Nov 7, 2024  •  For Sale  •  11 Comments

1959 Chevrolet Big-Block El Camino Project

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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?

Comments

  1. Rustytech RustytechMember
    Nov 7, 2024 at 6:38pm

    I love the 59’s. My first car was a 59 Belair. This thing is rough but salvageable but it’s going to be expensive. Might be a good parts car especially if the motor is free and has no holes in it. These early big blocks are getting rare.

    Like 5
  2. bobhess bobhessMember
    Nov 8, 2024 at 6:13am

    I too am a ’59 fan. After getting a ride in a dual 4 barrel carb, 4 on the floor Impala I became a 348 fan. I’d say this 348 needs everything after sitting with all the orifices wide open. Bet the underside is a mess.

    Like 6
    • al
      Nov 20, 2024 at 6:59pm

      I’m a 348 lover had a 1958 black Impala 2dr ht in highschool 348 250hp factory 3 on the tree I coveted it to floor shift loved that car

      Like 0
  3. ACZ
    Nov 8, 2024 at 11:11am

    I’ve always wanted a 59 Camino. After having a 66, a 69, two 75s and an 85SS, I would love one. However, there isn’t enough here to make 10% of one. This thing is pure junk, 348 or not.

    Like 2
  4. FTW
    Nov 8, 2024 at 11:41am

    If you have the $ and patience anything is possible, or leave it as-is and ” HAVE A YABA DABA DOO TIME ,A DABA DABA DOO TIME HAVE A GAY OLD TIME! 😂

    Like 1
  5. Tony
    Nov 8, 2024 at 3:46pm

    Save it, these are beautiful cars restored.

    Like 1
  6. johnnyMember
    Nov 8, 2024 at 6:45pm

    I live to far from you.I need one of these 59 camino

    Like 1
  7. stillrunners stillrunnersMember
    Nov 8, 2024 at 7:09pm

    Yep – enough there and at the price it would be a builder…..just not many of any 1959’s were saved but crushed as ugly ducklings. The motor is of choice as building one is like a Studebaker motor…..easier to go with a SBC. Funny they say the left door is missing – did they use a good 2 door post door and the top frame to make a good door for another Elcon ?

    Like 0
  8. The Cadillac Kid
    Nov 8, 2024 at 11:20pm

    Big block, small block all those terms get confusing. My 76 Cadillac had a 500 cid engine(8.2) L but it was a small block. Confusing. The way I understand it, if the engine has the center two cylinder (4&6,3&5)exhaust ports combined it is a small block. Nothing to do with displacement. True?

    Like 0
    • moosie moosie
      Nov 9, 2024 at 4:46am

      HUH ?

      Like 1
  9. al
    Nov 20, 2024 at 7:02pm

    hood on this must not be original as it has 6 cylinder sign just Chevrolet 348 had a v with flags

    Like 0

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