1983 Chevrolet El Camino
For consignment, a 1983 Chevrolet El Camino with a recently rebuilt 454ci big block and our consignor tells us she puts out almost 700 horsepower. Only about 24,000 El Camino's were built in 1983 which is not exactly rare, but surviving nice examples might be. In many cases, they were used as a pickup truck and eventually wore out or suffered from rust. Here's a nice, built example that can really haul!
Exterior
This two tone design was common for this, the last generation El Camino. The Maroon and Silver combination not only gives the car an authentic look, but shrouds what might be lurking under the hood. And speaking of the hood, one immediately notices a Trans Am type shaker in the middle of it. So much for secrets, this hints that something is going on underneath. The Malibu front end conveys a fairly basic design, dual headlights, an egg crate grille over a wrap around chrome bumper. Taillights are embedded in the back bumper leaving the tailgate and rear fenders free of interruption except for the license plate cove. Silver from the roof spills out along the top side of the bed while the two coats of Rhino coating in the bed have been color matched, a nice attention to detail we rarely see. Deep dish 15-inch American Racing wheels with argent gray spokes and a brushed aluminum rim give this car a bit more presence than the stock wheels would and slightly wider tires in back provide a nice profile. Overall the paint is in good condition and our list of imperfections include some texture on the cut out around the shaker, some peeling of the Rhino on the tailgate and a crack in the bed, some bubbling on the silver near the rocker panel, and an area of orange peel like patterning.
Interior
Velour was all the rage in this era, and we find it first on the door panels, a little bit loose in some areas and combined with various shades of red on the plastic mid-panel where the armrest resides. Red velour bucket seats in a tuck and roll pattern appear in good condition and wear headrests up above, while a speaker box tucks behind the seats. A wood rimmed Grant steering wheel greets the driver and bowtie emblazoned gauges fill a red backed panel on the dash. A padded red frame surrounds the later model Delco AM/FM/CD radio and the glovebox, while a tall B&M shifter postures in the center console. A homemade armrest fits between the seats and race inspired foot pedals occupy the driver's footwell. Low pile crimson carpet covers the floor and a soft, red headliner floats above.
Drivetrain
Here's where the rubber hits the road, as they say, when we gaze upon the very clean 454ci big block with Edelbrock heads, an Edelbrock intake, and a Holley 750cfm double pumper 4-barrel carburetor perched on top. A 700R4 4-speed automatic is connected to the engine and this one has heavy duty clutches installed, sending power back to the 10 bolt rear. Also under the hood are Hooker headers, MSD ignition and a high compression starter. Our consignor states that a May 2024 tune up included plugs and wires. This is an impressive engine bay and a powerful engine that's brought to a stop via power disc brakes on all four wheels.
Undercarriage
Super clean underneath with virtually no surface rust or errant liquids to speak of. Dual exhaust comes off the headers, connects with an H pipe, then meets a pair of Flowmaster mufflers before exiting stealthily under the car before the back bumper. We note the absence of catalytic converters. Suspension includes coil springs up front and a 4 four link with coils in the rear.
Drive-Ability
Holy Toledo! This fired up with a raucous roar and its sleeper status went right out the door. And so did we, onto the test loop with the tall El Camino with enormous power underfoot. It wants to get up and go but we just need a soft check of operational items and so our loop is kept cool. Everything works except one oddity; the turn signals only work when the headlights are turned off.
The concept of couple utility was born in Australia, believe it or not, and their idea was "a vehicle to go to church on Sunday, and carry pigs to market on Monday". This dual duty El Camino has a third function and that's providing pure fun. With a stated 700 horsepower, the only thing that might be missing from this ride are some sandbags in the bed and wheelie bars out back!
1GCCW8GH2DR229314
1-USA
G-General Motors
C-Chevrolet Truck
C-4001 Thru 5000 GVWR
W-El Camino
80-2 Door Sedan Pickup
H-305ci V8
2-Check Digit
D-1983
R-Arlington, TX Assy Plant
229314-Sequential Unit Number
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