LS3 Swapped El Camino Looks Surprisingly Unassuming
Modern power is more than enough to make this classic El Camino as cool as anything out there on the road.
Mess With Success
There isn't much not to like about a classic Bow Tie model like the El Camino. It's already an impressive thing to look at, with timeless style and lines conceived during a truly transformational time in American car design. Thus, whoever put this 1959 El Camino that recently crossed the block at Mecum Auctions together decided not to mess with that success, and rather just upgraded the drivetrain to modern standards instead.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Pretty Original
Thus, the exterior of this classic car/pickup looks pretty original, save for an obviously lower ride height afforded by several suspension modifications, along with a newer set of wheels and tires. There's also a custom tonneau cover specifically designed not to mess with the original trim.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this LS3 El Camino right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
Driving Experience
Underneath, this old Chevy was treated to a set of tubular front control arms, rack and pinion steering, QA1 coilover shocks, a custom 9 inch Ford differential, and Wilwood disc brakes. All of which helps improve the driving experience (and performance) tremendously over the wonky stock stuff.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this LS3 El Camino right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
Built to Cruise
The real star of the show lies under the hood, however, where you'll find a dressed up 6.2-liter LS3 that looks right at home in a vehicle that's far older than it is. The engine is backed up by a 4L60E automatic transmission for easy highway driving. As far as mods go, the only thing listed is a set of coated headers with a tig-welded stainless exhaust system, but this thing is all about the cruise, so that's fair.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this LS3 El Camino right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
Modern Amenities
While the exterior remains mostly stock, that isn't the case with the interior. There you'll find loads of modern amenities including modified Lexus power seats, a new stereo system, air conditioning, power windows, and cruise control. And all of it is wrapped up in some pretty nice looking red and gray leather.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this LS3 El Camino right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
Head Turner
If you didn't know any better, you'd think that these seats belonged here. The same goes for the custom console, which adds a little bit of storage space and cupholders for those late nights at the drive-thru. It's pretty clear that this classic El Camino was built for cruise nights, and we imagine it turns more than a few heads there.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this LS3 El Camino right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
Sweet Spot
Following a frame-off rebuild, this old Chevy looks no worse for wear. And more importantly, it combines the best of what we love about classic cars with all the modern stuff we appreciate in this day and age. And that, friends, is the sweet spot of this hobby we all love so much.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this LS3 El Camino right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
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