General Motors’ Australian subsidiary Holden also produced a Chevrolet coupé utility in 1935, Studebaker produced the Coupé Express from 1937 to 1939. Bandt went on to manage Ford's Advanced Design Department, being responsible for the body engineering of the XP, XT, XW, and XA series Ford Falcon utilities. Ford designer Lew Bandt developed a suitable solution, and the first coupé utility model was released in 1934. Renamed Caballero in 1978, it was also produced through the 1987 model year.įord Australia was the first company to produce a coupé utility as a result of a 1932 letter from the wife of a farmer in Victoria, Australia, asking for "a vehicle to go to church in on a Sunday and which can carry our pigs to market on Mondays". GMC's badge engineered El Camino variant, the Sprint, was introduced for the 1971 model year. Production resumed for the 1964–1977 model years based on the Chevelle platform, and continued for the 1978–1987 model years based on the GM G-body platform.Īlthough based on corresponding General Motors car lines, the vehicle is classified and titled in North America as an SUV. Introduced in the 1959 model year in response to the success of the Ford Ranchero coupé utility, its first run lasted only two years. Unlike a pickup truck, the El Camino was adapted from the standard two-door Chevrolet station wagon platform and integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body. If this does check out as being solid and completely original, then my instinct would be to undertake the necessary steps to get it back on the road in its original guise, rather than molesting an original survivor.The Chevrolet El Camino is a coupé utility vehicle that was produced by Chevrolet between 1959––1987. This one looks like a solid car that would be a great candidate for either option. The styling of the 1959 El Camino has seen them become a firm favorite with both restorers, and those seeking a custom project. It seems to be a case of “You pays your money, and you takes your chances.” What we do know is that the El Camino doesn’t run, but there is no indication of whether the engine even turns freely. It could either be the 283ci or the 348ci engine, but your guess is as good as mine. There is a V8 engine which is hooked to a 3-speed manual transmission. With no engine photos to work from, we are at the mercy of the seller to find out what resides under the hood. Apart from some wrinkling on the passenger side kick panel, I really don’t see any problems that would need to be addressed. As with the car’s exterior, I think that a good clean would have it looking a million dollars. The green and white interior of the El Camino appears to be in pretty reasonable condition. While I am a self-confessed Ford man, I have to say that I think the styling of these El Caminos places them ahead of the Ranchero if we are talking about a car that has a presence and attracts attention. The exterior chrome and trim all look really good, as does the glass. The Aspen Green and Snowcrest White paint have a bit of a matte look about them, but I would be willing to bet that they would respond quite well to a polish. The doors, rockers, lower quarter panels, and bed look to be quite clean. There doesn’t appear to be any issues with rust. The El Camino has been stored indoors for quite a while, and the distinctive-looking vehicle looks like it has survived this quite well. The option is available to submit an online bid, and so far this has pushed the price to $7,500. The El Camino is scheduled to go under the hammer in Beardsley, Minnesota, on August 10th, 2019. Sale details for the El Camino can be found here on VanDerBrink Auctions. The El Camino is a distinctive looking vehicle, and its styling almost makes it feel like it would be a shame to use it as a workhorse. Barn Finder Craig B spotted the El Camino for us, so thank you for that Craig. This 1959 Chevrolet El Camino is part of a pretty large collection of classic cars and machinery that is about to go under the hammer.
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