1983 Chevrolet El Camino



The El Camino was a direct challenge to Ford's Ranchero, a utility coupe dominating a previously untapped market. GM flirted with coupe-type trucks such as the Chevrolet Cameo Carrier and the GMC Suburban Carrier in 1955, but they went all-in with the El Camino for the 1959 model year. The El Camino was built on a modified Brookwood station wagon platform. The first generation didn't last long. It could have been the new flamboyant wings of full-sized Chevys or perhaps the Ranchero's hefty stake in the market, but after just 2 years and 36,409 El Caminos produced, Chevy dropped the axe on the model. After doing so, GM decided to bring it back in 1964 as version 2 which lasted until 1967.



Offering up this consignment, a 1983 Chevrolet El Camino with a recent repaint but showing subpar body work on the lower panels, a nice interior with good workings, a smooth running 6 cylinder engine and the ability to haul 3 passengers and a load of cargo.



Exterior

Two tone square and rectangle design steel bathed in deep maroon and silver with just a hint of gold pin striping on the beltline are seen throughout on this car. Overall quality of paint is acceptable with a few nicks and scratches but once we move to the lower silver painted panels things are rough looking. Evidence of bodywork is noted throughout the silver lower body panels and shows with inconsistent edges, waviness, sanding marks, and rust bubbles reappearing. Nice stainless trimmings run around the wheel wells and across the rocker panels. In the center of the car, providing the border between the maroon and silver is a thin silver trim that doubles as a protective guard. The roofline is also silver, and this moves to the bed of the "car" where it has a burgundy vinyl snap on covering. Some chromed tie down horizontal bars are on top off the bedsides, and under the vinyl cover is a black painted bed floor. In back, taillights are within the bumper which retains its luster. USMC livery is adorning the B-pillars and fold down tailgate. 15-inch GMC wheels in silver are wrapped by 225/70R15 radials with thin whitewalls.



Interior

Nice and original with door panels showing in beautiful smooth burgundy with well-kept molded armrests, chrome trimmed door pulls and a peppering of chromed handles and toggles. Inside, more burgundy for the tuck and roll vinyl seats in low back 60/40 split bench form compete with adjustable headrests and a central mounted fold down armrest. The dash is wood burl appliqu within a field of burgundy vinyl molded square and rectangle surrounds. All clean for the dash and its add ons like the AM/FM/CD stereo, auxiliary gauges, and climate controls. A carpeted dash cover provides extra protection from the sun and UV rays, meanwhile like new burgundy carpeting now floods the floors. Above, a like new headliner and visors have been installed.



Drivetrain

Under the hood is a detailed and clean 3.8 Liter V6 that is original to this vehicle. It is topped with a single 2-barrel carburetor and on the back is a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. The axle is a 10-bolt designation with 2.41 gearing. This engine bay presents as well restored and sorted with what appears to be freshly painted orange for the block and valve covers.



Undercarriage

A light coating of surface rust is seen on the frame and some of the usual suspension suspects, but unremarkable and structurally sound. The floor pans and body supports tell a different tale with heavy surface rust and invasive rust on both the bed flooring, body supports and floor pans. Some of this rust has been patched over with thin gauge tin. Independent coil springs for the front and a 4-link with more coil springs are the ride providers and for the braking power disc brakes for the front, and power drums for the rear. A dual exhaust with glasspack style mufflers is installed and appears fairly new.



Drive-Ability

A quick starter and a good performer with the 2bbl carburetor pushing the 3.8 Liter to pump out some adequate acceleration. Braking is solid as is shifting for the automatic trans. Handling was very good and all functions were operational at the time of our drive.



A nice early 80's El Camino with a recent repaint and a new bed cover installed. Some frowns on the undercarriage front as well as the lower body but overall, a presentable skate with lots of life left in her.



VIN DECODE

1GCCW8095DR215948

1-USA

G-General Motors

C-Chevrolet Truck

C-4001 Thru 5000lb GVWR

W-El Camino

80-2 Door Sedan Pickup

9-3.8L V6 2bbl 110hp

5-Check Digit

D-1983

R-Arlington, TX Assy Plant

215948-Sequential Unit Number

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