6546 1979 Chevrolet El Camino
Malibu styling was once again tapped for the design of the fifth generation of the El Camino, a model that was introduced in 1959 following the introduction of the Ford Ranchero two years earlier. 540 more El Caminos than Rancheros were sold in 1959, solidifying Chevy's place as a contender in the battle of the sedan pickups.
For consignment a 1979 Chevrolet El Camino with a numbers matching transmission and some newer parts that, according to our consignor, include gas tank, suspension components, engine accessories, and interior bits. It also has a great two tone paint scheme that was common on the fifth gen El Caminos.
Exterior
Two stage Camel Tan Metallic covers the majority of the panels and is sandwiched by white rocker panels and the roof which flows back to top the bed sides. The white is also employed on the face of the car which presents in a horizontal profile with an eggcrate grille, square headlights, and a chrome bumper with black rubber trim, and it all looks to be in fine condition. The rear window is an especially interesting feature as it curves into flying buttress roof pillars and both the window and the roof line have polished trim of their own. This curved glass coupled with a small rear quarter window creates space in the interior and allows great visibility of the bed and side walls. The rear bumper houses horizontal tail lights split to the ends, a distinctive look that leaves the tailgate and rear panels smooth. Color matched 14-inch Rally wheels complete the cosmetic package, and a white pinstripe adds some interest to the shoulder line. The bed has some dings, but the paint is good, and it's great on the rest of the car where a vertical band and some running paint are the only flaws.
Interior
Saddle brown embossed vinyl makes up the door panel and mirrors many in the GM product line in this era and includes a carpeted lower panel. There's some looseness to the plastic panel on the passenger side but it's otherwise clean and intact. A saddle split bench seat borrows the pattern of the door panel and Western flair to this spirited vehicle and are in great shape. Our steering wheel is wrapped in an aftermarket perforated cover and missing a trim piece on the horn spoke, and shares the column with the shifter. The injection molded dashboard houses a black plastic gauge pod with essential information and a clock along with black faced idiot lights appearing as panels when not activated. The center boxed stack has climate controls and an AM/FM radio with added CD function attached underneath. Newer gold carpet covers the floor and the back wall and is in good condition as are the newer headliner and visors.
Drivetrain
A consignor stated crate 350ci V8 presents cleanly under the hood and includes an Edelbrock intake manifold and 4-barrel carburetor, as well as an aluminum radiator and electric fan. Behind it, the rebuilt numbers matching TH350 3-speed automatic transmission sending power to the 10 bolt rear. Power disc brakes occupy the front and power drums occupy the rear. A new steering box is present.
Undercarriage
Clean and dry underneath with minimal surface rust and no leaking fluids. The single exhaust flows into a stock style muffler and then exits on the right side. Coil springs are up front and a 4 link with new coil springs are in the rear. No build up of grease or road dirt is found and the consignor mentions the car has been Ziebart coated.
Drive-Ability
A comfortable interior provides a feeling of roominess with the split bench seat, and we can't stop admiring that unique back window which has a bold trim piece underneath it. Meanwhile, the 350 cranks up and leads us on a short adventure on the test loop where it ran well. Acceleration, braking, and handling are all adequate for this '79. It's good clean fun in a nicely sorted El Camino. We note the clock is not functioning, but all other operations do. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
If you're a fan of the fifth gen El Camino, take a look at this attractive ride. If you're not a fan, this one might convert you. It's common and now retro interiors take us right back to the late 70's and two tone paint is an absolute eye catcher. Mosey on over to Classic Auto Mall for a closer look!
1W80J9D522062
1-Chevrolet
W-El Camino
80-2 Door Sedan Pickup
J-267ci V8 2bbl 125hp
9-1979
D-Doraville, GA Assy Plant
522062-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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