THE STORY Released in 1959 in response to the success of Ford’s Ranchero, the Chevrolet El Camino was based initially on the Biscayne’s B-body platform and later on the Chevelle’s A-body.
There were five generations of El Camino and the third generation of cars produced spanned 1968 – 1972, with the 1970 model sharing Chevelle styling including iconic twin headlights (think “Fast and The Furious”).
As Detroit’s muscle car war reached its peak, Chevrolet’s largest and most powerful engine at the time was installed in a few select El Caminos. The LS6 454ci (7.4 litre) Big Block engine was rated at 450HP and 678 Nm of torque. Coupled with the light body of the pickup truck, El Caminos were able to put down ¼ mile times in the upper 13-second range at around 171 kmph.
Chevy’s SS package was also available for these cars and gave the owner a host of goodies including power-assisted disc brakes, upgraded suspension, styled steel wheels, bright wheel arch mouldings, a special bonnet with locking pins, a blacked-out grill and blacked-out tail gate.
There was also a distinctive Cowl Induction bonnet scoop, SS bonnet stripes and badges, body coloured sills and a unique SS gauge cluster.
Other options included a vinyl roof in five different colours, “Astro” bucket seats (instead of the standard bench seat), power windows, air conditioning, power steering and an AM/FM radio.
THE CAR This gorgeous and extremely desirable 1970 El Camino SS is finished in Astro Blue with black bonnet stripes and blacked-out tail gate and is powered by the revered Chevy 454ci big block.
Underneath the Cowl Induction hood and sporting “454 by Tonawanda” rocker covers, the engine has an enormous amount of power that is put to the road via the car’s 3-speed Turbo 400 transmission replete with horseshoe shifter.
The iconic functioning Cowl Induction hood has the correct locking pins and there is also an alloy radiator to keep the car cool. Electronic ignition has been added for reliability.
Inside, the car’s optional Astro bucket seats are trimmed in black vinyl. The trim, door cards, headlining, dash and carpets are all in excellent condition. The dash sports SS gauges and the car has colour coded sills.
This is a highly optioned car which has power steering, power windows, disc brake front end, central locking and working factory air-conditioning. The AM/FM radio works as do all the gauges.
Sitting on Chev Rallye wheels, it is a wonderful car to drive - very comfortable with easy steering and an impressive amount of power when required. The car handles well with its heavy-duty stabiliser bars.
The current owner has held this beauty for the last 4 years. It is currently on SA Historic registration and has previously been registered in NSW.
An extremely desirable, highly optioned and powerful Muscle Car.
