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What is the difference between 1959 and 1960 El Camino?

The El Camino is a unique vehicle that blends the utility of a pickup truck with the style of a passenger car. While the 1959 and 1960 models share a similar design, there are some key differences between the two model years.


Exterior Design


The 1959 El Camino featured a more rounded, streamlined design with a wraparound windshield and a distinctive "bat wing" rear fender design. In contrast, the 1960 model had a more angular, squared-off appearance with a flatter front end and a more traditional pickup truck-style rear fender design. The 1960 model also had a slightly longer wheelbase and overall length compared to the 1959 version.


Interior and Features


The interior of the 1959 and 1960 El Caminos were similar, with both models offering a bench seat and a basic dashboard layout. However, the 1960 model had some additional features, such as an optional air conditioning system and a more advanced radio and speaker setup. The 1960 model also offered a wider range of interior color and trim options compared to the 1959 version.


Powertrain and Performance


Both the 1959 and 1960 El Caminos were available with a variety of engine options, ranging from inline six-cylinder engines to V8 powerplants. The 1960 model, however, offered a more powerful engine lineup, including a 348 cubic inch V8 that produced up to 350 horsepower.


Conclusion


While the 1959 and 1960 El Caminos share a similar overall design, the 1960 model featured a number of key updates and improvements, including a more angular exterior, additional interior features, and a more powerful engine lineup. These differences make the 1960 El Camino a more modern and capable vehicle compared to its 1959 counterpart.

Which El Camino is best?


The Camino Francés is often the top recommendation for those starting their first Camino pilgrimage.



What was the most popular El Camino?


Numerous engines were available in 1959, from six-cylinder to a 348-inch big block with three two-barrel carbs. However, most rare is this 283 fuel injected engine putting out 290-horsepower. The 1970 El Camino SS454 LS6 is perhaps the most popular El Camino ever built.



What year was the El Camino popular?


After just two years GM relaunched the El Camino in 1964. As a cousin to the Chevelle. And sales soon took off beating the Ranchero in popularity. Especially with a high performance El Camino SS.



What is the most popular Camino?


The Camino Frances
The Camino Frances is by far the most popular route. The full trail starts in the charming French town of St Jean Pied de Port and continues for 36 days. On average, over 60% of all people who walk along a section on any of the seven main Camino pilgrimage routes follow this path to Santiago de Compostela.



What is the most collectible El Camino?


Most Collectible
T1970-1971 SS454 with the rare, big-block LS5 engine.



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. In '69, Chevrolet added two more SS-spec engines, the 396-cubic-inch L78 and the aluminum-head L89, both rated for 375 hp.



What year of El Camino is the most valuable?


Five generations of the El Camino were produced: 1st Gen (1959-1960), 2nd Gen (1964-1967), 3rd Gen (1968-1972), 4th Gen (1973-1977), and 5th Gen (1978-1987). Q: What was the most expensive Chevrolet El Camino ever sold? A: The highest recorded sale was $275,000 for a 1970 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO SS LS6 on Jan 27 2023.



Is 1959 El Camino rare?


1959 El Camino Craze: It's Highly Collectible
The El Camino was a modest hit, with 22,246 produced in 1959, its first year. That beat the 14,169 Rancheros that Ford moved. But orders plunged in 1960 to 14,163. So GM discontinued the El Camino.



Did Chevrolet make a 1959 El Camino?


1959 was the first year for the Chevrolet El Camino personal pickup models which were depicted as “more than a car — more than a truck”. This El Camino has the general styling of the 1959 Chevrolet passenger cars, but with a cargo capacity of 1,150 pounds.


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.