The El Camino Returns

Chevy’s tentative jump into the “sedan/pickup” segment finally stuck with the return of the El Camino in 1964. First available in 1959 as a response to Ford’s Ranchero, it was based on the full-size B-body. After 1960 it was discontinued, while Ford shifted their Ranchero from full-size in 1959 to their new Falcon compact platform in 1960. Strong Ranchero sales in the US prompted Chevy to jump back on the bandwagon with the 1964 El Camino. For its first couple of years, Chevy marketed the El Camino as a light utility truck, and so did not make available any of the performance engines and packages found in Chevelles. Finally adding the 325 hp 396 ci big block option in 1966.

That same year OPGI customer Mark Sandlin bought his El Camino off the lot in Greenville, Texas. It had 66 miles on it, came with a bench seat, no A/C, and AM radio with an 8-track tape deck. Taking the dealer up on some suggested upgrades, Mark went with a 327ci/375hp SBC, 4-speed Muncie transmission, and 12-bolt posi-traction rear end with 411 gears. Just a young teenager who would eventually mature in his years in the Military, Mark didn’t realize how much power his new ride packed. The Elco did its first donut right in front of the dealer that day.

While in the military, Mark and his El Camino went from the West Coast to the East Coast, and the East Coast to the West Coast, a handful of times. The El Camino rode aboard an aircraft carrier while Mark and his carrier group transitioned from San Diego, CA. to Norfolk, VA. And if it were ever a question, the answer is yes, salt water spray does make a mess of a vehicle. Lucky for Mark, the Navy paid for the repairs. He and his Elco spent time in the desert and in Alaska and even went to Japan. Not being allowed to take it into combat with him, the El Camino spent several years sitting home not being driven. Mark’s wife would start her every now and then, and clean her off until he returned.

Since then the El Camino has gone through many motors but somehow managed to keep the same tranny and rear end. Restoring it three times, mainly interior and exterior trim replacements the first time, the second time mostly consisted of a paint job and some exterior trim changes. Its last restoration in 2007 was major and that is when Mark started placing orders from OPGI. The bodywork was completed circa 2008, Mark says “It was completely stripped to the bone.”

A couple of years later while getting some panels welded in at a body shop, the El Camino spent 10 days underwater after a nearby creek had flooded the shop. It was a major setback, until a man who retired from restoring cars offered to repair the Elco and prep it for paint. Two weeks later it was ready. Unwilling to take any money for his work, Mark paid the man with a joy ride as soon as the El Camino was completed in 2015. He loved that more than taking money.

Unknowing of his Classic’s show-worthiness it never occurred to Mark to put his El Camino in Car shows, until everyone who laid eyes on it kept suggesting it. Since then, Mark’s 1966 El Camino has been awarded the Governor’s Award, Mayor Award, Judge’s Award, Best of Show, Class Winners, and many others.

Currently, the motor is a 392ci/458hp SBC w/Blue Print Engine heads, Comp Cam Mag Cam w/305 duration, and 585 lift. An Eagle Industries Crankshaft and Rods, 3.875 stroke, Keith Black Hypereutectic Pistons, and Super Hi-Rise Intake topped with a Quick Fuel Technologies 850CFM race carburetor, just something Mark says he “just threw together” in the garage.

OPGI is pleased to be a part of Mark’s Restoration process. Visit OPGI.com to see how we can help you with your Classic GM Restoration project.