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Technology has blossomed since the 1960s, giving cars better handling capabilities, more power, and modern looks. But while stock performance today could easily trump most old automotive technology, there’s nothing quite like a classic American car. And there’s no better way to remember that than old automotive advertisements, like this one for the ‘68 El Camino we found on ChromJuwelen.com. Takes you back to a simpler time, doesn’t it?
The El Camino was introduced to the Chevy model line-up in 1959 as a competitor for the Ford Ranchero, only to be discontinued after the 1960 model year. But in 1964, Chevy brought back the model, this time based on the Chevelle rather than the Brookwood station wagon like the previous generation. The El Camino was a hit and stayed around until 1987, after Chevy changed the platform for the car to the Malibu in 1978.
The classic American muscle years were the best for the El Camino, with boastful 350, 396 and 454ci engines offered in its third generation. Among the third-gen vehicles was the well-known ’68 El Camino SS 396 (seen in this classic advertisement), the most potent of the Chevrolet utility vehicles at the time.
With this high-performance model, you got access to tire-spinning, butt-hauling fun while being able to carry lumber, groceries or whatever else you wanted to stash in the bed, thanks to the Turbo-Jet 396ci engine available with 325hp and 350hp ratings. The SS 396 also came with the optional L78 396ci engine rated at 375hp for an even bigger bite.
If raw power wasn’t your ultimate goal, you could also choose from several other powerplants of the Inline 6 and V8 varieties. Options included everything from the Turbo-Thrift 230 Six engine producing just 140hp, up through the 327ci V8 producing up to 325hp. Other options for the El Camino included three and four-speed manual, as well as Powerglide and Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmissions, 15 paint colors and many creature comforts like AM-FM radio, power brakes and air conditioning.
We’ve come a long way in the automotive industry from the muscle car era, but nothing is as iconic as the American classics from the 60s and 70s. With modern trends going back to the retro look, who knows, we may be able to look back at a current Chevy ad in 20 years and get the same feeling of nostalgia, but probably not.
