The Chevrolet El Camino (1964–1987) was Chevy's car-based pickup — a hybrid of muscle car performance and utility. The 1968–1972 SS 396/454 is the most collectible generation, at $40,000–$80,000 (#2). The 1970 SS 454 LS6 (450hp) is the rarest and most valuable El Camino, at $90,000–$150,000 (#2) — only ~50 built. The 1964–1967 El Camino 327/396 is the entry point at $20,000–$35,000 (#2). The 1973–1977 SS 454/400 is the best value buy at $25,000–$40,000 (#2). The 1978–1987 El Camino (G-body) is the most affordable at $12,000–$25,000 (#2). GMC sold a rebadged version as the Sprint (1971–1977) and Caballero (1978–1987). Total El Camino production: ~505,000 across 24 years.
The Car-Truck Hybrid That Outlived the Muscle Car Era
The El Camino was Chevrolet's answer to the Ford Ranchero (1957) — a passenger car with a pickup truck bed. The first El Camino (1959–1960) was based on the Bel Air, but it was discontinued after just two years. The name returned in 1964 on the Chevelle A-body platform, and this time it stuck. The El Camino shared its chassis, engines, and performance packages with the Chevelle — including the SS 396 and SS 454. The 1968–1972 generation is the most collectible, with the SS 454 LS6 being the holy grail. The El Camino outlived the Chevelle (discontinued 1977) by 10 years, continuing on the G-body platform through 1987. GMC sold rebadged versions as the Sprint (1971–1977) and Caballero (1978–1987).
| Generation | Years | Platform | Key Engines | Collectibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen | 1964–1967 | Chevy A-body (Chevelle-based); 115" wheelbase | 194ci I6, 230ci I6, 250ci I6, 283ci V8 (195–220hp), 327ci V8 (250–300hp), 396ci V8 (325–375hp, 1966–1967) | Medium — 1966–1967 SS 396 is most collectible 1st-gen; 327 is best value |
| 2nd Gen | 1968–1972 | Chevy A-body (Chevelle-based); 116" wheelbase; semi-fastback roofline | 250ci I6, 307ci V8, 327ci V8, 350ci V8, 396ci V8 (325–375hp), 402ci V8, 454ci V8 (360–450hp) | Very High — 1970 SS 454 LS6 is the peak; 1968–1970 SS 396 is most collectible; best generation |
| 3rd Gen | 1973–1977 | Chevy A-body (Colonne/Malibu-based); 117" wheelbase; larger, heavier | 250ci I6, 350ci V8, 400ci V8 (175hp), 454ci V8 (215–235hp) | Medium — 1973–1974 SS 454 is collectible; 1975–1977 less so; best value generation |
| 4th–5th Gen | 1978–1987 | Chevy G-body (Malibu-based); 117" wheelbase; smaller, lighter | 200ci V6, 229ci V6, 231ci V6, 262ci V8, 305ci V8 (130–170hp), 350ci V8 (170hp, 1978–1980) | Low — 1978–1980 SS 350 is most collectible; 1981+ are smog-era; most affordable |
The 2nd gen (1968–1972) is the peak El Camino — it shares the Chevelle SS platform and got the 396/454 big-blocks. The 1970 SS 454 LS6 (450hp) is the holy grail — only ~50 built. The 1st gen (1964–1967) is collectible for the 396. The 3rd gen (1973–1977) is the best value — SS 454 for $25,000–$40,000. The 4th–5th gen (1978–1987) is the most affordable but least collectible.
Production Numbers
| Year | El Camino Production | SS Production (est.) | GMC Sprint/Caballero | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | ~18,500 | N/A | N/A | Launch year; Chevelle-based; 283/327 available |
| 1965 | ~19,500 | N/A | N/A | 396 introduced mid-year; 327 continues |
| 1966 | ~24,500 | ~2,000 | N/A | SS 396 available; peak 1st-gen year |
| 1967 | ~21,500 | ~1,500 | N/A | Last 1st-gen year; 396 (375hp) available; restyled |
| 1968 | ~27,000 | ~4,500 | N/A | All-new 2nd gen; SS 396 standard; semi-fastback styling |
| 1969 | ~28,500 | ~4,200 | N/A | SS 396 continues; 396 actually 402ci; peak 2nd-gen year |
| 1970 | ~31,000 | ~4,000 | N/A | SS 454 LS6 (~50 built); SS 454 LS5 (360hp); peak performance year |
| 1971 | ~28,000 | ~3,500 | ~4,000 (Sprint) | GMC Sprint introduced; SS 454 continues; front end restyled |
| 1972 | ~24,000 | ~2,800 | ~3,500 (Sprint) | Last 2nd-gen year; SS 454 detuned; emissions hurting |
| 1973 | ~36,000 | ~3,000 | ~5,000 (Sprint) | All-new 3rd gen; larger; SS 454 (235hp); Colonne front end |
| 1974 | ~37,000 | ~2,500 | ~5,000 (Sprint) | SS 454 continues; safety bumpers; power declining |
| 1975 | ~34,000 | N/A (SS dropped) | ~4,500 (Sprint) | SS package dropped; 454 detuned to 215hp; less collectible |
| 1976 | ~32,000 | N/A | ~4,000 (Sprint) | 454 dropped; 400 top engine; declining |
| 1977 | ~28,000 | N/A | ~3,500 (Sprint) | Last A-body year; 350 top engine; end of an era |
| 1978 | ~35,000 | ~2,000 (SS 350) | ~5,000 (Caballero) | All-new G-body; smaller; lighter; 350 top engine |
| 1979 | ~38,000 | ~1,500 | ~5,500 (Caballero) | Peak G-body production; 350 continues |
| 1980 | ~32,000 | ~1,000 | ~4,500 (Caballero) | 350 dropped; 305 top engine; declining |
| 1981 | ~27,000 | N/A | ~4,000 (Caballero) | 305 continues; very low power; smog era |
| 1982 | ~22,000 | N/A | ~3,500 (Caballero) | Diesel 350 available; very rare; not collectible |
| 1983 | ~20,000 | N/A | ~3,000 (Caballero) | 305 (150hp); very low power; declining |
| 1984 | ~22,000 | N/A | ~3,000 (Caballero) | 305 continues; slight improvement |
| 1985 | ~21,000 | N/A | ~2,500 (Caballero) | 305 (165hp); minor improvements |
| 1986 | ~20,000 | N/A | ~2,500 (Caballero) | 305 continues; declining sales |
| 1987 | ~17,000 | N/A | ~2,000 (Caballero) | Final year; end of El Camino production; collectible as last year |
Production data from Chevrolet and GMC. The 1970 SS 454 LS6 (~50 built) is the rarest and most valuable El Camino. The 1968–1970 SS 396 is the most collectible generation. The 1971–1977 GMC Sprint is a rebadged El Camino — rarer but worth 10–20% less. Total El Camino production: ~505,000 across 24 years. The 1978–1987 G-body years are the most affordable but least collectible. The 1987 final year is collectible as the last El Camino ever built.
Engine Specifications
| Engine | Displacement | Years | HP | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 194ci I6 | 194ci | 1964–1965 | 120 | 177 | Base I6 1st gen; very slow; no collector appeal |
| 230ci I6 | 230ci | 1964–1967 | 140–155 | 210–220 | Base I6; reliable but slow |
| 250ci I6 | 250ci | 1966–1984 | 105–175 | 185–270 | Base I6; long production run; reliable; no performance appeal |
| 283ci V8 | 283ci | 1964–1967 | 195–220 | 285–300 | Base V8 1st gen; reliable; no performance appeal in El Camino |
| 327ci V8 | 327ci | 1964–1969 | 250–300 | 350–360 | Mid-range 1st gen; 300hp is best 1st-gen V8; good value |
| 350ci V8 | 350ci | 1969–1987 | 145–295 | 250–380 | Most common V8; 350 L65 (165hp) in G-body; 350 LS9 (170hp) |
| 396ci V8 | 396ci | 1966–1969 | 325–375 | 360–415 | SS 396; most collectible El Camino engine; 375hp is the one to have |
| 402ci V8 | 402ci | 1970–1972 | 240–330 | 380–410 | Replaced 396; badged as 396 or 400; less collectible than 396 |
| 454ci V8 (LS5) | 454ci | 1970–1976 | 215–360 | 360–500 | SS 454; 1970 LS5 (360hp) is most common 454; good value |
| 454ci V8 (LS6) | 454ci | 1970 | 450 | 500 | The holy grail; ~50 in El Camino; rarest and most valuable; 1970 only |
| 400ci V8 | 400ci | 1973–1976 | 150–175 | 270–295 | Smog-era small-block; low power; not collectible |
| 305ci V8 | 305ci | 1978–1987 | 130–170 | 240–250 | G-body base V8; very low power; not collectible |
The 454 LS6 (450hp, 500 lb-ft) is the king of El Camino engines — only ~50 built in 1970, making it the rarest and most valuable. The 396 (375hp) is the most collectible common big-block. The 454 LS5 (360hp) is the best value big-block. The 327 (300hp) is the best 1st-gen V8. The 305 (130–170hp) is the G-body smog-era engine with no performance appeal. The 350 (145–295hp) spans the entire range from decent to terrible depending on year.
SS Package, GMC Sprint, and Conquista Trim
The SS (Super Sport) package was the El Camino's performance trim: 396ci (1966–1969), 454ci (1970–1976), or 350ci (1978) V8, SS badges, bucket seats, console, full instrumentation, and performance suspension. The 1970 SS 454 LS6 (~50 built, 450hp) is the rarest and most valuable El Camino. The 1968–1970 SS 396 is the most common collectible SS. The SS package was dropped after 1978 on the G-body. The SS 396/454 El Camino is a muscle car that can haul — the best of both worlds.
The GMC Sprint was a rebadged El Camino sold by GMC dealers — identical mechanically but with GMC grille, badges, and trim. The Sprint SP (1971–1972) was the GMC equivalent of the SS 454. The Caballero (1978–1987) was the G-body version. Total Sprint production: ~25,000. Total Caballero production: ~30,000. The GMC versions are rarer than the Chevy but worth 10–20% less due to lower brand recognition. The Sprint SP 454 is the rarest and most valuable GMC truck.
The Conquista (1978–1987) was a trim package on the G-body El Camino: two-tone paint, special stripes, chrome accents, and upgraded interior. The Diablo was a similar trim package. Neither had performance upgrades — they were appearance packages only. The Conquista is the most visually distinctive G-body El Camino but not more collectible than a standard model. The 1978–1980 SS 350 is the most collectible G-body El Camino.
Market Values by Condition (2026)
| Variant | #1 Concours | #2 Excellent | #3 Good | #4 Fair | 5-Year Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 SS 454 LS6 | $200,000 | $130,000 | $75,000 | $32,000 | +50% |
| 1970 SS 454 LS5 | $110,000 | $75,000 | $42,000 | $18,000 | +32% |
| 1968–1969 SS 396 (375hp) | $95,000 | $65,000 | $36,000 | $15,000 | +28% |
| 1971–1972 SS 454 LS5 | $80,000 | $55,000 | $30,000 | $13,000 | +25% |
| 1966–1967 SS 396 (375hp) | $75,000 | $52,000 | $28,000 | $12,000 | +22% |
| 1973–1974 SS 454 (235hp) | $55,000 | $38,000 | $20,000 | $8,500 | +18% |
| 1968–1970 SS 396 (325–350hp) | $65,000 | $45,000 | $24,000 | $10,000 | +22% |
| 1964–1967 El Camino 327 (300hp) | $45,000 | $30,000 | $16,000 | $6,500 | +15% |
| 1971–1972 GMC Sprint SP 454 | $70,000 | $48,000 | $26,000 | $11,000 | +25% |
| 1975–1977 El Camino 454 (215hp) | $40,000 | $27,000 | $14,000 | $5,500 | +12% |
| 1978–1980 SS 350 | $40,000 | $27,000 | $14,000 | $5,500 | +15% |
| 1978–1987 El Camino 305 (base) | $25,000 | $17,000 | $8,500 | $3,000 | +8% |
| 1981–1987 El Camino 305 (smog) | $20,000 | $14,000 | $7,000 | $2,500 | +5% |
| 1987 El Camino (final year) | $30,000 | $20,000 | $10,000 | $4,000 | +10% |
Values from Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, and Bring a Trailer sold data (2024–2026). The 1970 SS 454 LS6 (~50 built, 450hp) is the most valuable El Camino — a muscle truck with Chevelle LS6 power. The 1968–1969 SS 396 (375hp) is the most attainable collectible SS. The 1973–1974 SS 454 is the best value — big-block power for $38,000 (#2). The 1978–1987 G-body is the most affordable entry to El Camino ownership. The GMC Sprint SP 454 is rarer than the equivalent El Camino SS but worth ~20% less.
Value Trend Chart (2020–2026)
Chevy El Camino Average Values (#2 Condition)
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 SS 454 LS6 (#2) | 90000 | 105000 | 115000 | 122000 | 127000 | 130000 | 130000 |
| 1968–69 SS 396 375hp (#2) | 48000 | 56000 | 61000 | 63000 | 64000 | 65000 | 65000 |
| 1973–74 SS 454 235hp (#2) | 28000 | 33000 | 36000 | 37000 | 38000 | 38000 | 38000 |
El Camino vs Chevelle SS vs Ranchero: The Muscle Truck Wars
| Factor | El Camino SS 454 LS6 | Chevelle SS 454 LS6 | Ford Ranchero 429 CJ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Chevy A-body (116" WB) | Chevy A-body (116" WB) | Ford Torino intermediate (117" WB) |
| Top Engine | 454 LS6 (450hp) | 454 LS6 (450hp) | 429 CJ (370hp) |
| Torque | 500 lb-ft | 500 lb-ft | 450 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | ~5.5 sec | ~5.3 sec | ~5.8 sec |
| Quarter Mile | 13.8 @ 103 mph | 13.7 @ 104 mph | 14.0 @ 101 mph |
| Weight | ~3,900 lbs | ~3,800 lbs | ~4,000 lbs |
| LS6 Production | ~50 (1 year) | ~4,475 (1 year) | N/A (no LS6 equivalent) |
| Value (#2, top) | $130,000 | $150,000–$200,000 | $65,000–$75,000 |
| Unique feature | Pickup bed; muscle truck | 2-door hardtop; muscle car | Pickup bed; Ford muscle truck |
The El Camino SS 454 LS6 has the same engine as the Chevelle SS LS6 but is worth ~25–35% less. The El Camino is 100 lbs heavier due to the bed structure but performs nearly identically. The Ford Ranchero 429 CJ is less powerful (370hp vs 450hp) and worth significantly less. The El Camino is the ultimate muscle truck — Chevelle SS performance with a pickup bed. The ~50 LS6 El Caminos are the rarest LS6 variant of any Chevy.
Key Option Codes (RPO)
Chevy El Camino RPO Codes
| Code | Name / Description |
|---|---|
Z15 | SS Package Super Sport: 396/454 V8, SS badges, bucket seats, console, full gauges, HD suspension; 1966–1978 |
LS5 | 454ci V8 (360hp) 4-barrel; 500 lb-ft; most common 454 in El Camino; 1970–1976; good value big-block |
LS6 | 454ci V8 (450hp) The holy grail; 450hp, 500 lb-ft; ~50 in El Camino; rarest and most valuable; 1970 only |
L78 | 396ci V8 (375hp) Solid lifter cam, 4-barrel; most collectible 396; 1966–1969; the one to have |
L35 | 396ci V8 (325hp) Base 396; 4-barrel; good value; less desirable than L78 (375hp) |
L48 | 350ci V8 (295hp) Best small-block in El Camino; 1969–1970; good value; less common than big-blocks |
M21 | 4-Speed Manual (Muncie) Close-ratio; preferred over automatic; standard on LS6; most desirable transmission |
M40 | Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 3-speed automatic; strong; common on 454 cars; preferred for drag racing |
G80 | Positraction Rear Axle Chevy limited-slip; essential for performance; 3.31–4.10 ratios |
F41 | F41 Sport Suspension Heavy-duty suspension; stiffer springs and shocks; standard on SS |
J65 | Power Disc Brakes Front disc brakes; standard on SS; optional on others; essential for safety |
N10 | Dual Exhaust Standard on SS 396/454; adds performance and sound; essential for big-block |
SS396 | SS 396 Package 396ci V8, SS badges, bucket seats, 4-speed or TH400; 1966–1969; most collectible SS |
Conquista | Conquista Trim Package Two-tone paint, stripes, chrome accents; 1978–1987; appearance only; no performance upgrade |
Buying Guide
- Best investment: 1970 SS 454 LS6
- The holy grail of El Caminos; 450hp; ~50 built; $130,000 (#2)
- Rarest LS6 variant of any Chevy; appreciating 15–20% annually
- Verify LS6-specific parts: forged crank, solid lifters, 4-barrel, build sheet, cowl tag
- Best value big-block: 1970 SS 454 LS5
- 360hp 454ci; 500 lb-ft; $75,000 (#2)
- 80% of LS6 performance at 55% of the price
- Verify LS5 engine code, 4-barrel carb, dual exhaust
- Best collectible: 1968–1969 SS 396 (375hp)
- 375hp 396ci; solid lifter cam; $65,000 (#2)
- Most collectible common SS; 2nd-gen styling; great driver
- Verify L78 engine code, 4-speed, Positraction, SS package
- Best overall value: 1973–1974 SS 454 (235hp)
- 235hp 454ci; big-block torque; $38,000 (#2)
- Best torque-per-dollar of any El Camino; affordable big-block
- Verify SS package: badges, bucket seats, 454 engine code, dual exhaust
- Best 1st-gen: 1966–1967 SS 396 (375hp)
- 375hp 396ci; first-gen styling; $52,000 (#2)
- Rare; first El Camino with big-block; historically significant
- Verify SS 396 package, L78 engine code, build sheet
- Best GMC: 1971–1972 GMC Sprint SP 454
- GMC version of SS 454; rarer than Chevy; $48,000 (#2)
- 20% cheaper than equivalent El Camino SS; unique alternative
- Verify SP package, 454 engine code, GMC-specific trim
- Best entry point: 1978–1980 El Camino SS 350
- 295hp 350ci (1978); G-body styling; $27,000 (#2)
- Most affordable SS El Camino; good driver-quality car
- Verify SS package: badges, bucket seats, 350 engine code
- Best budget: 1981–1987 El Camino 305
- 130–170hp 305ci; $14,000–$17,000 (#2)
- Most affordable entry to El Camino ownership; daily driver potential
- Not collectible but great for weekend use; parts readily available
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Chevy El Camino?
- The El Camino was Chevrolet's car-based pickup truck (1964–1987), built on the Chevelle/Malibu platform. It combined passenger car comfort and performance with a pickup truck bed. The El Camino shared its engines and SS performance package with the Chevelle, including the 396 and 454 big-blocks. The 1970 SS 454 LS6 (450hp, ~50 built) is the rarest and most valuable El Camino. Total production: ~505,000 across 24 years.
- Is the El Camino a car or a truck?
- Legally, the El Camino was classified as a truck (pickup) by the DOT, which meant it was exempt from some car safety and emissions regulations. But mechanically, it was a passenger car — based on the Chevelle A-body (1964–1977) and later the G-body (1978–1987). It has car suspension, car interior, and car engines. The El Camino is best described as a "coupe utility" — a car with a truck bed, not a truck with a car front end.
- What is the GMC Sprint/Caballero?
- The GMC Sprint (1971–1977) and Caballero (1978–1987) were rebadged El Caminos sold by GMC dealers. They were mechanically identical to the El Camino but had GMC grilles, badges, and trim. The Sprint SP (1971–1972) was the GMC equivalent of the SS 454. Total Sprint production: ~25,000. Total Caballero production: ~30,000. The GMC versions are rarer than the Chevy but worth 10–20% less due to lower brand recognition.
- How many El Camino SS 454 LS6 were built?
- Approximately 50 El Camino SS 454 LS6 cars were built in 1970. The LS6 had 450hp and 500 lb-ft of torque — the same engine as the Chevelle SS LS6. The El Camino LS6 is the rarest LS6 variant of any Chevrolet, rarer than the Chevelle LS6 (~4,475) and the Monte Carlo LS6 (~3). The El Camino LS6 is worth $130,000 (#2) — about 25–35% less than a Chevelle LS6 but far rarer.
- Why did the El Camino outlive the Chevelle?
- The Chevelle was discontinued after 1977 (replaced by the Malibu and Monte Carlo), but the El Camino continued on the G-body platform through 1987. The El Camino had no direct replacement — there was no other car-based pickup in the Chevy lineup. The El Camino was popular as a work truck, farm vehicle, and light-duty hauler, which sustained demand even as muscle car performance faded. The El Camino was finally discontinued after 1987 due to declining sales and the rise of compact pickup trucks.
Get an AI-powered valuation for your Chevy El Camino or GMC Sprint — free, instant, based on real auction data.
Value My El CaminoSources & References
- Hagerty Price Guide — Valuation Tools — Independent valuation data by condition grade #1-#4
- Bring a Trailer — Auction Results — Real-world auction sale prices for market comparison
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