Next was a rare dual-quad two four-barrel 283 putting out 270 horsepower. The small block 283 was offered in a 185-horse two-barrel version, followed by a single four barrel at 230 horses. However, most notable for ’59 was the different 283’s a consumer could order. Numerous V8 versions were available, with the tri-power three two barrel 348 its highest power producer at 335 horses. Included were three engines including the standard 135-horse, 235-inch Stovebolt inline-6, while optional were two V8s ala the 283 small-block V8 or the powerful 348 big-block V8. Considering Ford’s first Ranchero came out in 1957 and sold well at 21,706 vehicles, it surprised everyone who followed this novel car/truck market.Īs for the engine and drivetrain combos on that first ever ’59 El Camino, there were many to choose from. Built on the 119-inch wheelbase two-door Chevy Brookwood station wagon chassis with BelAir livery outside and a Biscayne interior, Chevy surprised Ford’s ’59 Ranchero with better overall sales of 22,246 to 14,169, respectively. When introduced in 1959, Chevy’s new “half-car/half-truck” had a good first year of sales. Both the El Camino and Ranchero are classic “car/pickup” vehicles and both became more popular with collectors as the years clicked by. Then, after a three model year layoff, Chevy came back with the intermediate size El Camino from 1964 to 1987, including generations two through six. The El Camino began with its first generation that only spanned two years of 19. And I’m going to include a little bit of Ford Ranchero information as a comparison because the Ranchero was El Camino’s main competitor. Can you give some history? Thanks and any other info on the El Camino line is appreciated.Ī: Ernie, I’m happy to help. Q: Hi Greg, I read a lot about the muscle cars of the 1960s and am wondering about the history of the Chevy El Camino as it relates to drive trains and engine horsepower.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |