- Power comes from a modern V8 with 375 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque.
- Working against this El Camino is the three crash reports on its Carfax.
- Other upgrades include QA1 coilovers and upgraded Wilwood brakes.
The Chevrolet El Camino has always occupied a curious space between muscle car and pickup, and that alone gives it a certain appeal. It’s undeniably a cool truck, but despite this example having more than $55,000 poured into upgrades, it recently failed to sell at auction. In fact, bidding on this Chevy topped out at just $30,000.
This El Camino had plenty working in its favor. As a 1987 model, it comes from the final year of production and was fitted with several upgrades from Choo Choo Customs in Tennessee as part of a factory-backed program. Among the changes are a more aerodynamic front bumper, SS graphics, new parking lights, and distinctive exterior detailing.
Read: Someone Locked This 1979 El Camino Away For Decades With Under 1,300 Miles
Even with that end-of-run status and factory-linked upgrades, the result suggests buyers were not convinced. Final-year models often carry a certain cachet, yet that alone does not always translate into stronger bidding, especially when modifications start to blur the line between originality and customization.
The owner fitted it with a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated LS3 V8 in 2020, complete with Holley electronic fuel injection and an aluminum radiator from Ron Davis. It also features a four-speed automatic transmission, and a dyno sheet shows the Chevy produces 375 hp and 375 lb-ft (508 Nm) of torque at the rear wheels.
Key Upgrades, But A Checkered Past
Along with the new powertrain, the truck rides on adjustable QA1 coilovers, tubular control arms, and upgraded Wilwood brakes. It also wears a set of American Racing Torq Thrust wheels. It has to be an entertaining thing to drive.
Bring a Trailer
In addition, the truck appears to be in good condition, with the black paint still glossy and free of significant scuffs. The cabin also looks well maintained and shows minimal signs of wear.
It’s hard to say why the Chevy failed to attract much attention at auction, although the Bring a Trailer listing does mention that the Carfax report records accidents in January 2008 and January 2016, both involving front-end damage.
A separate report from November 2020 also notes damage to the roof and front of the vehicle. The seller further mentions that the parking brake does not work, which should be a simple fix, but is likely something that should have been addressed before the sale.
