One of the best and worst cars I’ve got in my record is a 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle that came to me via my stepfather and his family, who had owned the car for quite some time before he did. I bought the car from him shortly before I went to Iraq the second time, and upon returning, had grand dreams of making something out of it. Unfortunately, Ma Nature had already done enough work, turning the heavy Chevy into a colander that would raise the eyebrows of even the most jaded Rust Belt mechanic. But I loved the car just the same…it was surprisingly nice to drive, roomy, and I even warmed up to the styling after a bit.
I’ve kind of wanted to give one of these 1973-77 El Caminos a go if I ever go for another Colonnade-style GM product. From the driver’s seat forward, it’s the Chevelle as I remember it. From the seat back, it’s the pickup that I could use. And underneath this 1973 is the four-wheel-drive system that I’d need to handle whatever I needed to handle between home and wherever I needed to go. The 454 under the hood would provide a great soundtrack, I love that this one has a floor shifter and bucket seats as well. Is it a bit redneck to have a lifted Elky? Meh…I’m not too bothered. Redneck would be if it had a pushbar and a rollbar with lights in the bed. The giant chrome railroad tie up front doesn’t count as a pushbar, so it’s all good!
eBay Link: 1973 Chevrolet El Camino
I saw this el Camino advertised awhile ago, and I also like the colonnade style as I had a new wagon in 1976. This one seems to be done well, as far as the 4×4 conversion is concerned, and I like the 454 as well!