1964 El Camino Custom V8 -- 1st year Chevelle Bodied - Solid, Clean & Straight

Description for Chevrolet El Camino 1964

1964 Chevrolet El CaminoGrandpa restoration - sharpusabledriver
Classic color combination, ice updates, trong running 283
Model Details --Up for bid is a very special "sedan pickup". Chevy joined the niche segment for 1959-60 with an Impala based design. They went back to the drawing board to match a sentiment shared with an Australian prospective owner, Build a vehicle in which I can take the family to church on Sunday and pigs to the market on Monday". The Chevelle sourced body was arguably more in tune with this utilitarian appeal.
That makes this the first year of the 2nd generation ('64-'67). The Chevelle body changed for 1965. It is not uncommon for enthusiasts to nail the model year since it really is 1 year only. The VIN on this reveals a couple of nice attributes --

"4" is the year, 964

"56" was reserved for the "Custom" model with the V8 283 small block. Better trim package, ut intentionally low key. They weren't really envisioning muscle car traits for this vehicle at that time.

"80" was used to designate the body style as Sedan Pickup -- they were not yet an entirely separate model line which is why she wears the Chevelle and El Camino emblems. Cool.

"L" identifies the manufacturing facility of Van Nuys, A. Life began in California and continued in Texas. Nice. More information can be found on the following excellent web site --

VIN Decoder --http://www.elcaminocentral.com/showthread.php?t=27738
I really like the lines and style details of this truck/car. I have attempted through photos to be very thorough, onest and detailed. You may want to take a tour of the vehicle first. The following link has them all --
http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/rootedowne/library/1964%20Chevrolet%20El%20Camino
Exterior Details --
The truck has benefited from warm, ry climates and cherished care. The grandfather in Texas gets credit for the initial restoration. He gifted the vehicle to his grandsons. Because of military duty they brought it to Missouri, ut could never fine time to use it. Restoration included a repaint to a new, ut period correct, rmine White. At this point, he paint is nearly 20 years old. It is showing it's age. There are small nicks from use on every panel and in the bed. There are some fatigue cracks as well. The most noticeable is on the lower right tail gate and a few thin lines on the top of the right rear panel. She is a good candidate for a repaint. However, hese imperfections have been in place for quite some time with no degradation. In the current state, ou would not be ashamed to drive to rallies and shows and have the benefit of throwing a mower in the back when you need to.
He included a few pinstripes to add a bit of flair. I'm kind of a fan of stock, ut I have to admit, hese suit the truck pretty well.
The bright work is in excellent shape. The bumpers are in like new condition. Rear tail light lens is an excellent example of '60's style.
The trim work that outlines the truck bed area is definitely a highlight of the 2nd generation El Camino. It is in excellent shape. The bed shows signs of use -- nicks on sides one on the front. Overall in very good shape, ut signs of use like you would expect on a driver. The handle for the tail gate is another sign of car/truck blend. Almost oddly small, ut functional.
New steel 15" wheels were added within the last 3 years. They are fitted with brand new beauty rings and center caps -- a good fit in function and form. New tires were fitted at the same time. The have plenty of life left. This setup will make keeping her roadworthy pretty easy. Notice the badges -- Chevelle up front, l Camino out back.
Interior Details --During restoration, he interior was converted to red. This aspect of the truck has received an even fresher updating. New carpet, eat covers, oor panels and headliner were installed within the last 2 years. Very sharp and ready to enjoy.
A careful eye will notice a bit of two-tone. The panels are new and match the seats, ut the door top is a slightly darker shade of red. The glove box lid stayed the same red too. It was not a factory option, ut it suits her well.
The dash includes more bright work unique to the custom trim level package. The glove box and dash surrounds are in like new shape. This particular vehicle also came with factory tach. It is not working at present. The fuel gauge is a bit optimistic. You don't want to run it to "E". The under dash gauges are aftermarket, nd very nice to have. They work like a charm and have a level of back lighting for night driving.
Headliner and visors are in excellent shape. Carpet is in like new condition and the mats fit the color scheme to a T.
Glass is in excellent shape. The windshield has a PPG emblem -- a replacement no doubt. All other glass wear markings of original equipment. Whatever happened to wing windows? They are very nice to have on this type of classic. BTW, he driver side has a limited range because of the side view mirror. I believe the mirror is aftermarket. It's in like new shape and proudly wears the bow tie emblem.
Engine Details --During the restoration in Texas, he engine was also rebuilt and professionally machined. The heads were resurfaced and a few bolt-ons were added. Updates include an Edelbrock intake manifold and carburetor, larger capacity aluminum radiator and upgraded ignition side components like the Mallory distributor. Inner fender wells and radiator support were freshened up as well. Chrome valve colors and alternator and a bit of shine to the engine bay. The overall impression is one of pride of ownership and eagerness to serve.
Under Carriage --Condition underneath is similar to engine bay and the rest of the truck for that matter. Front and rear sway bars were added during restoration. The rear differential cover includes a clever little touch! Other parts were tidied up before putting it back on the road. Overall it is a very honest driver condition under carriage - as it should be.
Driving impressions --This sedan/truck is unique. It floats down the road as cars of this vintage should. I can't say I've torn it through twisties to test the sway bars, ut they can't hurt. The exhaust note is low and rumbly, ut not obnoxious. The brakes work surprisingly well. Thank you power boost! It is not a small vehicle by any means, ut it almost feels a bit light on it's feet for nimble for American vehicles of the era. The shift indicator is not spot on. It feels like it needs just a bit of linkage adjustment.
You will love cruising around in it. You may find a few more reasons to head to the hardware store!
Question, idding & Shipping --
I hope I've been very thorough in mydepictionof the vehicle. If you have any questions at all, lease call. (816) 786-7534.
Reserve Price -- the reserve price is not revealed out of respect for the bidding process. Simply bid the amount you feel comfortable investing in very unique part of automotive history. Call if you like.
Bidding -- this is a special classic with a pretty strong following. There will likely be quite a few people involved in the auction. Please treat the bidding process as the serious contract to purchase that it is. Everyone benefits with this level of integrity. Thanks in advance.
Shipping -- transport is the responsibility of the buyer. I will help out in any way I can on this end. I'll make it easy. If you are overseas, et me know and I will track down contact information for some carriers with strong reputations in those services.
Can't wait to see what the future holds in store! Thanks for looking!