Muscle Truck: 1969 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396
Once the El Camino shifted to the mid-size Chevelle platform in 1964, it could be equipped like most any other Chevelle. That includes the SS 396 which was an option on the El Camino in 1969. The seller’s car is said to be sound mechanically, but it’s going to need some cosmetic attention. So, you could drive it for a while before taking the big restoration plunge. Located in a carport near Torrance, California, this big-block project pickup is available here on craigslist for $16,500.
The El Camino had a big year in 1969, selling nearly 40,000 copies. And the Super Sport option was chosen nearly one out of every four times. But what version of the 396 cubic inch V8 is in the seller’s truck? The L-78 that produced 375 hp isn’t likely because we understand it couldn’t be ordered with factory air conditioning which this vehicle has. We’re told it runs well and was recently taken in for the brakes, front end, and other mechanical components to be refreshed. The odometer reads nearly 20,000 miles, but 120,000 is more likely.
This Bow-Tie has a numbers-matching engine with an automatic transmission (TH-400?). And the body is mostly sound with only a small rust hole in the right-side front fender mentioned. The passenger side of the bed was crinkled at some point but should be an easy repair. We don’t know if the blue paint is original, but the interior is. The seller was going to do a cosmetic restoration and removed the carpeting, but health issues arose that will lead to someone else doing the rest of the work.
These beefy “coupe utility” pickups are getting harder to find. And with this one said to be a real deal with the desirable 396, the seller’s asking price doesn’t sound out of order (by today’s standards). Is this a driver-quality vehicle you’d buy and get used to before sending it off to the body shop?
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Comments
I have a 68 version, a solid unit but no where near as nice. Unfortunately when I bought mine 30 years ago the engine was long gone. The car has a 455 from a 70 Oldsmobile in it. These drive great, haul whatever, and will go if needed. 68 and 69s are almost identical. This one seems reasonable considering what the coupes sell for. This one should have a 12 bolt with the boxed arms with the rear sway bar like mine. Fun vehicle and one of the best looking to me.
The El Camino did not have the F41 HD suspension (which included the rear sway bar and boxed lower control arms) available from the factory. If your Elco had boxed LCA’s and sway bar, someone added it, not that it’s a bad idea. The F41 option on the Chevelle included a larger diameter front sway bar and I believe HD springs as well as the aforementioned LCA’s and sway bar. The Elco’s had rear air shocks as standard equipment on all models. The F41 HD suspension was offered as an option beginning in 1969, only 700-some cars were equipped with it. Beginning in 1970, the F41 was included with the SS option, but again, was not available on the El Camino.
Never knew or really cared. They may have added the stuff. mine does have ac, power windows, tilt with the sport wheel, along with a bunch of other accessories. Unlike this one here mine is worthless more or less since its original driveline is gone. Since I painted my square box, it is my wife’s mulch hauler. Mine also has the same wheels which I know are incorrect for 68.
This is a great price for this day and time. If I had the room I’d scoop it up for asking price. What’s not to like, big block Chevelle SS pickup? Yanks ordered vehicles like this simply because they could!
God! I wish I lived closer and was 20 years younger.
No SS proof provided, so even if it is, it isn’t.
Seller has lowered the price to 15k. Seems very fair in this market. Get a new carpet kit and a dash pad and hit the streets. I’d enjoy this ElCo as-is with just a little TLC.
Yup..need a build sheet or the window sticker for this one to be an “SS”…Had a ’70 El Camino SS 396 in my college days…had paperwork and the 70 was actually a 402… 4 sp Muncie…oh the good old days..gas was $.19/ gal when I graduated from trade school..off to see the world..
Upon further investigation, the 136 VIN number is a Custom, not an SS.
138 designates an SS in 1968. Starting in 69, the VIN does not prove SS status and only a build sheet will provide proof.
Unless it’s a Canuck car, there is a heritage dude that can get all the info for a small fee.