Upgraded Chevrolet El Camino Fails to Find a Buyer at Auction
The Chevrolet El Camino has always occupied an interesting niche between a muscle car and a pickup truck, giving it a special charm. This car is undoubtedly cool, but despite over $55,000 invested in upgrades, this particular example recently failed to find a buyer at auction. Bids on this Chevrolet reached only $30,000.
This El Camino had several advantages. Being a 1987 model, it belongs to the final production year and received a series of updates from Choo Choo Customs in Tennessee as part of a factory-backed program. Among the changes are a more aerodynamic front bumper, SS graphics, new side marker lights, and distinctive exterior styling.
Even with this end-of-production model status and factory-backed upgrades, the auction result indicates that buyers were not convinced. Final-year models often carry a certain prestige, but this does not always translate into more active bidding, especially when modifications begin to blur the line between originality and customization.
Powerful Powertrain and Technical Upgrades
In 2020, the owner installed a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated LS3 V8 engine, equipped with a Holley electronic fuel injection system and a Ron Davis aluminum radiator. The car also has a four-speed automatic transmission. Dynamometer tests show that the Chevrolet produces 375 horsepower and 508 Nm of torque at the rear wheels.
Cons: Accident History and Technical Shortcomings
Along with the new powertrain, the car is equipped with adjustable QA1 suspensions, tubular control arms, and improved Wilwood brakes. It also has American Racing Torq Thrust wheels. Driving it should be very exciting.
Furthermore, the car looks to be in good condition: the black paint remains shiny and without significant scratches. The interior also looks well-maintained and shows minimal signs of wear.
It’s hard to say why the Chevrolet didn’t attract much attention at auction, although the Bring a Trailer description mentions that the Carfax report records accidents in January 2008 and January 2016, both with front-end damage.
- Working against this El Camino are three accident entries in its Carfax report.
A separate report from November 2020 also notes damage to the roof and front of the vehicle. The seller also mentions that the parking brake does not work, which should be a simple fix, but it’s probably something that should have been repaired before the sale.
This story well illustrates how even significant investments in modernization may not guarantee success on the secondary market if the car’s history is marred by serious incidents. Accident records, especially multiple ones, often become a decisive factor for collectors and enthusiasts seeking a clean and flawless car. Despite the powerful engine and quality technical upgrades, potential buyers seemed to prefer a more transparent history over power. This serves as a reminder that when evaluating a retro car, especially a customized one, documentation and condition often weigh no less than the list of installed parts.