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What body is the El Camino?

The El Camino is a unique automotive model that blends the characteristics of a car and a pickup truck. It was produced by Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, from 1959 to 1987, with a brief revival in the 1980s. The El Camino's distinctive design and versatility have made it a beloved and iconic vehicle among car enthusiasts and collectors.


Origins and Design


The El Camino was first introduced in 1959 as a response to the growing popularity of the Ford Ranchero, a similar vehicle that combined the features of a car and a truck. Chevrolet's designers took inspiration from the Chevrolet Bel Air and created a unique body style that featured a car-like front end and a truck-like cargo bed in the rear. This innovative design allowed the El Camino to serve as both a passenger vehicle and a light-duty hauler, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of consumers.


Evolving Generations


Over the course of its production run, the El Camino went through several design iterations, each reflecting the changing trends and technologies of the automotive industry. The first-generation models, produced from 1959 to 1960, featured a distinctive "Tri-Five" styling that was shared with other Chevrolet models of the era. Subsequent generations, produced from 1964 to 1987, incorporated more modern and streamlined designs, while still maintaining the essential characteristics of the original El Camino.


Popularity and Legacy


The El Camino's unique blend of car and truck features, combined with its stylish design and performance capabilities, made it a popular choice among a diverse group of consumers. From farmers and tradesmen who appreciated its utility, to car enthusiasts who admired its sporty appearance, the El Camino found a loyal following throughout its production run. Today, the El Camino is considered a classic and iconic American automobile, with a dedicated community of collectors and enthusiasts who continue to celebrate its legacy.

What is considered a G-body?


The General Motors G platform (also called G-body) was an automobile platform designation used for mid-sized rear-wheel drive cars. It made its first appearance from the 1969 to 1972 model years, adapted from GM's A-body, and reappeared from 1982 to 1988.



How much will the 2025 El Camino cost?


Cost of Attendance 2024-25

Budget ItemBudget DescriptionAt Home (with Parent)
Enrollment FeePer-unit fee for all students enrolled$1,104
Health FeePer-term fee for all students$52
Student Representation FeePer-term fee for all students$4
Books & SuppliesEstimated cost for books, and equipment$2,136



Is el camino a GBody?


El Caminos are "A-body" chassis thru 77 and "G-body" after that. 59-60 are impala, 64-72 are chevelle, 73-77 are Monte Carlo, and 78 and up are caprice.



What car is El Camino based on?


On October 16, 1958, Chevrolet begins to sell a car-truck hybrid that it calls the El Camino. Inspired by the Ford Ranchero, which had already been on the market for two years, the El Camino was a combination sedan-pickup truck built on the Impala body, with the same “cat's eye” taillights and dramatic rear fins.



Is El Caminos a G body?


El Caminos are "A-body" chassis thru 77 and "G-body" after that. 59-60 are impala, 64-72 are chevelle, 73-77 are Monte Carlo, and 78 and up are caprice.



What body style is a 68 El Camino?


The 1968 Chevrolet El Camino was entirely restyled and featured more of a fastback design. The overall dimensions of the bed were changed and would remain this way until 1972. 1968 was the first year that the Super Sport model option was available on an El Camino.



What year is the most desirable El Camino?


The magic years, for those who want maximum performance in their third-gen El Camino, are 1969 and 1970.



What body style is an El Camino considered?


coupé utility vehicle
The Chevrolet El Camino is a coupé utility vehicle that was produced by Chevrolet between 1959–1960 and 1964–1987. Unlike a standard pickup truck, the El Camino was adapted from the standard two-door Chevrolet station wagon platform and integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body.



What cars are F-bodies?


The only two vehicles to have been built using the F-Body platform are the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird. The fourth character in the Vehicle Identification Number for an F-body car is "F" on model year 1985 and up vehicles.



What does SS stand for on El Camino?


Super Sport, or SS, is the signature performance option package offered by the Chevrolet division of General Motors on a limited number of its vehicles. All SS models come with distinctive "SS" markings on their exterior. The SS package was first made available for the 1961 Impala.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.