The seller of this first year, 1959 Chevrolet El Camino informs us, “car has lots and lots of rust.” True that! would be my first response – it’s rough. Salvageable? I suppose, just about every car is, at a price of course. And then there’s that entire value proposition matter that figures into the equation one way or another. Hailing from Banks, Oregon, which is the Marine West Coast Climate (wet) side of the state, this car/truck mashup may have some future possibilities so let’s look it over and make a decision. Offered for $3,800, this 65-year-old Chevy is available, here on Facebook Marketplace.

When the term “big block” is applied to Chevrolet, most assume that we’re talking about a 396, 402, 427, 454, etc. Mark IV series engine. But before the ’65 introduction of that venerable engine architecture, big-block meant a 348 or 409 W-series engine. They are physically large engines, and thus the descriptor, even if the displacement, at least in the case of the 348, doesn’t measure up to what one would typically consider as a big block calling card. What we have here is a second-year 348 CI V8 engine that likely developed 250 gross HP. It’s obviously a non-runner and the listing makes no mention of its current condition or potential for a future motoring adventure. An automatic transmission backs up this silent engine and it’s probably a two-speed Powerglide though the Turboglide was available as an option.

As for the interior, we’re into the “Floor? What floor?” territory. The foot wells are bad while the section behind the bench seat is, for all intents and purposes, missing (as is the actual bench seat). The dash and instrument panel with its five round pods and radio still stand but that’s about it.

As for the body, well, like any 1959 Chevrolet, it’s distinctive. I’d say that Chevrolet did an admirable job of keeping up with the Joneses (the Joneses being Ford’s Ranchero) with the design and conversion of this ute but most of the leg work was already done thanks to the B-body station wagon (Nomad, Parkwood, and Brookwood). The step from the station wagon to the El Camino probably wasn’t as challenging as one may initially think. To cut to the chase, however, this Camino is rusty and dented. The rust is not only surface in nature but there appears to be a good deal of panel perforation too. The seller states, “Missing driver side door and quarter trim” but I’d suggest that’s the least of this Chevy’s worries. As for the cargo bed, there’s plenty of heavy surface rust that’s visible but it’s not possible to tell from the included images if the corrosion has penetrated the bed floor. I wonder if that galvanized tub is included in the sale?  It would be perfect for a keg party…

I suggested at the outset that we should review this El Camino and make a determination regarding its future. I’d posit that this example, in spite of its cheap price, isn’t a great starting point. That’s my vote, what’s yours?