"Choo Choo Customs was a vehicle customization/conversion company
based out of Chattanooga, TN that began building conversion vans in
1975. Choo Choo Customs first started converting El Caminos into
Designer Series SS models in 1983. The Choo Choo El Camino was NOT
a dealer option, nor could you bring your own El Camino to Choo
Choo to be converted into an SS. Chevrolet contracted with Choo
Choo to build these El Caminos as the 'SS' version; similar to how
SLP converted V8 equipped Camaros and Trans Ams into SS's and
WS6's." ElCaminoCentral.com
For consignment, a 1985 Chevrolet El Camino SS Choo Choo showing
78,275 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This vestigial
vehicle from the 80's embodies many of the features that were
popular at the time, most notably, bold graphics. This car will
come to you with maintenance records back to new, the build sheet,
and the window sticker.
ExteriorFrom the front it looks like a Black Monte Carlo SS is
coming your way but your eyes are drawn to the power bulge on the
hood and know immediately it's not what you think. Then you see it
from the side and clearly see El Camino SS side decals, the half
cab half bed configuration, and the side molding the arches over
the wheels and over the lower panels. The sloping B-pillars create
a flying buttress effect over the tonneau covered bed while side
rails provide the capability of tying things down, plus hit a
stylistic note common at the time. In back, the El Camino's
unmistakable tail lights are embedded on the low bumper, leaving
the tailgate and fender ends clear of stamping other than the
license plate box. 14-inch Chevrolet Sport wheels are consistent
with its racy looks and a dent in the trim ring of one of them and
an area of bubbling on the paint are registered as the only
exterior imperfections. It's noted that the SS nose has been
repainted with two stage black.
Interior
Familiar GM offerings of the era are found on the inside, beginning
with the burgundy vinyl doors in the same configuration of the
G-body cars of the era and both present very nicely. Flat bucket
seats with a 60/40 split and column stitched burgundy velour serve
as the perch and like a pickup truck, have some space behind them
for storage. A standard steering wheel and common GM stalks present
to the driver leading to somewhat sporty round gauges framed in
simulated burlwood. The center stack contains the A/C panel which
has been converted to R-134, and an undated Sony AM/FM/CD player.
Choo Choo's logo emblem is on the dash and medium pile burgundy
carpet floods the floor beautifully. The fleece-like headliner is
in good shape and the bed is covered with a rubber mat under the
tonneau.
Drivetrain
Choo Choo provided no mods to the engine, here a clean and
typically crowded 305ci V8 with 170 horsepower and a 4-barrel
carburetor. It is mated to a TH200 3 speed automatic that sends
power to the 10 bolt rear axle.
Undercarriage
Basic driver quality underneath with typical surface rust but
generally clean. There's some oil on the pan and flywheel cover. A
single exhaust runs to a stock style muffler that splits the
exhaust into two and ends with two chrome tips on either side of
the back. Power disc brakes are in front with power drums in back
and suspension consists of coil springs front and back with a 4
link in the rear.
Drive-Ability
The 305 starts right up and we move the column shifter into drive
to take this Choo Choo SS onto the test loop. The car runs well, no
issues here, and tracks straight. Like the Monte Carlo's, it's
probably not as fast as it looks but it has adequate power and a
comfortable cabin. This well maintained El Camino gets a score of
100 on the functionality checklist. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
Sure, it's the ideal ride for Radwood, but that's only once a year,
so please take this one out to other car shows where it will be met
with endless stories and numerous "I remember those!". They were
special to see back in the day and really do represent enthusiasts
changing tastes and the ever evolving car culture. Hop on the El
Camino train and pick up this uncommon example!
3GCCW80H6FS919048
3-Mexico
G-General Motors
C-Chevrolet Truck
C- Hyd Brakes, 4001-5000 GVWR
W-ElCamino
80-2 Door Sedan Pickup
H-305 ci V8
6-Check Digit
F-1985
S-Ramos Arizpe, Mexico Assy Plant
919048-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
Vehicle Details
1985 Chevrolet El Camino
Listing ID:CC-2004173
Price:$22,500
Location:Morgantown, Pennsylvania
Year:1985
Make:Chevrolet
Model:El Camino
Exterior Color:Black
Interior Color:Burgundy
Transmission:Automatic
Odometer:78275
Stock Number:7857
VIN:3GCCW80H6FS919048
Interested in something else? Search these similar vehicles...
ClassicCars.com has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, successfully making the Inc. 5000 list in both 2015,
2016, 2017 and 2018. This prestigious accolade represents the continued growth of the company, and ClassicCars.com's dominance as the world's largest online marketplace for
buying and selling classic and collector vehicles.
The Stevie Awards, the world's premier business awards recognized
ClassicCars.com's first-class Customer Support team with a Stevie Bronze Award in 2019, celebrating the team's skills as exemplary customer support specialists.
In 2016 The Journal, brought to you by ClassicCars.com, was celebrated as the SECOND MOST INFLUENTIAL automotive blog in the world by NFC Performance.