Matching 350ci V8/TH350 3-Speed Automatic/Spray on Bedliner

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. An engine rebuild, this farm to church hauler presents in nice condition. A few dents and dings, scratches, all in all a very nice paint job, two tone tan and brown and some vinyl added to the top. Dig further my Camino loving colleagues and stay thirsty for more info.

Exterior
Sandalwood Tan in very good visual form covers this car/truck combo's steel panels. Gaps are consistent, and no rust is seen. Bumpers, front and rear, are looking good and all badging is present and accounted for. The metal bed shows a near perfect coat of bed liner spray on anti is looking all rust free. The tailgate functions fine, and sporty color matching side mirrors are on either side attached to the doors. Just above covering the roof is a well preserved and unscathed brown vinyl top. On all 4 corners are GM rally style wheels wrapped by 215/75R14s.

Interior
Dark Saddle which shows a very rich texture of grained vinyl covers the door panels. These have some slight wave to the covering but are all clean and nicely preserved. A light tan random pattern broadcloth covers the bench in this two seater, and the backs are split for access to a small storage area behind the bench. Bolsters are smooth brown vinyl and there are some areas of tearing on the bolsters. New brown carpeting covers the floors, and the very clean and correct dash fronts the cloth bench. Save for the water temp gauge now neatly mounted beside the radio, the dash is in good condition. A newer tan headliner floats above. This car features working R134A A/C in full working blowing cold order.

Drivetrain
This numbers matching 350ci V8 which has recently undergone a top end rebuild with new cam, timing chain, lifters and pushrods. A new radiator and thermostat, water pump and antifreeze refresh have been put into this drivetrain. A 4-barrel carburetor Quadrajet, is on top, and behind this healthy mill is a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. Power gets kicked rearwards to a 10-bolt rear with 3.36 gear ratio.

Undercarriage
Underneath we meet totally rust-free matte black painted structurally sound undercarriage. All freshly coated but not covering anything nefarious. Independent coil springs for the front, and a 4-link with coil springs for the rear along with front power discs and rear power drums are seen. These brakes rotors and drums are all recently replaced. A Flowmaster in dual exhaust form allows for an easy exhale from the mill.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and good driver. No apparent problems, and air was blowing cold although it was very cold outside, so it did not stay on for long! Consigner states that the A/C has a slow leak.

A very nice job has been done overall as to the restoration of this car/truck. With added power, nice paint, vinyl top and some new interior pieces, this truck/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. All thanks to a churchgoing farming woman from down under!

VIN DECODE
136801L101944
1-Chevrolet
36-Malibu V8
80-El Camino 2 Door Sedan Pickup
1-1971
L-Van Nuys, CA Assy Plant
101944-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
ST 71 13680-1971 El Camino 2 Door Sedan
BDY L00395-Van Nuys Body #
TR 721-Dark Saddle
PNT 61F-Sandalwood, Brown Vinyl Top
08C-3rd Week August Build