Chevrolet El Camino SS, 1971
Chevrolet El Camino III
Chevrolet El Camino III•
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Chassis No.: 136801L134226
Auction: The Eddie Vannoy Collection 2020
Auction date: June 30, 2020
Lot No.: V65
$35,200 | Sold
- Exterior: Orange
- Interior: Black
- 350 CI V-8 engine
- Automatic transmission
- Bucket seats
- Air conditioning
- Power 4-wheel disc brakes
- AM/FM radio
- 18-inch American Racing wheels
- Nitto tires
- Hugger Orange exterior with White stripes
- Black interior
The Chevrolet El Camino has long been one of America’s most unique vehicles. This 1971 El Camino is a fabulous example of the brand, blending factory stock with subtle custom touches. Presented in Hugger Orange with white stripes, the El Camino rolls on low-profile Nitto Extreme ZR tires wrapping 18-inch American Racing Wheels, which add to the aggressive look. Nestled in the nicely detailed engine bay is a 350 CI V-8, well dressed in chrome finned valve covers, a chrome air cleaner element and an aluminum intake manifold.
An automatic transmission and power 4-wheel disc brakes make cruising an effortless feat, meaning this El Camino conveys a relaxed demeanor in spite of the outgoing paint scheme. Inside, passengers will love the black interior with its supportive bucket seats, tinted glass and air conditioning, sustaining the notion that this is a fabulous cruiser. Restored to beautiful condition, the car is equipped with an upgraded radio, custom steering wheel, custom “bowtie” interior door panels and other refined elements that create a fabulously balanced El Camino that will draw attention wherever it may roll.
Interestingly, the concept of a car-based truck, or truck-based car, whichever it may be, hailed from Ford of Australia in the early 1930s. The idea came from the wife of a farmer who wrote a letter to Ford suggesting a comfortable coupe that could transport people to church on Sunday and carry pigs to the market on Monday. No kidding, that’s what the letter suggested, and, recognizing a great idea, Ford got to work, enlisting Designer Lew Bandt to make the idea reality. Holden, General Motors’ Australian division, followed suit in 1935 with the Ute variant, and Studebaker introduced the Coupe Express in 1937.
However, it wouldn’t be until 1957 that a car-based pickup would appear in the American market by way of the Ford Ranchero, Chevrolet hot on Ford’s heels with the 1959 introduction of the El Camino.
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