1968 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO

KEY FACTS

• A stunning American custom, with a modern power upgrade, and bespoke bodywork and trim.
• Up front is a 525bhp 6.2-litre LS3 V8 crate engine, coupled to a General Motors 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission.
• Imported from the US more than seven years ago, it was first registered in the UK in March 2014.
• The car was treated to a comprehensive rotisserie restoration between 2017 and 2018, with components renewed or upgraded with improved performance and driveability in mind.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Built at the Fremont, California, factory in 1968, this El Camino rolled off the production line in 3.8-litre (230ci) six-cylinder guise.
• Around four years ago, it was acquired by the most recent private owner, who commissioned Steve Harvey of Old School Speed in Farnborough to upgrade and restore the car to a remarkable standard.
• More than £120,000 was invested in the build, and the seller is confident there is simply not a better El Camino available in terms of condition and specification.
• The bodywork was subtly changed with six inches taken out of the length behind the rear axle, and the exterior lines and interior mouldings around the loading bay all modified and smoothed accordingly. The colour was also changed to its current dark green hue from the original 1960s Chevrolet palette.
• In place of the original straight-six, this El Camino is now fitted with a GM Performance 6.2-litre LS3 crate engine, producing up to 525bhp. For the transmission, a GM 4L60E four-speed automatic was chosen, which enabled ECU control of shift points and speed, and even hooking up a ‘Sport’ button.
• Accompanying the car is some photo documentation of the build process, plus a copy of Classic American from May 2021, which profiles the car in full, as shown in the gallery.

Specification summary:

• 6.2L LS3 V8 525bhp crate engine
• Hedman Husler Hedders
• Magnaflow performance exhaust system
• Gearstar Stage III 4L60E overdrive transmission
• Transmission ‘Sport’ mode with accelerator kick-down
• Ridetech coilover suspension front and rear
• Wilwood ‘big brake kit’ front and rear
• CPP Hydro-Vac master cylinder system
• Be-Cool cooling system
• Strange HD Ford 9” rear axle
• Tru-Trac torque-biasing differential
• Custom 17” steel wheels with Nitto tyres
• Custom bed cover with bespoke drainage design
• TMI Products Pro-Classic leather and Alcantara bucket seats
• Dynamat insulation
• 1000-watt sound system with custom cabinet installation (2x Alpine amps, 4x 8in mid-range, 4x tweeters, 1x subwoofer)
• Pioneer head unit with pop-out display screen and reversing camera, DAB digital radio and phone connectivity
• Air conditioning
• USB charging socket

CONDITION

• There is no bodywork damage.
• Its paintwork remains in truly excellent condition, following the restoration completed just over three years ago. All of the brightwork is also in superb order, as are the wheels.
• The interior is unmarked and shows only the slightest signs of use commensurate with just over 2,000 miles since the refurbishment. The Pro-Classic bucket seats have Alcantara thigh and back insert panels to keep driver and passenger more secure when cornering at higher speeds.
• There are no electrical faults. All items are brand-new and working perfectly.
• The most recent MOT test was on 30 May 2018, at an indicated 145 miles since the restoration, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories.
• It was last serviced in August 2020 at 1,734 miles, when it received a full inspection, plus an engine oil and filter change.

SUMMARY

This Chevrolet El Camino is an outstanding bespoke muscle car, upgraded with a higher-revving modern LS3 V8, custom coachwork, and a modernised interior with greater comfort and refinement. Designed as a stylish American classic that really could be used every day if the next owner so desired, this build boasts fantastic attention to detail, and is sure to capture the imagination of enthusiasts who enjoy a 1960s V8 cruiser with a difference.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.