Vehicle Description
1971 Chevrolet El Camino
Among the first hybrid vehicles in the history of the automotive
industry, the Chevrolet El Camino, a combination car-truck,
featured the practicality of a pickup truck, while maintaining
performance car status. Chevy dealers across the U.S. showcase
vintage models like the El Camino in their showrooms, while
awaiting a possible new release. Chevrolet promoted it as, "the
most beautiful thing that ever shouldered a load!". Even claiming,
"It rides and handles like a convertible yet hauls and hustles like
the workingest thing on wheels."
For consignment, a pre gas crisis, pre emissions, pre muscle car
killing legislation car that has had a restoration and has been
modified with a Pro Street treatment. A definite power upgrade,
this farm to church hauler, otherwise known as "Fat Ass" thanks in
parts to the huge rear tires and the painted logoing on the
tailgate. A few dents and dings, scratches, all in all a very nice
paint job, and indeed painted on stripes. Dig further my friend and
stay thirsty for more info.
Exterior
With straight steel panels and well minded gaps, this car is dipped
in retina searing orange paint, then to top off the orange some
stripes have been added to the scooped hood. These are black and
have been painted on then clear coated over. New bumpers with near
perfect chrome adorn the front and rear of this truck and from the
B pillar forward its "look...! it's a Chevelle", but from the B
pillar rearward, its "look! ...it's a hauler." All other trim on
this truck has been given a blackout treatment, including the trim
around the new glass. Lifting open the bed cover we are met with a
modified to accept the large rear tire texture coated bed and the
gate functions flawlessly. Speaking of the tailgate, it has been
painted with a centauride with an exaggerated posterior along with
a pointing donkey and this truck's name sake...."Fat Ass". Throw on
some 15'' rally wheels, the rears being widened to accept the
31x21.50-15 steam rollers on the back, and we have just a beautiful
presentation of the exterior seen here.
Interior
KISS is the theme from the interior, but only when referring to the
color. For the doors we get a mix of broadcloth with vertical
ribbed stitching and black carpet below. Crossing over the perfect
threshold which holds back a sea of black pristine clean carpeting
which is protected by rubber mats. Late model bucket seats with
tall headrests provide room for 2 and are wrapped in black leather.
These seats show a bit of age wear and cracking but no significant
tearing. Here we can take in the original dash and gauges as well
as the Grant GT steering wheel, and trio of aftermarket gauges. An
AM/FM/CD stereo is now installed for your listening pleasure, and
we also note the factory heat and defrost slides. All of this is
topped by a black padded topper which presents with some cracks,
particularly in the center. Note and a shout out to the T-handled,
B&M shift lever in the middle of the burl and black late model
console between the buckets.
Drivetrain
This 350ci V8 circa 1977-1979 is crammed under the hood and shows
nicely with its chrome K&N air cleaner cover, gray Moroso valve
covers and bolt ons. A black GM block is present, and little to no
corrosion or rust is noted anywhere. This 350ci V8 makes a
consignor stated 350hp thanks in part to a Pete Jackson gear drive,
HEI ignition and a Holley Brawler series single 4-barrel carb
mounted to an Edelbrock aluminum intake. A TH400 3-speed automatic
transmission with a shift kit throws power rearward to a narrowed
Ford 9" rear with 33 spline axles and 3.50 gearing and then the
rear tires smoke?!?
Undercarriage
Some slight surface rust on the suspension but all else looks new.
Solid floor pans, rockers and frame which have been repainted black
persist in this simple undercarriage environment. A Dynomax exhaust
works its way rearward in dual form from the headers which show
only the beginnings of surface rust. Power disc brakes are up front
and power drum brakes on the back, and we note a True Wall
driveshaft. Providing the ride up front is an independent coil
spring suspension and on the back, attached to the Pro Street
framework is a ladder bar arrangement with coil overs.
Drive-Ability
These late 60's early 70's muscle cars in Pro Street format never
cease to amaze me and this one is all buttoned up and ready to
perform for you. Just sneak it a treat of high test gas and it will
stand on its own two rear tires... (well maybe not!), but it
performs beautifully, great acceleration, good solid braking, and
there is almost no better feeling in the world than watching
passersby gawk at my Fat Ass...the tires you degenerate, they were
looking at the tires. All working save for the turn signals and the
horn, otherwise all good for the test track drive.
A very nice job has been done overall as to the restification of
this car/truck. With added power, nice paint, and huge rear 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. To
quote the immortal words of the beloved Freddie Mercury, "Fat
Bottom Girls, You Make the Rockin' World Go Round"!
VIN DECODE
136801B156949
1-Chevrolet
36-Custom El Camino
80-2 Door Sedan Pickup
1-1971
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
156949-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 71 13680-1971 Custom El Camino 2 Door Sedan Pickup
BDY B467???-Baltimore Body #
TR 731-Antique Jade Green Elk Coated Fabric Bench
PNT 42-Cottonwood Green
02B-2nd Week February Build
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.