In 1960, sales slumped to a paltry 14,163 units and as such, Chevrolet killed the model even though the 1960 models included extensive styling updates. The first generation of El Caminos sold well enough, with 22,246 delivered in 1959, the first year of the model. With its rear batwing styling and cats-eye rear taillights-coupled with the various trim levels-the 1959 El Camino hit the road with a determination to dispel any notion that you could call this quasi “truck” a pickup. It would be based on the very popular Impala line and offered buyers a wide assortment of creature comforts and engine options from the utilitarian inline 6, a 283-ci V8 and the muscular 280 horsepower 348-ci V8. The Chevrolet brass of the day, not to be trumped by Ford, decided to jump in with the all-new 1959 Chevrolet El Camino. After all, if you liked it, the Ranchero was your only choice. This newly designed vehicle concept was well received and sold moderately well. However, in 1957, Ford introduced the Ranchero, the very first “car-based” hybrid of a passenger wagon with an open pickup truck bed. Chevrolet had introduced some very stylish and forward-thinking automobiles. In the late 1950s, Chevrolet and Ford were battling to get the upper hand in the marketplace. This car, Lot S23, sold for $56,100, including buyer’s premium, at the Mecum Bob McDorman Collection sale in Canal Winchester, Ohio, on November 6, 2010. The gennie column is now topped with a Lecarra three-spoke and leather-wrapped wheel showing off the Chevy factory horn button.1957-1960 Ford Ranchero, 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier, 1957 Dodge D100 Sweptside Pulling all the electrics together is plenty of custom wiring from the busy hands at AHRS. Still giving the appearance of stock, the factory dash is furnished with Classic Instruments mechanically updated but original-looking gauges. Holcomb also covered the floor with black Daytona Weave carpeting. However, upon closer inspection you realize that this “re-manufactured” big-block hot rod now sports SS bucket seats minus its original Naugahyde coverings replaced by beautiful black leather stitched by Steve Holcomb of Pro Auto Custom Interior. Once again, another peek inside shows off plenty of the original OE look. AHRS once again showed their expertise in body- and paintwork covering the El Camino in PPG 9700 Black basecoat with 2002 clear. What began as a grocery getter was turned into the heartthrob of the Chevelle world, an LS6 454 equipped and a cowl induction hood street machine, while retaining the remainder of the stock sheetmetal. Holding this potent chassis off the ground is a set of Super Sport wheels, not factory (although they look the part) but rather are custom made by Billet Specialties measuring 17×7 and 20×9.5 shod with Continental high-performance 235/45ZR17 and 275/45ZR20 rubber. Harnessing the powertrain is a stock frame with a Detroit Speed IFS, which includes the Wilwood Pro dropped spindles, JRi coilover shocks at the corners, and Wilwood calipers, hubs, and rotors in front and Chevy drums in back while Detroit Speed front and rear sway bars are positioned. Once this power is gathered up it is sent back to a 4:11-packed 12-bolt rearend from GearFX Driveline. The big-block is then bolted via an American Powertrain system, which includes a TREMEC TKO five-speed, a Centerforce clutch, and a GM flywheel. Other engine accessories include a Vintage Air Front Runner, Powermaster starter, a stock-appearing ignition with Taylor wires, and a Cooling Components electric fan partnered with a Walker radiator. It features Chevrolet’s largest displacement and potent V-8 of the day-what appears to be an LS6 454 pumping 450 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque is really an outwardly nearly correct looking engine, but the “heartbeat” comes from a Jeff Taylor Performance–built big-block that sports stock exhaust manifolds run through 2-1/2-inch stainless tubing matched to a pair of Borla ProXS mufflers that is all neatly fabricated by Barillaro Speed Emporium. And that brings us to George Lange’s 1970 Chevy El Camino from Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop (AHRS).
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