wagon platform. The first generation didn't last
long. 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 axe on the model. After doing so, GM decided to bring it back
in 1964 as version 2 which lasted until 1967.
Offering up this consignment, a 1983 Chevrolet El Camino with a
recent repaint but showing subpar body work on the lower panels, a
nice interior with good workings, a smooth running 6 cylinder
engine and the ability to haul 3 passengers and a load of
cargo.
Exterior
Two tone square and rectangle design steel bathed in deep maroon
and silver with just a hint of gold pin striping on the beltline
are seen throughout on this car. Overall quality of paint is
acceptable with a few nicks and scratches but once we move to the
lower silver painted panels things are rough looking. Evidence of
bodywork is noted throughout the silver lower body panels and shows
with inconsistent edges, waviness, sanding marks, and rust bubbles
reappearing. Nice stainless trimmings run around the wheel wells
and across the rocker panels. In the center of the car, providing
the border between the maroon and silver is a thin silver trim that
doubles as a protective guard. The roofline is also silver, and
this moves to the bed of the "car" where it has a burgundy vinyl
snap on covering. Some chromed tie down horizontal bars are on top
off the bedsides, and under the vinyl cover is a black painted bed
floor. In back, taillights are within the bumper which retains its
luster. USMC livery is adorning the B-pillars and fold down
tailgate. 15-inch GMC wheels in silver are wrapped by 225/70R15
radials with thin whitewalls.
Interior
Nice and original with door panels showing in beautiful smooth
burgundy with well-kept molded armrests, chrome trimmed door pulls
and a peppering of chromed handles and toggles. Inside, more
burgundy for the tuck and roll vinyl seats in low back 60/40 split
bench form compete with adjustable headrests and a central mounted
fold down armrest. The dash is wood burl applique within a field of
burgundy vinyl molded square and rectangle surrounds. All clean for
the dash and its add ons like the AM/FM/CD stereo, auxiliary
gauges, and climate controls. A carpeted dash cover provides extra
protection from the sun and UV rays, meanwhile like new burgundy
carpeting now floods the floors. Above, a like new headliner and
visors have been installed.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a detailed and clean 3.8 Liter V6 that is
original to this vehicle. It is topped with a single 2-barrel
carburetor and on the back is a TH350 3-speed automatic
transmission. The axle is a 10-bolt designation with 2.41 gearing.
This engine bay presents as well restored and sorted with what
appears to be freshly painted orange for the block and valve
covers.
Undercarriage
A light coating of surface rust is seen on the frame and some of
the usual suspension suspects, but unremarkable and structurally
sound. The floor pans and body supports tell a different tale with
heavy surface rust and invasive rust on both the bed flooring, body
supports and floor pans. Some of this rust has been patched over
with thin gauge tin. Independent coil springs for the front and a
4-link with more coil springs are the ride providers and for the
braking power disc brakes for the front, and power drums for the
rear. A dual exhaust with glasspack style mufflers is installed and
appears fairly new.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter and a good performer with the 2bbl carburetor
pushing the 3.8 Liter to pump out some adequate acceleration.
Braking is solid as is shifting for the automatic trans. Handling
was very good and all functions were operational at the time of our
drive.
A nice early 80's El Camino with a recent repaint and a new bed
cover installed. Some frowns on the undercarriage front as well as
the lower body but overall, a presentable skate with lots of life
left in her.
VIN DECODE
1GCCW8095DR215948
1-USA
G-General Motors
C-Chevrolet Truck
C-4001 Thru 5000lb GVWR
W-El Camino
80-2 Door Sedan Pickup
9-3.8L V6 2bbl 110hp
5-Check Digit
D-1983
R-Arlington, TX Assy Plant
215948-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.