Nice Paint Job 454ci V8 Original Interior Cowl Induction Hood

1971 Chevrolet El Camino

Rumor has it that Mattel's Elliot Handler (the 'el' in Mattel), spotted designer Harry Bradley's El Camino in the Mattel HQ parking lot and commented, “Those are some hot wheels,” coining the new name for Mattel's line of toy cars, Hot Wheels. In fact, Elliot was so impressed by Bradley's custom El Camino, he insisted that Mattel use it as a model for the first line of Hot Wheels toy cars. And the rest as they say is history.

For consignment, a pre gas crisis, pre emissions, pre muscle car killing legislation car that has had a restoration. A definite power upgrade, this farm to church hauler presents in nice condition. A few dents and dings, scratches, and a slight bubbling paint area, all in all a very nice paint job, and indeed painted on stripes. Dig further my friend and stay thirsty for more info.

Exterior
Lezzene Blue Metallic in very good visual form covers this car/truck combo's steel panels. Gaps are a bit inconsistent, but all steel will tend to do this over time. Slight bubbling can be seen on the driver's lower door, but otherwise it's clean. As noted, painted on striping in contrasting black run the length of the “Cowl Induction” hood and meet up with clean windshield glass that is surrounded by fine looking polished stainless trim. Bumpers, front and rear, are looking good and all badging is present and accounted for. The metal bed shows a few bumps from obvious use, but paint is good all over this area. The tailgate functions fine, and sporty color matching side mirrors are on either side attached to the doors.

Interior
Cloth velour in dark Gun Metal Gray covers the buckets in this two-seater, and the drivers bucket shows slight wear and some “pilling”. Black carpeting covers the floors, and the very clean and correct dash fronts the buckets. Tuck and roll stitched black vinyl mixed with smooth black vinyl and framed by lines of polished aluminum make up the door panels that flank the buckets. Other than an aftermarket radio, and some hanging extra gauges, the padded dash is all Chevy…think S-10. The headliner shows a slight sagging but is otherwise unremarkable.

Drivetrain
A circa 1975 454ci V8 replaces the original power plant, carries an Edelbrock performance intake manifold, and is topped by a Holley 4-barrel carburetor. A 3-speed automatic transmission in the form of a TH400 is strapped to the rear of this healthy mill and shifts smoothly. This combo puts power back to a limited slip 12-bolt rear, spinning 255/55/R17's all around. Gasses are evacuated quickly through headers and a Flowmaster exhaust system. Note that AC has been disconnected, even though the controls exist for it on the dash.

Undercarriage
At first, we are met with a chromed pumpkin, but upon further inspection all is seen is jet black restored suspension, solid frame with no rust surface or otherwise, and clean floorpans and toe kicks. Wonderful presentation underneath.

A very nice job has been done overall as to the restoration of this car/truck. With added power, nice paint, and American Racing Polished Torque Thrust wheels, this car can haul hay or haul ass, or both, although the hay may all go away prior to arriving at your intended destination. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

VIN Decode
136801K176442
1-Chevrolet
3-Chevelle/El Camino
6-V8
80-2 Door PickUp Delivery
1-1971
K-Kansas City MO Assy Plant
176442-Sequential Unit Number

Trim Tag
ST 71 13680-1971 Chevrolet El Camino V8
BDY K785079- Kansas City MO Body #
TR 731-Jade Green Bench Seat
PNT 49 G-Antique Green, Green Vinyl Top
02C-3rd Week February Build