For Sale: 1979 Chevrolet El Camino in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1979 Chevrolet El Camino

Malibu styling was once again tapped for the design of the fifth generation of the El Camino, a model that was introduced in 1959 following the introduction of the Ford Ranchero two years earlier. 540 more El Caminos than Rancheros were sold in 1959, solidifying Chevrolet's place as a contender in the battle of the sedan pickups.

For consignment, a 1979 Chevrolet El Camino showing 76,578 miles, but the true miles are unknown. As the sales brochure proclaimed, "Chevrolet El Camino has the style, comfort and luxury of a fine passenger car plus the hard working ability of a tough Chevrolet truck."

Exterior
Single stage Cream paint is sandwiched here between a bronzy Brown border that takes in the cab roof, pillars and extends over the bed and forms a broad band over the rocker panel. Wheel arch trim is a continuation of the piece that runs the length of the car and this example wears added fender skirts that make it an instant stand out. Out back, distinctively low tail lights embedded in the chrome bumper leave the rear corners smooth. Up front, it's all Malibu with a simple fascia design accompanied by dual sport side mirrors. 14-inch Chevrolet Sport wheels are color keyed and the bed has clean cream sidewalls and a black rubber mat. Paint and trim are very nice on the car...er, truck, and we could find no exterior imperfections.

Interior
Camel brown embossed vinyl and tan cloth inserts make up the door panels with some slight aging showing in the form of wear and discoloration. The split bench seat adopts the same colors and materials with the face being fully cloth and sides being vinyl and in generally good shape. Some wear to the back wall's carpet is noted and rubber mats protect the small area of floor. Our steering wheel is intact and has some patina, sharing the tilt column with the shifter while the injection molded dashboard houses a black plastic gauge pod with essential information including a tachometer and column of black faced idiot lights. The center boxed stack has climate controls and an AM/FM radio while tan carpet covers the floor and a droopy headliner is pinned in place above our head.

Drivetrain
A slightly tattered insulator pad hovers over a clean, driver quality 267ci V8, rated at 125 horsepower and topped by a 2-barrel carburetor. It's backed by GM's ubiquitous TH350 3-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the 10 bolt rear axle.

Undercarriage
Clean underneath with minimal surface rust and just a few drops of residual oil. A single exhaust appears to have a newer stock style muffler and tailpipe while brakes are noted as power disc and power drum, front and rear respectively. Suspension consists of coil springs in front and rear with the benefit of a 4 link in back.

Drive-Ability
Heck yes! We've got some Elky fans around here and always like representing them and this one is a nice example that starts right up, runs smoothly, and provides all the multi personality goodness of the model, rides like a car and hauls like a truck. We note a vacuum leak from the dash and the reverse lights are not working. But all other functional items on board work as they should and we return to the mall to determine if this should go in the truck room, or remain on the floor with the cars. 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.

58,008 El Camino's were produced in 1979 with a variety of options and engines. The base model like this one featured frameless door glass, nylon cut pile carpet, and a 10" prismatic rear view mirror. Many were used as trucks and put away wet, so didn't survive. This one has been well preserved and is ready to go to work or hit the cushy show circuit, but that will be up to you.

1W80J9D500880

1-Chevrolet
W-El Camino
80-2 Door Sedan Pickup
J-267ci V8 2bbl 125hp
9-1979
D-Doraville, GA Assy Plant
500880-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.

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