It's official, 1980s El Caminos are worthy of collector status. This 1986 Chevrolet El Camino SS is one of those cool machines that everyone forgets about until they see it in person, and with a killer paint scheme and strong small block under the hood, it remains one of the nicest truck/cars we've seen in a long time. Thanks to handsome two-tone paint, this El Camino looks like a far more expensive car than it is. Black... and silver is a classic '80s combination that works particularly well on the Elky's bodywork, enhancing the length of the body and highlighting the car's unique features. That is believed to be original paint and it is exceptionally well preserved, and the overall look is quite factory-correct thanks to expert care and maintenance over the years. The SS model was more of a trim package than an actual hardware upgrade, but that was the 1980s: style over substance and you worked with what you had. Whatever the case, it looks great. The red tape stripe that highlights the fender wells provides a nice break point for the two-tone colors and the band of bright trim and tie-down rails surrounding the bed remains in excellent condition. A rubber bed mat was installed to help protect the look of the already indestructible gray spray-in bedliner, so you can still put this one to work on weekends if that's your inclination. The handsome gray interior is a real treat, starting with the luxurious-looking split-bench seat and upholstery that remains in good condition. The instrument panel should look familiar to anyone who drove a rear-wheel-drive GM product in the '80s, but it's in remarkably clean condition, with a seamless dash pad and bright gauge faces, and the SS models even got a tachometer. Matching gray carpets and smooth door panels are in great condition, and you'll note that this El Camino is heavily optioned with power windows and locks, A/C, and a tilt steering column. The original radio was replaced with an aftermarket AM/FM/CD head unit and it does a great job filling the cab with '80s-era tunes. You'll be pleasantly surprised by how much room there is inside and how bright and airy it feels, despite the close-coupled two-seat body and big bed out back. This is a car(truck) that you could easily drive cross-country without feeling like it beat you up. The engine is a 305 cubic inch Chevy V8 topped by throttle body fuel injection and making the kind of fat torque that makes us love V8s. Most of the engine bay looks fairly stock, so it hasn't been modified or abused and the result is a car that runs like new. The original air cleaner and tightly packed accessories make for an all-business engine bay, which uses mostly OEM components for reliability and easy service. A 2004R 4-speed automatic transmission means this El Camino is an easy cruiser, and it spins a set of highway-friendly gears in the original rear end. That exhaust system has been updated to a dual Flowmaster-style setup and you'll note that the floors are extraordinarily clean, further proof of a life lived only in GA and TX. Flashy chrome Cragar wheels measure 15 inches in diameter and wear 235/60/15 (front) and 255/60/15 (rear) white-letter Goodyear Eagle radials. Someone took great care of this El Camino SS, and the results are certainly worth the effort. One of the nicest ones we've ever featured, it's proof that you can't fake quality. Call today!
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