The El Camino wasn’t just a car. And it wasn’t just a truck. It was Chevy’s answer to the question: “Why not both?” From its debut in the late ’50s to its final run in the ’80s, the El Camino carved out a space all its own—equal parts muscle, utility, and attitude. Over the years, it evolved from a stylish hauler to a street machine that could hang with the best of them. These are the 10 El Caminos that didn’t just make noise—they made history.

1959 Chevrolet El Camino

Chevy kicked things off in 1959 with the first-ever El Camino, blending a full-size car with pickup utility. Based on the Impala platform, it offered optional V8s like the 348 cubic inch making up to 315 horsepower.

It had fins, chrome, and curves—definitely more show than workhorse. Chevy was testing the waters with this one, and it made a big impression. You still don’t see many of these early models on the road, which makes them even more head-turning today.

1964 Chevrolet El Camino

After a brief break, Chevy brought the El Camino back in ’64, now riding on the midsize Chevelle chassis. That move gave it better proportions and better performance. The base engine was a straight-six, but you could step up to a 327 V8 pushing out 300 horsepower.

It looked leaner, sat lower, and felt more like a muscle car than a cruiser. By this point, Chevy realized the El Camino didn’t have to pick between speed and practicality—it could just do both.

1966 Chevrolet El Camino SS396

In ’66, Chevy dropped the SS396 badge on the El Camino, and that changed the game. The big-block 396 V8 made up to 375 horsepower depending on the tune, and it gave this truck-car hybrid real street cred.

It shared styling cues with the Chevelle SS, including the aggressive grille and badging. With a 4-speed manual and optional heavy-duty suspension, it was ready to run hard. If you saw this one coming in your rearview, you knew what time it was.

1968 Chevrolet El Camino SS396

The ’68 SS396 got a full-body refresh—more curves, more muscle, and a wider stance. The 396 cubic inch engine was still the star of the show, delivering up to 350 horsepower with a deep, throaty growl that left no questions.

This model also marked the first time the SS trim became its own package on the El Camino instead of just an engine option. It looked tougher, felt quicker, and had that classic late-‘60s attitude baked in from the factory.

1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS454

If you’re talking raw power, the 1970 SS454 takes the crown. Chevy dropped in the LS6 454 big block making 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque—the most powerful engine they ever put in an El Camino.

With cowl induction, racing stripes, and a 0–60 time under 6 seconds, it could hang with the top muscle cars of its time. It may have had a bed in the back, but this one was all about burning rubber at the front.

1971 Chevrolet El Camino SS

By ’71, emissions rules were starting to creep in, but the El Camino SS still packed heat. You could still get the LS5 454 V8 with 365 horsepower, which was nothing to scoff at. Styling changes included a split front grille and a slightly revised rear end.

It still had muscle car roots but started leaning more toward comfort. Even so, with the right options, this was a factory-built burnout machine hiding behind a tailgate.

1972 Chevrolet El Camino SS

The ’72 model was the last of the second-gen body style and one of the cleanest-looking El Caminos ever built. Power dropped a bit due to new net horsepower ratings, but the 454 V8 still brought 270 net hp—plenty to play with.

Chevy gave it a smoother front fascia and cleaned up the trim, which made it look more grown-up without losing the muscle underneath. Today, a clean ’72 still grabs attention with that classic SS stance and big-block rumble.

1973 Chevrolet El Camino SS

In 1973, the El Camino got a full redesign. It was heavier and a bit softer around the edges, but it still had muscle under the hood. The top-dog 454 V8 was rated at 245 horsepower, thanks to tightening emissions standards.

This model split opinions, but it’s gaining love today from folks who appreciate its square-body charm. It’s a different kind of cool—not flashy, just wide, low, and tough-looking in its own way.

1978 Chevrolet El Camino SS

By the late ’70s, the El Camino shrank down with the Malibu platform—but that didn’t stop Chevy from keeping the SS badge alive. The ’78 SS offered V8 options like the 350 small-block, which could still move the smaller, lighter body with decent punch.

It had a clean, squared-off look and kept the muscle car vibe alive, even as the market shifted. Today, these later models are a great entry point for El Camino fans looking for something a little different.

1987 Chevrolet El Camino SS Choo Choo Customs

The final year of the El Camino was marked by something unique—the SS Choo Choo Customs edition. Built by a specialty company in Tennessee, it featured a Monte Carlo SS-style nose, custom badging, and upgraded trim.

Power came from a 305 V8, which wasn’t earth-shattering, but this model was all about looks. It was the last hurrah for a vehicle that blurred the line between car and truck better than anything else before or since.

*This article was hand crafted with AI-powered tools and has been car-fully, I mean carefully, reviewed by our editors.