"Chevrolet El Kamino": technical characteristics, photo, reviews

"El Camino" - a car that was produced by the famous American company Chevrolet. It is executed in the body. That is, if it speaks in popular language, it is a pickup that is a commercial light car that has an open cargo platform. This machine differs from classic pickups in that the front part of the yut is made as a 2-door coupe.

The follower of "Ford"

So, the first thing to tell about "El Camino" is that this car is the most popular and purchased (at one time) of all existing cars, made in the body. It was published initially only one year - from 1959 to 1960. However, later, after a four-year hiatus, production resumed. And the next time it already lasted much more - from 1964 to 1987. "Chevrolet El Camino" appeared after the car Ford Ranchero. The machine of eternal competitors was sold extremely successfully. So the concern "Chevrolet" decided to give an answer. And it turned out - the model was successful.

Style "uyut" was at that time a novelty for the American market. First there was "Ford", and then "Chevrolet". Interestingly, the Detroit producer managed to make the more popular model. Though directly "Chevrolet" with "Ford" competed only in 1959. Since then, the Dearborn manufacturer has already completed the release of its yuts. But the "Chevrolet" was just beginning. As a result, in 1959, 14,169 copies of Ford were sold. A "Chevrolet" sold out in a larger amount - 22,246 pieces.

Briefly about the model

"El Camino" based on the existing platform - a separate decided not to develop. We took from Chevrolet Brookwood the same year of release (that is, 1959). Accordingly, the novelty-they acquired the X-shaped frame design and spring suspension. The wheelbase was also solid - as much as 3023 mm. As an option, air suspension was offered . But it was rarely to be found on the "El Camino" cars, the photos of which are provided below. By the way, it's also interesting that this car is the first pick-up from an American company with a cargo platform made of metal. Since before, until the late 60's, it was made of wood. The floor is lined with corrugated sheet metal.

Specifications

"El Camino" can boast quite a good performance. It starts with the engine. Under the hood is installed Turbo-jet V8, volume of 4.6 liters. He could be like four cameras, and with two. This engine was carburetor. Also there was another version - also V8, but 5.7-liter. Despite the fact that the car was designed and released more than fifty years ago, under its hood is not a weak engine. On the contrary, the latest version of 1959 pleases with a powerful 335-strong unit.

In addition to the above motors, potential buyers were offered 290- and 250-strong. There was even a 283-cc unit equipped with a mechanical fuel injection.

In early 1959, a magazine called "Hot Rod" decided to test the machine. It was decided to take the car "El Camino" with a 5.7-liter 315-horsepower V8 engine (three-carburetor, with a 4-speed transmission). From zero to 60 miles the car was accelerated in 7 seconds. And the maximum she could give out was 210 kilometers per hour. These were amazing indicators for those years - it's no wonder that this model was so popular.

1960

The first sales of the model were very successful. A year later, in 1960, the cars began to sell at a price of 2366 dollars apiece. It was the cost of 6-cylinder models. If a person pays $ 107, then he was given a car with a V8 CID283 under the hood.

In addition, in 1960 the car underwent some external changes. Specialists-designers decided that it would be nice to add some visual similarity to the famous Chevrolet Bel Air. But inside the model still looked like Chevrolet Brookwood. The interior of this car was really good - everything is done in a classic style, strictly, concisely, and tastefully. Several color variants were proposed - green, blue and gray. The most popular was the last one listed.

It was also decided to de-base the basic 4.6-liter V8 engine (up to 170 hp). And also canceled options equipped with fuel injection.

But in 1960, sales fell sharply - by a third. Only 14,163 copies of El Camino were purchased. The car has ceased to enjoy such popularity as before, so the concern has stopped selling.

Resumption of production

The car "Chevrolet El Kamino 1959" has sunk into oblivion. However, four years after the completion of production and the termination of sales, the concern decided to return to the release of this model. But now the producers came up with something new. In 1964, a completely different, absolutely new model - based on the Chevrolet Chevelle - was released.

Initially, the car was offered with two 6-cylinder units - one of them produced 120 horsepower, and the second - 155. Also, potential buyers were provided with a variant with a V8 engine. Its volume was 283 cubic inches. This 2-chamber carburetor unit produced 195 "horses". In addition, this engine could boast of a double exhaust. Then, after some time, appeared a version with a 220-horsepower engine. It also had a dual exhaust and a 4-chamber carburetor. And then cars with V8 engines started to go out. There were two of them - 250 and 300 "horses". Machines with these units were considered the most powerful and were, respectively, the most in demand of all possible "Chevrolet El Camino." The technical characteristics of these versions really exceeded those of other models.

Restyling

In 1965, the car underwent some external changes. At this time, "cosmetic" restyling is not limited. The car got a completely new, redesigned front end, and it looked superficially like a full-size car. In the same year, the power unit L-79 was added to the list of available options. It was characterized by increased performance. And it is not surprising, because this engine was able to produce power of 350 "horses"!

Then a number of power units replenished with a 6.5-liter 8-cylinder engine (its power ranged from 325 "horses" to 375). In the 1966 models, new instrument panels with an original horizontal speedometer and swivel bucket seats began to appear. Also, the car acquired an interior very similar to the Chevelle Malibu.

And in 1967 the cars received a new radiator grille, an original and modern (at that time) finish and a beautiful bumper. Then came folding steering columns and disc brakes (as an option). Moreover, cars began to be equipped with 3-band "automatic machines"! And these versions, by the way, were sold out very quickly.

The third generation

The car "Chevrolet El Kamino", a photo of which was provided above, in 1968, underwent quite significant changes. This machine began to be produced on the basis of a long base. The finishing (both internal and external) specialists decided to adopt again from Chevelle Malibu. True, the interior was updated. There was a vinyl and a new fabric.

Also, since 1968, customers have been offered a special, high-performance version called the Super Sport SS396. How did it differ from other models? A special engine. Under the hood of this model stood the Turbo-Jet 396. It could produce 350 "horses"! And in the series of power units, the L78 engine returned. It was the most powerful motor of all, which then could only be at Chevrolet. He produced 375 liters. from. The four-chamber carburetor engine was equipped with a 3-band "mechanics". As an option, however, the "automatic" was offered.

1969 and 1970 Output of

After the start of production and sales of second-generation models, specialists decided to make Chevrolet softer, elegant and round in terms of style and exterior. It was successful, and such versions also found their customers. They also began to equip the car with a 350 V8 engine. "Sporting" versions boasted 265- and 325-strong units. In the list of possible options, it was decided to add power windows and a central lock.

And in 1970, the car acquired a new exterior and another interior - completely redone, starting with the lining, ending with the dashboard. By the way, at the same time the most powerful version of the model was sold. She had a LS6 454CID engine under her hood. And this power unit produced power, which is as much as 450 horsepower! Not surprisingly, these models were sold out at one point. By the way, now this machine (if lucky enough to find it in sales from hand) will cost about 1,300,000 rubles. Few people are able to give such money for a car whose age exceeds the mark of 45 years, but if there is such a connoisseur, he certainly will buy this "monster" without even thinking.

Last years

Throughout the years of production, up to 1987, the specialists of the American concern continued to improve "El Camino" in all plans - from the exterior and finishing with technical characteristics. More than once, developers have tried to borrow something from competitors to make the model attractive to all. So, for example, in 1974 the model was equipped with a radiator grille, which copied the famous "Mercedes" ones. Sports mirrors, rectangular headlamps, "automatic" type Turbo Hydra-matic began to appear.

Then, in the late 70's, began to produce models with several options for finishing. Diesel engines also gained their popularity (the most famous was the Oldsmobile engine).

In the 80's, horizontal radiator grilles were put on machines, and computer systems began to use computer emission control systems. In 1983, it was decided to remove the 4.4-liter engine, but left V8 5.0. There was also a 5.7-liter V8 "diesel".

In recent years, the production of cars El Camino SS was very popular. He was distinguished by an aerodynamic hood and, in general, a very original appearance.

This model has gone a long way, filled with changes, improvements and various improvements. In 1987, the specialists of the American company decided that it was time to close the project, and stopped production.