Vehicle Description
Produced for a mere two years originally, the Chevrolet El Camino
was introduced in 1959 to rival the Ford Ranchero with a car-based
pickup. Utilizing a chassis platform already in production with the
Brookline wagon with heavy duty chassis, the El Camino was created
to fill a void between a car and utility truck as a dual-purpose
vehicle. Consider it as an early crossover, with borrowed styling
cues from the Bel Air on the outside and Biscayne on the inside.
Moreover, it could be purchased originally with any full- size
powertrain offered by Chevrolet, including fuel injection!
Unfortunately, with slow sales and the baby boom well underway, the
El Camino was ahead of its time not surviving production after
1960, with just 14,163 produced that model year. Today, they are
remarkably popular! And with the return of the model series in
1964, it obviously proved incredibly successful for General Motors,
with El Camino production continuing through 1987.
Offered here is beautifully customized 1960 Chevrolet El Camino
rotisserie restored in nut-and-bolt fashion between 2009-2014 by
longtime custom car builder, John Dubois, owner of Mint
Restorations Custom Street Rods based in the Tampa, FL area. He
located this El Camino in Phoenix, Arizona and had it shipped to
Florida for a complete, bare metal preparation with intentions to
build it into a full modern custom. The chassis would be fully
reinforced, smoothed and painted. The body received a shaved and
smoothed firewall, as well as the underside of the hood, then
painted professionally in Clean Silver Metallic throughout. The
3-piece bumpers were smoothed into one-piece units and tucked tight
against the body, along with Impala stainless trim and moldings
added for extra appeal.
During the process, modifications were made to accept a modern GM
LS6 5.7L SMPFI V8 engine mated to a 4L60E 4-speed overdrive
automatic transmission with auxiliary cooler. The suspension was
prefabricated to adapt a RideTech ProRide 4-wheel air bag
suspension system utilizing their StrongArm tubular upper & lower
control arms, Level Pro automatic leveling sensors, and Shock Wave
shock absorbers. At the rear, it retains its original axle, fully
rebuilt internally with 3.70:1 gearing, new axles, and modern Eaton
one-piece Posi-traction. Early dyno-testing proved a stout 350
horsepower at the rear wheels! A perfect balance for cruising and
performance enjoyment alike!
Stopping power comes from a Wilwood Superlite 4R 6-pistion big
brake system up front and SSBC rear disc brake conversion out back.
On the ground are staggered Intro 5-spoke directional, 2-piece
billet wheels wrapped in 225/40ZR19 tires up front, and 275/40ZR20
at the rear. No creature comforts were left out in the build
process, with a Vintage Air Super Gen II system installed with
recessed dash controls, along with power windows, power locks,
center console, and Dakota Digital VHX instrumentation. The dash
itself was also smoothed and relieved of the passenger side dished
area, original ash tray, and factory heater controls, along with
the radio receiving a clever, folding metal cover to conceal it
from view. It creates a super clean, smooth finish without any
distraction.
The one-off leather interior was skillfully executed by Design
Unlimited based in Dade City, Florida with gorgeous results! The
area behind the contoured bucket seats has been ingeniously
converted into unique storage boxes with remote internal lighting.
The audio is supplied through a Pioneer head unit in combination
with Sony and Kicker Audio speakers, all skillfully fitted with a
modern, factory presentation. The rear truck bed was measured and
tasked to be fitted with traditional wood planking and
stainless-steel dividers by Bed Wood & Parts. The wood would then
be color-matched to the interior with red stain for a very
impressive, eye-catching presentation. Closer examination of the
bed floor you'll find a Firgelli electric-actuated remote door to
access the RideTech Air Pod air compressor/tank system and
relocated battery. There is a lot to admire on this custom El
Camino, from the polished stainless-steel hardware used to assemble
the entire vehicle, to the subtle things like tinted window
glass.
Upon completion, it went on to win at the Goodguys Rod & Custom
Association All American Nationals in 2014 when they visited
Orlanda, Florida, and later that same year featured at the National
Street Rod Association (NSRA) Southeast Nationals in Tampa,
Florida. It is an outstanding custom, and one you will quickly
admire! And it remains a true showstopper even 10 years since its
completion! Call with additional questions or to schedule a chance
to review it in person.
