1981 Chevrolet El Camino

1981 Chevrolet El Camino The proven ability of a hardworking truck with the appeal of a thoroughly handsome automobile. That's El Camino. It's a proven combination of rugged beauty, elegance and value. But there are some improvements: fresh styling inside and out, technological refinements, new options, ten new colors, and new elegance.  From the 1981 El Camino sales brochure which makes a point to highlight the new stylish door pull straps which would be used by GM for the foreseeable future in all lines. For consignment, a 1981 Chevrolet El Camino showing 89,035 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This one was born with the standard V6 and now rocks a rebuilt 350ci V8 under the hood. ***Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public highways in your area.***     Exterior It's a Chevrolet Malibu coming at you, but from the side, the El Camino makes its mark, here dressed up in stylish white with maroon rocker panels and strobe stripes that ride the fenders and shoulder line and turn the corner to color the tailgate as well. A maroon bowtie has been added on that tailgate which goes with the Heartbeat decals on the side while the distinctive rear bumper holds the tail lights down low. C-pillars flare rearward creating buttress like panels beside the solid rear window and the A-pillars mirror the angle below a short roofline. 14-inch Chevrolet Rally wheels serve as the shoes here and look great and the bed is usable because it's been used. You won't be making the first scratch or mark, they're already there! Most of the other imperfections are centered around that red rocker where we find chipped paint, scratches, and paint runs.  Interior The red vinyl door panels show some patina with scratches, loose inserts, and missing knobs but the bench seat is in very good shape with just a few checks in the side piping. The original steering wheel fronts the standard dash, a horizontal speedometer, gas gauge, odometer, and gear indicator and that's about it other than indicator lights. The center stack has an A/C panel although the A/C is no longer in the car, and a Delco AM/FM radio over red carpet in good shape, protected by El Camino embroidered mats. Up above a few dimples appear in an otherwise clean headliner and the visors look perfect. There is no radio in the car.  Drivetrain Here we have a 350ci V8, fitting with no problem at all and topped by an Edelbrock 4-barrel over and Edelbrock intake manifold. It's backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic sending power to the 10 bolt axle out back. Headers are heat wrapped and yellow spark wires add some color to the driver quality bay. Our consignor states a new battery and starter have been added under his tenure.  Undercarriage Typical and extensive surface rust is present mixed with dry condition and some rust through on stamped panels is noted. Power disc brakes are employed up front and power drums at the other end. Dual exhaust flows from the headers to Turbo mufflers and exit just behind the rear wheels and fender. There is no catalytic converter on board. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and a 4 link with coil springs in back.  Drive-Ability The trusty 350 is up to the task to swing this lightweight truck around the test loop with plenty of power on tap, smooth straight tracking, and on point braking. We wouldn't hesitate to load this baby up with cargo and hit the road, but for now, it's back to the mall on the car where everything available in terms of functionality works. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.   Here's an '81 with a few more ponies under the hood than original, a useable bed, and clean, simple interior. Despite the polarizin