How many 1960 El Caminos were made?
The 1960 El Camino saw production in the low tens of thousands, with most credible estimates landing around the 14,000-unit mark.
What follows is a detailed look at how many 1960 El Caminos were produced, why sources differ, and what collectors should know when referencing the figure. The El Camino’s first generation (1959–1960) has long been subject to interpretation because factory records, dealer shipments, and registry compilations sometimes use different counting methods.
Production figures and sources
The number you see cited depends on counting conventions and the source consulted. To illustrate how the figure is arrived at, consider the main reference points used by historians and enthusiasts.
- Official Chevrolet production records (where available) for the 1960 model year.
- Dealer shipment and invoicing data from Chevrolet’s distribution network in the early 1960s.
- Enthusiast registries and reference books that compile totals by year from multiple primary sources.
Across these sources, the figure falls within a relatively narrow range, reflecting the era’s limited production at the time.
Counting conventions and caveats
Model-year vs calendar-year counting
Some counts are keyed to the 1960 model year, while others reflect calendar-year production. Because assembly lines operated year-round and model-year designations could lag, the two tallies don’t always align perfectly.
Regional and option variances
Production numbers can be influenced by regional assembly plants and the availability of options (engines, trims, and body styles). These nuances can complicate a single “exact” total.
For collectors, these caveats mean the precise count may differ by source, but the broad takeaway is consistent: the 1960 El Camino was a relatively small-run vehicle compared with later generations.
What this means for collectors and historians
In practice, the consensus among reputable references is that roughly 13,000–15,000 units were produced for the 1960 model year, with many sources converging near about 14,000. This range is useful for valuation context, restoration authenticity, and historical storytelling, even as exact tallies vary slightly by record source.
Why the exact number matters less than context
While production totals can influence rarity, factors like condition, original parts, documented provenance, and historical documentation often carry more weight for collectors and museums than the precise unit count.
Summary
The 1960 Chevrolet El Camino was produced in a comparatively small run for its time, with most credible estimates landing around 14,000 units. Counting methods differ across sources, leading to a commonly cited range of roughly 13,000–15,000. Understanding these nuances helps collectors place the model in historical context and informs restoration and valuation discussions.
How many 1960 El Caminos were built?
1960
| Model year | Total production |
|---|---|
| 1959 | 22,246 |
| 1960 | 14,163 |
What is the most collectible El Camino?
The most sought-after El Caminos are the performance-oriented models from the late 1960s and early 1970s, especially the 1970 El Camino SS 454 with the LS6 engine and the 1969 El Camino SS 396. These models are highly valued for their powerful big-block engines, which included the 454ci, 450-horsepower LS6 engine in 1970, and the 396ci, 375-horsepower option in 1969. Early models, such as the 1959 El Camino, are also highly collectible due to their rarity.
This video explains how the Chevy El Camino became a popular coupe utility vehicle: 1mMy Old CarYouTube · May 6, 2023
Performance models
- 1970 El Camino SS 454 (LS6): This is often cited as the most desirable model, featuring the 450-horsepower LS6 engine, the most powerful ever offered in an El Camino.
- 1969 El Camino SS 396: The SS 396 was a stand-alone model for 1968 and 1969, offering a 396-cubic-inch big-block V8 engine. The 1969 SS 396 in excellent condition can be worth over $128,000$ 128 comma 000$128,000.
- 1966–1967 El Caminos: These are also highly sought after, as they were available with big-block 396 engine options, though they did not officially have SS badging.
Early models
- 1959 El Camino: In its first year, the El Camino was a modest hit, and this early, highly collectible version is also a sought-after classic.
- 1964–1965 El Caminos: These models are also popular, with increasing values, particularly for those equipped with the 396 engine, notes Hagerty Media.
This video discusses the performance of the 1964 El Camino: 1mRoad MissionYouTube · Apr 29, 2025
What is a 1960 El Camino worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $38,767 for a 1960 Chevrolet El Camino in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1960 Chevrolet El Camino? The highest selling price of a 1960 Chevrolet El Camino at auction over the last three years was $112,750.
What is the most desirable year of El Camino?
The magic years, for those who want maximum performance in their third-gen El Camino, are 1969 and 1970. In '69, Chevrolet added two more SS-spec engines, the 396-cubic-inch L78 and the aluminum-head L89, both rated for 375 hp.
