The Story

Some cars are meant to find their way home, and this 1970 Chevrolet El Camino did just that in its South Los Angeles neighborhood, not far from the Van Nuys GM plant where it was built. The seller, a lifelong GM enthusiast, bought this El Camino in 2020 from a trucker in South Los Angeles, only to discover during registration that the previous owner lived around the corner. With the prior owner’s home sold and demolished, this car’s return felt destined. Revived from project status, the seller swapped its inline-six and three-speed manual for a small-block Chevy 350 V8 and four-speed Muncie transmission, making it a reliable daily driver. Originally hoping to pair it with a matching motorcycle, the seller shifted focus to family priorities. With a daughter now in college, the seller will use the sale proceeds to support her educational journey.

Built on Chevy’s A-body platform, El Caminos share the Chevelle’s bold styling, which GM fans say outshines the Ford Ranchero. Chevrolet produced 47,665 El Caminos in 1970, blending car and truck utility into a distinctive package. The seller holds a clean California title in their name with registration paid until August 2026. No California smog is needed for pre-1976 models.

What You Get

Drivetrain & Chassis:
This El Camino features a small-block Chevy 350 V8 with 4 bolt mains, paired with a four-speed Muncie manual transmission, replacing the factory inline-six and three-speed manual. The Muncie has a 26 spline input shaft and 32 spline output. The clutch, yoke, driveshaft, and U-joints were all replaced when the transmission was installed. The 350 is topped with an Edelbrock Performer intake, a Holley 600 cfm carburetor, and Mickey Thompson finned valve covers. The engine also has a new high torque mini starter, alternator, and water pump. The new HEI distributor lights the fire and tube headers help it breathe running through an H-pipe and flowmaster mufflers with turn downs. The engine starts easily and runs very well, powering the car currently as a reliable daily driver. The new aluminum radiator and dual electric fans keep it cool. A new battery was installed in January this year.

The chassis is straight and solid, with factory suspension and brakes in place, supporting regular use. All 4 drums have new wheel cylinders. The front end has been updated with all new front end bushings, tie rods, and steering box. The factory 10 bolt axle has been serviced with new fluid, gasket, and bearings. The 15x8 rally wheels came from the seller’s corvette, with new tires installed.


Body & Frame:
The body shows typical 1970 wear but remains functional as a driver. There are a couple dents on the nose of the hood and some dings around the car. New steel patch panels for the front fenders are included but not installed. The frame is solid and rust free, not requiring any attention. The bed is in excellent original condition and is free from rust with a working tailgate, maintaining the El Camino’s car-truck utility. All factory glass is intact and all of the trim is included.

Interior & Floors:
The interior features a reupholstered bench seat, showing minor wear and a small tear from daily use but still looks great. The factory dash is intact, with a cracked dash pad. An aftermarket Dual XDM175T radio with Bluetooth is installed, but not connected. One new door panel has been installed, with the second included but not installed. A three-spoke steering wheel is included but not installed. The kick panels have been painted, and new steel floor pans have been installed.

What You Need

Drivetrain & Chassis:
With all of the engine and transmission upgrades made already, there isn’t anything needed. It is driven nearly every day without issue. The chassis and suspension have been updated with all new front end bushings, tie rods, and steering box, so there is nothing else needed at this time.

Body & Frame:
The lower portion of both fenders are rusted and will require patch panels, which are included. There is some minor corrosion on the roof above both doors and lower corner of the passenger side quarter behind the wheel. There are some light waves in the sheet metal around the body in a few areas. All of the window trim will need to be installed if it’s not being painted. Both front turn signals need to be properly mounted in the bumper.

Interior & Floors:
The new passenger side door panel has not been installed yet. The rest of the interior is serviceable, but the new owner may want to install a new headliner and dash pad for better aesthetics. The new radio is installed but not hooked up. The floors do not require any work as they are new. A spare steering wheel is included for a potential swap.