1978 Used Automatic RWD Pickup Truck

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The 1978 through 1987 El Caminos were produced in four trim levels: Classic, Black Knight (1978)/Royal Knight (1979–83), Conquista andSuper Sport, and shared chassis components with theChevrolet Malibu. Chevrolet 90° V6 andBuick V6 engineswere used for the first time. The optional 305 cubic-inch small block V8 was rated at 150 or 165hp (112 or 123kW), and from 1982–1984, theOldsmobile-sourceddiesel enginewas also optional.

A new,trimmerEl Camino was unveiled in 1978, adopting the new, more sharp-edged Malibu styling, and a one-inch longer wheelbase of 117in (2,972mm). The front end sheet metal and doors were shared with the Malibu, and the rear tailgate and bumper was shared with the Malibu station wagon. For the first time, though, the El Camino had a unique chassis – it was shared with no other Chevrolet. The front end featured a new single rectangular headlight design. The base engine was a 200-cubic-inch (3.3-liter) V6 that developed 95hp (71kW), except in California where, to meet emissions standards, the 231-cubic-inch Buick engine was the base engine. Two upgrades could be ordered: a 305-cubic-inch V8 with 145hp (108kW), or a 350-cubic-inch V8 with 170hp (127kW) that was only available in El Caminos and Malibu station wagons. It was not available on Malibu passenger cars (with exception to coupe and sedan Malibu 9C1 police vehicles). Among GM makes, at least, the era of bigness was fading into history, overtaken by a new age of efficiency and economy.

The 1979 model got minimal changes following its debut as a redesigned "new-size" model in 1978. Alterations to the 1979 El Camino amounting to little more than a new divided grille. However, a "small-block" 267-cubic-inch (4.4-liter) V8 joined the options list and slotted between the standard 3.3-liter V6 and the optional 5.0-liter four-barrel V8. The 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) V8, developing 170hp (127kW) was again available. Both three- and four-speed manual transmissions had floor shifters.

The 1980 El Camino started out the 1980s with few changes, though engine choices were shuffled a little. The base V6 displaced 229 cubic inches, up from 200 the year before. Horsepower increased from 94 to 115hp (70 to 86kW). Optional again were a 267-cubic-inch V8 with 125hp (93kW) and a 305 V8, now with 155hp (116kW) (down five). The 350 with 170hp (127kW) offered in 1979 was dropped. A three speed floor shifted manual transmission was standard, but most got the optional three-speed automatic.

The 1981 models received a new horizontal tube grill. The 1981 engines mostly continued from 1980, but now used GM's Computer Command Control (CCC) emission system. The base 229-cubic-inch V6 made 110hp (82kW) (down from 115hp (86kW)), as did the California-only 231-cubic-inch Buick V6. Optional engines were the 267-cubic-inch V8 with 115hp (86kW) and The 305-cubic-inch V8, now with 150hp (112kW). The three-speed automatic added a lock-up torque converter to aid highway mileage.