What years did Chevy make the El Camino?

The Chevy El Camino was a unique vehicle that combined the features of a car and a pickup truck, blurring the lines between two distinct automotive categories. This iconic model was produced by Chevrolet for several decades, captivating the hearts of automotive enthusiasts and casual drivers alike.

The El Camino's Production Lifespan

The Chevy El Camino was first introduced in 1959 and was produced in various generations until 1987. The El Camino was manufactured for a total of 28 years, making it a long-standing and influential model in Chevrolet's lineup.

• The original El Camino was produced from 1959 to 1960.


• The second generation was manufactured from 1964 to 1967.


• The third generation was produced from 1968 to 1972.


• The fourth generation was manufactured from 1973 to 1977.


• The fifth and final generation was produced from 1978 to 1987.

Throughout its production run, the El Camino underwent various design and engineering changes, reflecting the evolving trends and preferences of the automotive market.

The El Camino's Unique Blend of Car and Truck

The Chevy El Camino was a unique vehicle that combined the comfort and handling of a car with the utility and cargo-carrying capacity of a pickup truck. This hybrid design allowed the El Camino to appeal to a wide range of customers, from those seeking a practical work vehicle to those who desired a stylish and versatile personal transportation option.

The El Camino's blend of car and truck features made it a popular choice for a variety of applications, from hauling materials for home improvement projects to transporting recreational equipment for outdoor adventures. Its versatility and distinctive appearance contributed to its enduring popularity and cult-like following among automotive enthusiasts.

What is the best year for an El Camino?

The "best" year for an El Camino depends on your priorities, but the 1970 model is widely considered the pinnacle of performance and desirability due to its powerful LS6 454 engine. For a balance of classic style and performance, 1968-1970 are top choices, while the 1981-1987 models are often cited for better reliability and parts availability. 
You can watch this video to learn about the history of the El Camino and the factors that led to its success and eventual discontinuation: 51sMark RodenYouTube · Oct 15, 2025
Best years for muscle car performance

• 1970: The ultimate performance year, offering the 454 cubic inch LS6 engine rated at 450 horsepower. It's considered a legendary muscle truck. 
• 1969: A great performance year, with the introduction of the 396-cubic-inch L78 and L89 engines, both rated at 375 hp. 
• 1968: The start of the popular third generation, which brought a more aggressive look and officially allowed the SS 396 engine option. 

Best years for reliability and parts

• 1981-1987: This generation is often recommended for those prioritizing reliability and easier-to-find parts. They are less focused on pure muscle power and more on a modern, dependable driving experience, notes Reddit users. 

Other notable years

• 1971: The last year for high-compression engines before new emissions regulations took effect, which reduced horsepower and introduced smog pumps. 
• 1972: This was the El Camino's best-selling year, though horsepower was lower than in previous years due to the upcoming regulations. 

This video discusses the evolution of the El Camino from a muscle car to a more practical vehicle: 58sGraphic Cars EvolutionYouTube · Jun 10, 2023

What is a 1970 El Camino worth today?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $22,580 for a 1970 Chevrolet El Camino in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1970 Chevrolet El Camino at auction over the last three years was $103,400.

What was the last year Chevrolet made the El Camino?

The Chevrolet El Camino was discontinued in 1987, so a new one was not made last year (2024). The last model year was 1987, and production ended due to the popularity of the S-10 pickup and the discontinuation of its specific platform. 
You can watch this video to learn about the history of the El Camino: 1mTheAutoReportYouTube · Jan 27, 2024

• Last production year: The last Chevrolet El Camino rolled off the production line in 1987.
• Reason for discontinuation: The discontinuation was largely due to the success of the smaller Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck and the end of the rear-wheel-drive midsize platform on which the El Camino was based.
• No new production: Despite a concept version in the mid-1990s, no new El Caminos have gone into production since 1987. 

This video explains what happened to the Chevrolet El Camino: 53sTheAutoReportYouTube · Oct 20, 2024

Why did Chevy discontinue the El Camino?

They stopped making El Caminos in 1987 primarily due to falling consumer demand and the success of the larger, more practical Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck. The S-10 offered better utility, and the El Camino no longer connected with enough buyers in the U.S. market. Other contributing factors included the end of its rear-wheel-drive midsize platform and changing government fuel economy regulations that put passenger-car-based vehicles like the El Camino at a disadvantage compared to light trucks.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the new El Camino's features and design: 59sCAR REVIEW TODAYYouTube · Jan 8, 2025

• Falling Demand: Sales of the El Camino had dropped significantly by the mid-1980s, while the compact S-10 pickup was a strong seller. 
• Practicality: The S-10 offered the utility of a pickup truck in a smaller, more fuel-efficient package that many buyers preferred. 
• Platform Discontinuation: The El Camino was based on the same rear-wheel-drive midsize platform as the last of the Monte Carlos, and the end of that platform in 1987 was a direct cause of its discontinuation. 
• Fuel Economy Regulations: Stricter fuel economy standards for passenger cars put the El Camino at a disadvantage. By the 1980s, buyers were willing to accept slightly lower fuel economy in a "real" light truck for more power, which the S-10 could provide while still meeting regulations.