1964 Chevelle El Camino

I didn't see very many vintage trucks when I was in Los Angelas back in August 2006, but this bowtie was one sweet ride! She was located just south of Hollywood in a residential neighborhood, gleaming in her factory stock originality. Although her blue colour was clearly not original, it was however in matching with the lamp post next to it. Love it or hate it, the old matress leaning on that lamp post makes this picture even more interesting. I had to as I often do, explain to a friend of the owner that i was an old car nut from Montreal who loved taking pictures of classic vehicles.
Originally introduced to the car hungry public in 1959, the Chevy El Camino was indeed a car, and a practical truck. It was also developed to compete with Ford's Ranchero, which oddly enough was temporarily discontinued in 1960. The same temporary suspension happened to the El Camino, as none were produced between 1961 and 1963. Instead of reviving this commercial vehicle as a full-size model, It was instead brought back on the new intermediate '64 Chevelle model. A good decision, as Chevelle El Caminos were manufactured well into the eighties. Perhaps since the new Malibu has proved its ongoing popularity, a new "Camino" could be built on this chassis? Hey You never know.
Advertised by Chevrolet as "The Personal Pickup", the 1/2 ton '64 El Camino was offered as a base model with a custom model at extra cost. Customs featured chrome rocker moldings, with chrome around wheel wells, a chrome strip on hoods, and chrome rails on box. Our featured model is a base model, as it clearly has no extra chrome. As with regular Chevelles, six-cylinder engines were standard, as V8 motors were optional. As with the Chevelle, 1964 El Caminos were offered in many colours. Here are some of them...Azure Aqua, Daytona Blue, Ermine White, Almond Fawn, Palomar Red, Bahama Green, Saddle Tan, and a few other colour choices.
El Caminos where always more popular on the west coast, and I'd be very surprised if I ever saw another '64 El Camino here in the great white north. However, an impressive 36,615 examples were made.