1970 Chevrolet El Camino Review

After a false start in 1959 as Chevrolet's belated response to Ford's Ranchero, the El Camino was revived in 1964, based on the midsize Chevelle which debuted that year. In this form, it was significantly more successful than the large sedan-based original. Initially, two basic types of El Camino were available, standard and Custom. These reflected the base Chevelle and Chevelle Malibu trim levels respectively. Year-on-year changes for the El Camino followed those of the Chevelle, and as more and more performance options were added to the Chevelle, including the SS package, those same options could also be ordered on an El Camino. The main exterior change for 1970 model El Caminos was in the grille. The shape was much blunter compared to the previous year's sloped grille. The quad headlight look was retained, but the lights were now mounted in individual chrome bezels. The grille itself didn't run the full front end width, and featured a broad horizontal spacer through the middle. Parking lights were moved to the outer edges of the front bumper, while the Chevelle sedan's rear bumper-mounted back up lights were replaced with red reflectors and back-up lights fitted to the tailgate instead. Front guards were modified to suit the new front end, but the rest of the body was unchanged.

With so little visual change, most of the attention for the 1970 models centred on the engine packages. Standard and Custom models continued, with the 'SS 396' and 'SS 454' being the premium options. Available from the Chevelle's introduction in 1964, the SS package didn't appear on an El Camino until 1968, with a 396ci V8 fitted as standard. By this time, the SS version had evolved from a décor package to a performance package, identified by the bigger, more powerful engines. As with the Chevelle coupes, the SS version of the El Camino proved popular, but it wasn't the only engine option available. In 1970, a 250ci 6-cylinder was the base engine, with 307ci, 350ci and 396ci V8s also available in various levels of tune. What's interesting is that the 396 was actually 402 cubic inches. This was the result of a relaxing of GM policy which had prevented the use of engines larger than 400ci in their midsize models. This opened the door for what was the biggest, if not the most popular engine available, the 454ci V8. Introduced partway through the 1970 model year, the 454 was available as part of an SS package and could be ordered in 360hp or 450hp versions.

The former featured a high-lift camshaft and 10.25:1 compression, while the latter featured a modified cam with 11.25:1 compression. The SS 454 also featured power-assisted disc brakes, upgraded suspension, styled steel wheels, bright wheel arch mouldings, a special bonnet with locking pins, and large 'SS' badges on the front guards, blacked-out grille and tailgate. Most SS El Caminos also featured the distinctive cowl induction bonnet scoop, SS bonnet stripes, body-coloured sills and its own gauge cluster. Most of the SS items could also be ordered separately, or in combination, as part of a long options list. Fifteen paint colours, including eleven metallic finishes, were available for 1970, with new colours including Gobi Beige, Cranberry Red, Black Cherry metallic and Desert Sand metallic. The optional vinyl roof trim could be ordered in five different colours - black, white, dark blue, dark gold or dark green - to complement or contrast the paint. Inside, a bench front seat was still standard fitment, but the 'Astro' bucket seats were a popular option, one added to a lot of SS models, in particular. Air conditioning, power steering and AM/FM radio were still options, which showed that in its basic form, the El Camino was a very spartan vehicle.

However, Chevrolet, along with every other manufacturer had learned from what Ford did with the Mustang, so the options list for El Caminos was long, with most buyers choosing a range of add-ons. Reflecting the emergence of the El Camino as a 'lifestyle' rather than a pure work vehicle, many of the options were decorative, including things like red-stripe tyres, simulated wire wheel covers, vinyl roof trim, bumper guards, tinted glass and more. The El Camino was never a huge seller within the Chevrolet range, as evidenced by the 47,707 units produced for 1970 compared to over 350,000 Chevelles built during the same period, but they sold well enough to justify their place in the lineup. Perhaps more importantly, they also offered a GM-badged alternative to the Ranchero. Most El Caminos for sale in Australia seem to be either real or clone SS models, powered by period correct V8s or modern equivalents. Genuine SS models command a hefty premium over the clones, but like Falcon GTHO lookalikes, there are plenty of enthusiasts out there with no qualms about buying an identified lookalike.

A poor take-up rate for 6-cylinder El Caminos when new, especially on the Custom model, makes any 1970 El Camino with a factory six a rare thing indeed. No better or worse to drive than an equivalent-era Aussie ute, the appeal of the El Camino lies in its difference from local Ford and Holden offerings, as well as its powerful engine & transmission combinations. 1970's one-year-only front end treatment is also arguably more attractive than the years that both preceded and followed it. As a vehicle for work or play, or maybe even a bit of both, that stands out from the herd, a '70 El Camino is certainly worth considering.

SPECIFICATIONS: 1970 Chevrolet El Camino (with 350hp SS 396)
Engine: 396ci OHV V8
Bore/Stroke: 4.094" x 3.76"
Compression: 10.24:1
Power/torque: 350bhp@5200rpm / 415ft/lb@3400rpm
Fuel system: Rochester 4bbl carburettor
Cooling system: Liquid
Electrics: 12 Volt
Transmission: 3-speed manual (multiple manual and automatic transmission options also available)
Front Suspension: Independent coilover shocks
Rear Suspension: Live axle w/upper & lower trailing arms & telescopic shocks
Front brakes: power-assisted 10.6" disc
Rear brakes: 9.5" drum
Wheels: 14" Fr/Rr
Tyres: G70-14 Fr/Rr
Wheelbase: 116" (2946mm)
Length: 206.8" (5252mm)
Width: 75.5" (1918mm)
Weight: 4,100 lbs (1860kg)
0-100 kph: 7 seconds - approx
Top Speed: 212 kph - approx

TRIVIA
The arrival of John Delorean as General Manager at Chevrolet from Pontiac in 1969 promised great things, but a number of factors led to 1970 being one of Chevrolet's worst years ever. A 65-day strike severely reduced production, while a series of recalls culminating in what was then the largest product recall in automotive history severely dented buyer confidence in Chevrolet's ability to make well-engineered, reliable and safe cars. Midway through the 1970 model year, the 402ci V8 that had first appeared in the SS 396, was also made available for the Custom El Camino. On the Custom, the 402 produced 330hp and was badged as a '400'. The 450hp version of the SS 454 El Camino's 454ci is reported as being the most powerful production engine available during the peak of the muscle car era.