Rare Royal Knight: 1982 Chevrolet El Camino
When you imagine royalty, the first thing that likely doesn’t come to mind is a Chevrolet El Camino. But here you have it, a Royal Knight El Camino. Of the ones that still exist, there’s probably not many as original (at least by appearance) as this 1982 Royal Knight. Submitted by reader Ikey Heyman and found here on Craigslist, this one is worth checking out.
There is very little detail offered in the listing, but the seller says that the truck runs a 4.4 liter V8. At most, this 267 cubic inch engine could only produce about 120 horsepower. That’s not much for any vehicle, let alone a full-size one like this. For those interested in holding to the originality of this El Camino, the three-year only V8 is a nice touch, if it is the original powerplant. The seller does state that everything runs great, which makes this one a more promising prospect.
This interior isn’t perfect but it appears to be in decent, driver quality condition. Interested parties will need to be okay with a lot of maroon, which covers both the inside and outside of the vehicle. The mileage is not listed but if the odometer is right (and my eyes as well) it looks it may have just under 90,000 miles. By all appearances, that may be right considering its overall condition.
A Royal Knight can always be spotted by the decals on the fenders, tailgate, and especially the one on the hood. Many enthusiasts may not be fond of the uniqueness of this special edition El Camino, but they may likely climb in value since they were only a five-year run. The seller says the $7,000 price tag is firm. Even with the lack of details, does that seem like a fair price for this Royal Knight?
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Comments
If I was to join an anti government militia group for people of european descent in the hills of Montana THIS would be my ride of choice!
Based on what my non Royal Knight ’83 was worth (I’d say $5500 to $6500), this would easily be worth the price. Rarer than hen’s teeth.
I like yours better!
$7K to much, needs lots of $$$ to shine like a rarity otherwise it’s just another Elcamino. IMHO
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1981-Chevrolet-El-Camino-Ask-About-Free-Shipping-79k-Original-MIles/352621421438?hash=item5219dfe37e:g:-KYAAOSwpYxcCUuE
That same truck is 19 grand at the dealer.
https://fastlanecars.com/vehicles/1951/1981-chevrolet-el-camino
The Royal Knight is still the name of the place you went for a burger and a beer after bowling.
As the owner of one of these (see photo, tho’ it has the 305ci 4 barrel V8) my personal opinion is that even given the condition the $7k asking price is a bit on the low side. This was a featured vehicle in the 1982 Chevy dealers brochure and was a factory special order (code Z16). While the GM Heritage Center does not have a production number our research seems to indicate something less than 900 Royal Knights were ordered in 1982, with perhaps a third of those having the Redwood Metallic paint. How many have survived? This is only the 3rd one I’ve ever seen, so probably very few.
I have a 1982 El Camino Royal Knight in the Rosewood Metallic that my dad purchased in 1984. It has about 106,000 miles on it and is in very good condition. It has been garaged since 1988 and only comes out on nice days. 305 and runs perfect.
I am the original owner of this identical El Camino, with the exception of saddlewood cloth interior. We have always used it as a work horse and it runs good. It currently has 150,000 miles on the odometer. Still love this car/truck.
Perfect price / should sell very easy
I paid $6,500 for mine with new interior, new brakes, new engine, new exhaust and a fair paint job. Zero rust. Maybe the sticker package makes this worth more?
I don’t care about new paint and how much bondo under paint
I don’t care about new oil brakes or exhaust
What is important originality and ….. how many miles with proof
I have 30 cars
All original
But do any of them run, and how many are up on blocks in your yard?
Unless you can get the decals forget it.
Nice Elke. The late 70s and 80s are nice especially with bigger V8s in them.. Curved rear window is sweet with the small quarter window that swoops back. Rear lights tucked away in the bumper instead of on the side of the tailgate was a nice design. And put some nice sounds on it coming out the rear to add to the touch.
It’s only worth what someone’s willing to pay, Our area internet specialty car section has cars that, never sell because the owners see their same car on flebay, if you SEE it on fleabay it’s NOT sold, and GasMonkey is fantasy TV with 4door cars with saddle blanket interiors selling for 10k+ lol. With a good paint job and running gear & brake & suspension etc.+ $7k purchase = nice car but not 30-35k car. ok if you keep it and love it.