For Sale: 1985 Chevrolet El Camino in Bradenton, Florida

1985 Chevrolet El Camino SS �€" Choo Choo Customs Build with 350 V8 and Over $15,000 in Upgrades Why This Car Is Special The 1985 Chevrolet El Camino SS is already a collectible by nature �€" it was the final model year of a nameplate that had been part of the American automotive landscape since 1959. GM ended El Camino production after 1987, but by 1985 the writing was already on the wall, and the SS package gave buyers one of the more purposeful ways to go out with a bang. What makes this particular 1985 Chevrolet El Camino SS stand out well beyond a stock example is the Choo Choo Customs treatment it received. Choo Choo Customs, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, was a GM-recognized specialty vehicle modifier during the early-to-mid 1980s that worked closely with dealers to offer factory-invoiced upgrades on G-body cars including the Monte Carlo and El Camino. Their conversions were not backyard operations �€" they went through official channels, which is why you still see Choo Choo badges on cars that came from legitimate dealership stock. This 1985 El Camino SS wears a factory Choo Choo Customs SS Monte Carlo nose, a custom Choo Choo hood, and a Choo Choo SS dash with factory tach, giving it a look that was never offered from a standard Chevrolet assembly line. Add a rebuilt 350 small block, Hooker headers, Flowmaster mufflers, and more than $15,000 in documented work, and this is a serious driver's vehicle with a documented specialty pedigree. Features - 350 cubic inch V8, rebuilt to approximately 300 horsepower - Automatic overdrive transmission - BOG Converter Lock-Up Control - Hooker Super Competition headers - Flowmaster mufflers with dual exhaust tips - Edelbrock air cleaner - Upgraded alternator - Factory Choo Choo Customs SS Monte Carlo nose - Custom Choo Choo Customs hood with hood scoop - Choo Choo SS dash with factory tachometer - SS Trim Package with SS door badges - Custom SS sport steering wheel - Tilt steering column - Cruise control - Power windows - Power door locks - Kenwood stereo system - Corvette aluminum wheels - Color-matched spray-in bed liner - Chrome rear bumper - Body kit equipped - Clean undercarriage - White exterior, black vinyl interior - Over $15,000 spent on the restoration Mechanical The heart of this 1985 Chevrolet El Camino SS is a rebuilt 350 cubic inch small block Chevrolet V8 making approximately 300 horsepower. The 350 is one of the most well-understood and well-supported engines in American automotive history, which makes it both a pleasure to own and easy to service anywhere in the country. This particular engine has been fitted with Hooker Super Competition headers, which are a step above typical aftermarket headers in terms of tube diameter, collector design, and overall flow efficiency. Paired with Flowmaster mufflers and exiting through dual exhaust tips, the system is built for both performance and sound quality �€" not just visual effect. The Edelbrock air cleaner sits atop the carbureted intake and keeps the engine bay looking purposeful rather than cluttered. Power runs through an automatic overdrive transmission, which means the car is highway-friendly and not burning unnecessary RPM at cruise speeds. The BOG Converter Lock-Up Control is a practical addition that gives the driver more direct control over torque converter lockup behavior, which can meaningfully improve fuel economy and reduce heat buildup during extended driving. An upgraded alternator ensures the electrical system keeps pace with the added load from modern accessories. The undercarriage has been inspected and is clean �€" an important detail on any car of this era, and one that is confirmed in the photos taken on the lift. Interior The interior of this 1985 Chevrolet El Camino SS is finished in black vinyl, which was a factory-appropriate choice for the SS trim level and holds up well over time compared to cloth. The centerpiece of the cabin is the Choo Choo SS dash, which replaces the standard