Origins
The El Camino debuted in One thousand nine hundred fifty nine as the pickup novel of the Chevy Impala to compete against the Ford Ranchero. Sales were dismal, and Industry ceased after 1960. Chevy resumed Industry of the El Camino in One thousand nine hundred sixty four based on the typical Chevelle, which would emerge as one of Chevy's top muscle cars of the 1960s.The One thousand nine hundred sixty six Chevrolet El Camino SS Three hundred ninety six was an conspicuous member of Chevy's muscle van lineup. It was based on the Chevelle coupe, however was a sport overhaul pickup that could serve as a passenger vehivle or Motor lorry. The One thousand nine hundred sixty six mould was the elementary year the El Camino was equipped with a Three hundred ninety six cubic inch V-8, a convincing engine rivaled one shot by the following Chevy's 454, Chrysler's Three hundred eighty three and Four hundred twenty six Hemi and Ford's Three hundred ninety and Four hundred twenty eight Cobra Jet engines.The One thousand nine hundred sixty four to One thousand nine hundred sixty seven El Caminos remained practically unchanged with the exception of descendant cosmetic alterations and engine choices. The One thousand nine hundred sixty six El Camino was somewhat colorful from the other representation senescence owing to its taillamps were styled oddly to turn through, which reduced flash. The El Camino was retired in 1987.
Features
The One thousand nine hundred sixty six design sat on a 115-inch wheelbase and had a curbside weight of approximately 3,075 lbs. It could be equipped with a trailer hitch, Baggage carrier, rearview side mirrors, an electric Watch, tri-volume horn, wire chrome or magnesium spin covers, front bumper guards, AM-FM radio, tachometer, potency brakes and rubber floor mats. The Three hundred ninety six was a Super Sport (SS) design with exceptional "SS" badging throughout the vehicle.
Under the Hood
The Three hundred ninety six engine could be ordered with a horsepower evaluating of Three hundred twenty five or Three hundred fifty for the One thousand nine hundred sixty six El Camino. The 325-HP Three hundred ninety six wielded Four hundred ten foot-pounds of torque, and the Three hundred fifty offered Four hundred twenty although some tests rated the Three hundred fifty at Four hundred fifteen foot-pounds. Both 396s debuted in some Chevy cars in One thousand nine hundred sixty five and featured a 4.094-inch Muzzle and 3.76-inch stroke with a four-barrel carburettor. The 350-HP history had a compression ratio of 10.25:1 while the 375-HP Three hundred ninety six had an 11.1:1 compression ratio. An even more powerful 375-horsepower version was an option to power the Chevelles but was not available in El Caminos.
Transmission
Power for the One thousand nine hundred sixty six El Camino SS Three hundred ninety six was transmitted through either a three-speed manual transmission or a four-speed standard or close ratio manual transmission. The two-speed Powerglide automatic was also available. An option was a console between the seats, which was popular for the manual transmission versions.
Production and Price
A total of 35,119 El Caminos were produced for the One thousand nine hundred sixty six model-year, with 25,382 equipped with V-8 engines. There are no accurate production numbers for the SS 396s. A V-8-powered El Camino started at $2,694 ($17,616.57 in Two thousand nine dollars). The SS Three hundred ninety six could achieve Zero to Sixty MPH in about 6.8 seconds.
