$100,000 Numbers-Matching 1966 Chevrolet El Camino Is Mouthwatering

6 months, 2 weeks ago - 2 May 2024, autoevolution
1966 Chevrolet El Camino
1966 Chevrolet El Camino
Getting your hands on a legend like the big block Chevy El Camino doesn't come often these days, at least not in this economy. But complaining about finances aside, it's still free to dream... at least for now. So today, we're daydreaming about a numbers-matching 1966 El Camino that's so eye candy it makes you want to take a bite out of it.

While some still bicker about whether the El Camino qualifies as a muscle car with a bed or not, we'll let the spec sheet do the talking. The frame-off restoration process meant taking the car apart, making its parts look new again, and then putting everything back together better than ever with upgrades here and there.

Under the red candy apple-like hood lies a numbers-matching L35 396-cubic-inch (6.5-liter) V8 that sounds delicious in idle and breathtaking when revved. Back in its heyday, this thing produced between 325 and 375 horsepower.

However, the big block upgrade came with the '66 model, with previous versions even carrying a 283-cubic-inch (4.6-liter) small-block engine that only produced a measly 195 hp. Thankfully, the 327-ci (5.4-liter) V8 also raised the pony bar to about 350 if it felt like it. Our model's engine says it outputs 325 hp, which isn't mindblowing, but if you want more power and torque, the 454-ci LS6 from the '70s is where you'll find them.

Getting back to what matters, the 325 ponies are sent to the rear wheels via the sweet 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission mated with a 12-bolt rear end with 3.36:1 Posi gears. 

The muscle truck, if I may, comes equipped with indispensable thingamajigs like power steering, power brakes with disc front, Holley Sniper EFI, a factory air-conditioning unit with stock controls, a mechanical fan, Cragar wheels, BF Goodrich Radial TA Tires, a dual exhaust system and chrome valve covers.

Aside from the glaring paint finish with chrome elements, you'll notice the red-painted bed, and a nifty smuggler box. Looking closely at the fenders, you'll see the "396" badges. The interior is not half-bad, either. The restoration project aimed to recreate the original look while using practical modern elements that make life easier for the driver while complementing the stock interior aesthetics.

The black interior perfectly contrasts the red exterior, but most importantly, just behind the stock steering wheel, you'll see the odometer with only 749 miles on it. Other features of interest include the vinyl bench seat, stock gauges, column shifter, and, of course, the spare tire.

The seller claims they're not a third party and that they bought the car, vouching for the highest quality. They brag about having expert inspectors look over, under, and everywhere else before accurately analyzing any vehicle. That's why they're asking for no less than $99,900, with a possible monthly payment plan of $835 based on 20% down over 120 months.

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