Vehicle Description
The good looks of a Chevelle and the utility of a pickup bed are
still hard to beat, even after four decades. This handsome 1971
Elky sports its original numbers matching 350 under the hood and a
4-speed behind it, so there's not much it can't haul, and with a
full-dress SS look, most guys will give it a wide berth on the
street simply on principle. Practical speed, that's the El
Camino.
Nevada Silver is one of those colors that will never go out of
style. Smooth, slick, and thoroughly up to date, this SS most
certainly looks the part of a heavy-hitter on the street. A
cowl-induction hood and black SS stripes certainly help with that
impression, although we kind of like that they skipped the fake SS
badges and kept the stock grille. Since it's mostly original, fit
and finish are extremely good, better than most of your local
cruise night Elkys, with doors that fit well and long quarter
panels that don't show any signs that they've seen damage in the
past. They didn't go crazy with the customization, either, so it
sticks with a single driver's side mirror and that funky
woodgrained insert on the tailgate. The bed, which is the place
where it's easiest to tell how serious the owner was about his
work, shows extremely well with no major dings or damage,
suggesting that this car has led a very easy life.
El Camino interiors are another nice combination of street car
comfort and commercial vehicle practicality. A bench seat allows
three passengers, although the Hurst shifter kind of limits options
in the middle position. The seat is in great shape, and if the seat
cover is original it's shockingly nice for being more than 40 years
old. A standard steering wheel adds some character to the otherwise
all-business driver's compartment, and the original gauges include
a very unusual factory tachometer with the usual aftermarket dials
added underneath. The carpets have probably been replaced, since
almost nothing that gets stepped on can last decades without
showing any wear, but they look great and fit well. And in true
survivor fashion, it still carries its original AM radio, although
it's sadly no longer functional (it would be easy to replace,
however). Vent windows are a nice touch, too, something I think we
could still benefit from today if aerodynamics weren't more
important than looks.
The engine is the original 350 cubic inch "Turbo Fire" V8 that's
ideal in the multi-purpose truck/car. Making 245 horsepower in
stock trim, the orange powerplant is content to churn out torque at
any speed and laughs at loads in the bed. Painted valve covers and
a factory air cleaner are clues that this truck hasn't been
modified, and with power steering and brakes, this hauler is a
breeze to maneuver in traffic or parking lots. Cast iron manifolds
control heat and noise, feeding a true dual exhaust system with
glasspack-style mufflers and turn-downs just under the bumper to
keep it looking fairly OEM. The Muncie 4-speed manual transmission
and 10-bolt rear mean that you don't ever have to worry about
breakage, and while it's not show quality underneath, it doesn't
show any signs of trouble, either. Factory Rally wheels are an
ideal choice, and sport staggered 225/60/15 front and 275/60/15
BFGoodrich T/A radials as protection.
An awesome survivor with serious performance credentials, this El
Camino is a very affordable way to own the A-list muscle you've
always wanted without a huge investment. Call today!