1964 Chevrolet El Camino

Rare 1 year only body style - restored & preserved Sedan Pickup

283 cu in V8

Automatic

45680L124620

Clear

Gasoline

1964 Chevrolet El CaminoGrandpa restoration - sharp usable driver Classic color combination, nice updates, strong running 283 Model Details --Up for bid is a very special "sedan pickup". Chevy joined the niche segment for 1959-60 with an Impala based design. They went back to the drawing board to match a sentiment shared with an Australian prospective owner, "Build a vehicle in which I can take the family to church on Sunday and pigs to the market on Monday". The Chevelle sourced body was arguably more in tune with this utilitarian appeal. That makes this the first year of the 2nd generation ('64-'67). The Chevelle hood and grill changed for 1965. This really is a one year only body. It is not uncommon for enthusiasts to nail the model year because of this. The VIN on this reveals a couple of nice attributes -- "4" is the year, 1964"56" was reserved for the "Custom" model with the V8 283 small block. Better trim package, but intentionally low key. They weren't really envisioning muscle car traits for this vehicle at that time."80" was used to designate the body style as Sedan Pickup -- they were not yet an entirely separate model line which is why she wears the Chevelle and El Camino emblems. Cool."L" identifies the manufacturing facility of Van Nuys, CA. Life began in California and continued in Texas. Nice. More information can be found on the following excellent web site --VIN Decoder -- http://www.elcaminocentral.com/showthread.php?t=27738 I really like the lines and style details of this truck/car. I have attempted through photos to be very thorough, honest and detailed. You may want to take a tour of the vehicle first. The following link has them all -- http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/rootedowne/library/1964%20Chevrolet%20El%20Camino Exterior Details -- The truck has benefited from warm, dry climates and cherished care. The grandfather in Texas gets credit for the initial restoration. He gifted the vehicle to his grandsons. Because of military duty they brought it to Missouri, but could never fine time to use it. Restoration included a repaint to a new, but period correct, Ermine White. At this point, the paint is nearly 20 years old. It is showing it's age. There are small nicks from use on every panel and in the bed. There are some fatigue cracks as well. The most noticeable is on the lower right tail gate and a few thin lines on the top of the right rear panel. She is a good candidate for a repaint. However, these imperfections have been in place for quite some time with no degradation. In the current state, you would not be ashamed to drive to rallies and shows and have the benefit of throwing a mower in the back when you need to. He included a few pinstripes to add a bit of flair. I'm kind of a fan of stock, but I have to admit, these suit the truck pretty well. The bright work is in excellent shape. The bumpers are in like new condition. Rear tail light lens is an excellent example of '60's style. The trim work that outlines the truck bed area is definitely a highlight of the 2nd generation El Camino. It is in excellent shape. The bed shows signs of use -- nicks on sides one on the front. Overall in very good shape, but signs of use like you would expect on a driver. The handle for the tail gate is another sign of car/truck blend. Almost oddly small, but functional. New steel 15" wheels were added within the last 3 years. They are fitted with brand new beauty rings and center caps -- a good fit in function and form. New tires were fitted at the same time. The have plenty of life left. This setup will make keeping her roadworthy pretty easy. Notice the badges -- Chevelle up front, El Camino out back. Interior Details --During restoration, the interior was converted to red. This aspect of the truck has received an even fresher updating. New carpet, seat covers, door panels and headliner were installed within the last 2 years. Very sharp and ready to enjoy. A careful eye will notice a bit of two-tone. The panels are new and match the seats, but the door top is a slightly darker shade of red. The glove box lid stayed the same red too. It was not a factory option, but it suits her well. The dash includes more bright work unique to the custom trim level package. The glove box and dash surrounds are in like new shape. This particular vehicle also came with factory tach. It is not working at present. The fuel gauge is a bit optimistic. You don't want to run it to "E". The under dash gauges are aftermarket, and very nice to have. They work like a charm and have a level of back lighting for night driving. Headliner and visors are in excellent shape. Carpet is in like new condition and the mats fit the color scheme to a T. Glass is in excellent shape. The windshield has a PPG emblem -- a replacement no doubt. All other glass wear markings of original equipment. Whatever happened to wing windows? They are very nice to have on this type of classic. BTW, the driver side has a limited range because of the side view mirror. I believe the mirror is aftermarket. It's in like new shape and proudly wears the bow tie emblem. Engine Details --During the restoration in Texas, the engine was also rebuilt and professionally machined. The heads were resurfaced and a few bolt-ons were added. Updates include an Edelbrock intake manifold and carburetor, a larger capacity aluminum radiator and upgraded ignition side components like the Mallory distributor. Inner fender wells and radiator support were freshened up as well. Chrome valve colors and alternator and a bit of shine to the engine bay. The overall impression is one of pride of ownership and eagerness to serve. Under Carriage --Condition underneath is similar to engine bay and the rest of the truck for that matter. Front and rear sway bars were added during restoration. The rear differential cover includes a clever little touch! Other parts were tidied up before putting it back on the road. Overall it is a very honest driver condition under carriage - as it should be. Driving impressions --This sedan/truck is unique. It floats down the road as cars of this vintage should. I can't say I've torn it through twisties to test the sway bars, but they can't hurt. The exhaust note is low and rumbly, but not obnoxious. The brakes work surprisingly well. Thank you power boost! It is not a small vehicle by any means, but it almost feels a bit light on it's feet for nimble for American vehicles of the era. The shift indicator is not spot on. It feels like it needs just a bit of linkage adjustment. You will love cruising around in it. You may find a few more reasons to head to the hardware store! Question, Bidding & Shipping -- I hope I've been very thorough in my depiction of the vehicle. If you have any questions at all, please call. (816) 786-7534. Reserve Price -- I have had quite a few questions about price and that is great. NADA guides rates an average Custom '64 well above my Buy it Now price. My reserve is lower still.Simply bid the amount you feel comfortable investing in very unique part of automotive history. Or click Buy it Now and own it! Call if you like. Bidding -- this is a special classic with a strong following. There will likely be quite a few people involved in the auction. Please treat the bidding process as the serious contract to purchase that it is. Everyone benefits with this level of integrity. Thanks in advance. Shipping -- transport is the responsibility of the buyer. I will help out in any way I can on this end. I'll make it easy. If you are overseas, let me know and I will track down contact information for some carriers with strong reputations in those services. Can't wait to see what the future holds in store! Thanks for looking and good luck!