El Camino, a two-door coupe utility vehicle produced by Chevrolet, has a rich history that spans over five decades. The first generation of the El Camino, introduced in 1959, was based on the Chevrolet Impala and was designed to compete with the Ford Ranchero. However, it was the second generation, which debuted in 1964, that truly put the El Camino on the map. This generation saw the introduction of the Super Sport (SS) package, which added a number of performance and aesthetic upgrades to the vehicle.
Design and Performance
The El Camino’s design was a unique blend of car and truck, featuring a two-door coupe body with a pickup bed. This design allowed the El Camino to appeal to a wide range of buyers, from those looking for a practical vehicle for work to those seeking a stylish and powerful car for leisure. In terms of performance, the El Camino was equipped with a range of engines, including the iconic 396 cubic-inch V8, which produced 325 horsepower. The SS package added a number of performance upgrades, including a heavy-duty suspension, a larger rear axle, and a unique exhaust system.
Third Generation (1968-1972)
The third generation of the El Camino, which debuted in 1968, saw significant changes to the vehicle’s design and performance. The new El Camino featured a more aggressive stance, with a longer hood and a shorter rear deck. The SS package was still available, and it added a number of upgrades, including a 396 cubic-inch V8 engine, a four-speed manual transmission, and a limited-slip differential. This generation also saw the introduction of the El Camino SS 396, which featured a 396 cubic-inch V8 engine and a number of unique styling cues, including a distinctive hood and stripes.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| 250 cubic-inch inline-six | 155 | 235 lb-ft |
| 307 cubic-inch V8 | 200 | 255 lb-ft |
| 396 cubic-inch V8 | 325 | 410 lb-ft |
Fourth Generation (1973-1977)
The fourth generation of the El Camino, which debuted in 1973, saw significant changes to the vehicle’s design and performance. The new El Camino featured a more angular design, with a longer hood and a shorter rear deck. The SS package was still available, and it added a number of upgrades, including a 402 cubic-inch V8 engine, a three-speed automatic transmission, and a limited-slip differential. This generation also saw the introduction of the El Camino SS 454, which featured a 454 cubic-inch V8 engine and a number of unique styling cues, including a distinctive hood and stripes.
Fifth Generation (1978-1987)
The fifth generation of the El Camino, which debuted in 1978, saw significant changes to the vehicle’s design and performance. The new El Camino featured a more aerodynamic design, with a rounded nose and a sloping rear deck. The SS package was still available, and it added a number of upgrades, including a 305 cubic-inch V8 engine, a four-speed manual transmission, and a limited-slip differential. This generation also saw the introduction of the El Camino Conquista, which featured a unique interior and exterior design, including a distinctive stripe package and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
What was the first generation of the El Camino?
+The first generation of the El Camino was introduced in 1959 and was based on the Chevrolet Impala.
What was the SS package on the El Camino?
+The SS package on the El Camino added a number of performance and aesthetic upgrades, including a heavy-duty suspension, a larger rear axle, and a unique exhaust system.
What was the most powerful engine available on the El Camino?
+The most powerful engine available on the El Camino was the 454 cubic-inch V8, which produced 360 horsepower.
