43 Year Old New Car: 1977 Chevrolet El Camino 18K Mile Time Capsule – SOLD!
July 7th Update: We’re pleased to see this 18K original mile, well-optioned 1977 Chevrolet El Camino didn’t take long to find a buyer as the post has been deleted by the seller. We thought the optimistic asking price of $23,500 might have this 43 year old new Ute linger a bit, however someone must have made an acceptable counter offer the seller accepted.
For many years El Caminos were poorly stereotyped as being non-running hulks placed on cinder blocks in the front of the owner’s mobile home. Much of that is due to the fact these UTEs were frequently modified as each changed hands. As the years pass, truly stock examples continue to become increasingly rare. Bucking that trend completely is this 18K original mile, very well optioned 1977 El Camino just listed yesterday here on Craigslist in Riverton, New Jersey with a bold asking price of $23,500. Compared to the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his time capsule priced $2,300 above the current #1 “Concours” appraisal estimate of $21,200. If you are serious about buying this El Camino, you can start the conversation by calling the seller at (215) 606-7642 and when you do please remember to mention you saw their classic featured here on GuysWithRides.com.
As part of the GM’s new “Colonade” based mid-size car lineup for 1973 , Chevrolet also redesigned its fourth generation El Camino based on the Chevelle’s station wagon chassis. There were two different trim levels of El Caminos during this period. The base model and SS option shared interior and exterior appointments with the Chevelle Malibu, while the El Camino Classic (introduced for 1974) shared its trim with the more upscale Chevelle Malibu Classic.
The largest El Camino generation produced, the all-new chassis design featured a one inch wider wheel track front and rear. The left wheel was adjusted to have slightly more positive camber than the right, which resulted in a more uniform and stable steering feel on high-crown road surfaces while maintaining excellent freeway cruise stability. Clearances for spring travel were also improved for a smoother ride over all types of surfaces.
For 1976, El Camino Classic models featured new quad rectangular headlights that were beginning to make their way across all GM cars. Engines included the base 250 I6 engine, a new 140 horsepower 305-cubic-inch V8, two- and four-barrel 350s (with availability still depending on California delivery), and the 400-cubic-inch V8, still good for 175 horsepower. All engines except the 250 I6 came with the Turbo Hydra-matic automatic transmission as the only transmission available. The 250 I6 came with a 3-speed manual or an optional Turbo Hydra-matic. For 1977, the last year of four generation production, models were little changed other than the 400 cubic inch V8 was no longer available
We found this TV commercial for the 1977 Chevrolet El Camino hosted by Country Music Singer Ton T. Hall you might find of interest:
A well-optioned car in the right colors and completely original. That’s what this El Camino provides. Already nicely detailed, this great looking low-mileage example has the potential to be a consistent show winner if you choose to go that route. Good luck with the purchase!
Here’s the seller’s description:
“Here is your chance to own a piece of Chevrolet History This Time Capsule is a beautiful example of a iconic piece of the 1970s if you weren’t old enough or didn’t have enough money for one I have a special opportunity for that lucky someone to purchase this mint condition real deal survivor. This 1977 El Camino Classic With 18,313 Original Miles Equipped with A 350 V8 4 Barrel 3speed Automatic she is also loaded and I mean loaded with all kinds of options including Power Steering, Power Disc Brakes, Ice Cold Air Conditioning, Power Windows, Power Locks, AM/FM Stereo with 8 Track and CB, Tilt Steering Wheel, Cruise Control, Delay Wipers, Gauge Package With Economy Gauge, Map Light, and last but not least 6-Way Power Seat with Armrest FOR ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS FEEL FREE TO CALL ME AT 2156067642“
Do you have an El Camino story you’d like to share? Comment below and let us know!
I am the one who bought this El Camino.
Jim, congrats and good luck with the purchase! Beautiful El Camino! Please feel free to submit a picture of you and the El Camino as well as what made you buy it and what you plan to do with such a low mileage original in Guys With Their Rides section. We’ll send you free Guys With Rides merch for contributing!