1969 Chevrolet El Camino SS396 – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 13.06.2018

Converted to manual and fitted with a 396. If you like American Classics as well as utes, this could be for you!

The Ute is proudly intertwined with the Australian identity, but the yanks - to their credit - did have a go.

Created in response to the Ford Ranchero, the Chevrolet El Camino first appeared in 1959, only to be produced for two years initially.

Unlike a pickup truck, these American utilities – just like ours – were of a unibody construction, built out of passenger car floorpans, often station wagons.

The third-generation El Camino arrived in 1968, and like the second-generation, was also based on the Chevrolet Chevelle albeit utilising the longer station wagon or four-door sedan wheelbase.

Engine options were plentiful, with a 230ci and 250ci inline-six on offer, as well as 307ci, 350ci, 396ci and 454ci V8s.

The 396 was a new variant within the range, called the Super Sport or SS396.

The SS396 pack was available in various ouputs, either 242kW or 260kW originally, with a higher output 280kW version arriving in 1969.

This 1969 El Camino is fitted with one of those SS396 packs. The car presents extremely well in photos, painted in Monza Red, and with the listing stating only 45000 miles on the odo, it may indicate a past engine rebuild.

The seller also states that the car has been converted to a four-speed manual, however what gearbox used is not mentioned.

While the listing is light on details and information, the car looks extremely clean and tidy in the photos. The car is listed at $38,000, which is a fair price for an uncommon American Classic. Especially if this example is as good as it looks.

If you’re after an American Classic that’s a little different (and more affordable) than other 60s muscle cars – this one could be worth a look!

You can check out the full listing here!

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