The 1980 El Camino started out the 1980s with few changes, though engine choices were shuffled a little. Both three- and four-speed manual transmissions had floor shifters. The 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) V8, developing 170 hp (127 kW) was again available. However, a "small-block" 267-cubic-inch (4.4-liter) V8 joined the options list and slotted between the standard 3.3-liter V6 and the optional 5.0-liter four-barrel V8. Alterations to the 1979 El Camino amounting to little more than a new divided grille. The 1979 model got minimal changes following its debut as a redesigned "new-size" model in 1978. Among GM makes, at least, the era of bigness was fading into history, overtaken by a new age of efficiency and economy. It was not available on Malibu passenger cars (with exception to coupe and sedan Malibu 9C1 police vehicles). Two upgrades could be ordered: a 305-cubic-inch V8 with 145 hp (108 kW), or a 350-cubic-inch V8 with 170 hp (127 kW) that was only available in El Caminos and Malibu station wagons. The base engine was a 200-cubic-inch (3.3-liter) V6 that developed 95 hp (71 kW), except in California where, to meet emissions standards, the 231-cubic-inch Buick engine was the base engine. The front end featured a new single rectangular headlight design. For the first time, though, the El Camino had a unique chassis – it was shared with no other Chevrolet. The front end sheet metal and doors were shared with the Malibu, and the rear tailgate and bumper was shared with the Malibu station wagon. The optional 305 cubic-inch small block V8 was rated at 150 or 165 hp (112 or 123 kW), and from 1982–1984, the Oldsmobile-sourced diesel engine was also optional.Ī new, trimmer El Camino was unveiled in 1978, adopting the new, more sharp-edged Malibu styling, and a one-inch longer wheelbase of 117 in (2,972 mm). Chevrolet 90° V6 and Buick V6 engines were used for the first time. The 1978 through 1987 El Caminos were produced in four trim levels: Classic, Black Knight (1978)/Royal Knight (1979–83), Conquista and Super Sport, and shared chassis components with the Chevrolet Malibu. Renamed Caballero in 1978, it was also produced through the 1987 model year. GMC's badge engineered El Camino variant, the Sprint, was introduced for the 1971 model year. Production resumed for the 1964–1977 model years based on the Chevelle platform, and continued for the 1978–1987 model years based on the GM G-body platform.Īlthough based on corresponding General Motors car lines, the vehicle is classified in the United States as a pickup. Introduced in the 1959 model year in response to the success of the Ford Ranchero pickup, its first run, based on the Biscayne's B-body, lasted only two years. Unlike a standard pickup truck, the El Camino was adapted from the standard two-door Chevrolet station wagon platform and integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body. The Chevrolet El Camino is a pickup / coupé utility vehicle that was produced by Chevrolet between 1959––1987.
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