The Chevrolet El Camino Turned 53 on Sunday

Last month the Camaro turned 45 and this month Chevrolet is celebrating yet another birthday- the 53rd birthday of the El Camino. While the utility vehicle has not been in production for a number of years, the El Camino is still a noteworthy car in automotive history. Thanks to Jalopnik, we take a look back at Chevrolet’s version of the crazy car/truck mash up.

Just like the Camaro, the El Camino came about in response to the success of a Ford model. Not wanting Ford to have the only stake on the utility vehicle market with their Ranchero, Chevrolet released the El Camino on October 16, 1958 for the 1959 model year. With out of this world styling, the Impala-based El Camino hit the market with a bang but didn’t stick around long. The original El Camino only lasted two model years, being discontinued after the 1960 models hit the market.

But 1960 didn’t mark the death of the El Camino. The model was once again released for the 1964 model year with toned down styling now based on the Chevelle platform. Between 1964 and the model’s demise in 1987, the El Camino went from basic utility vehicle to muscle car competitor with engine options like the 396cui, LS5 454cui and LS6 454cui V8s. Unfortunately, just like the muscle cars sporting these engines, the El Camino saw a severe decrease in power in the early ‘70s as the government started implementing engine restrictions for pollution reasons. After a total of five generations, the El Camino faded out and was reduced to a mere memory by 1988.

With many retro model recreations hitting the market now, El Camino fans are pushing more than ever to have the model reinstated in Chevrolet’s line up. Although it looked like a El Camino-esque vehicle would be hitting the American market at one time with the introduction of the Pontiac G8 sport truck, we have yet to see anything resembling the vehicle again. Love it or hate it, we can’t deny that the utility vehicle definitely made a statement in automotive history. That’s why we’re proud to wish the iconic El Camino a happy birthday.

Do you think that the El Camino should be brought back by Chevrolet or is it better left to rest?

About the author

Lindsey Fisher

Lindsey is a freelance writer and lover of anything with a rumble. Hot rods, muscle cars, motorcycles - she's owned and driven it all. When she's not busy writing about them, she's out in her garage wrenching away. Who doesn't love a tech-savy gal that knows her way around a garage?
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