A rather cool-looking 1987 Chevrolet El Camino cropped up on Bring a Trailer the other day with aftermarket upgrades, a modern V8 swap and other mods that allegedly cost its owner $55,000 in total. It’s failed to sell with the best offer at a low $30,000.
The original buyer of the coupe ordered it with factory-side upgrades from Choo Choo Customs. That’s how it received a low-drag front bumper, custom body graphics, distinct taillights and some detailing work.
Six years ago, the stock engine was swapped for a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. A Ron Davis aluminum radiator, electronic injection and other mods enabled the mill to push 380 PS (375 hp / 279 kW) and 508 Nm (375 lb-ft) of torque to the wheels.
Around the same time, the car received QA1 coilovers, tubular control arms, Wilwood performance brakes and Torq Thrust wheels from the American Racing catalogue. Aside from a slightly worn interior, the overall condition was described as “good”. It was also one of the last El Caminos ever produced, so why didn’t it sell?
Due to the shoddy record, apparently. In 2008 and 2016, it got into accidents that left its front end damaged. In 2020, it received unspecified “damage to the roof and front”. Aside from that, the seller briefly mentioned a dysfunctional parking brake – a minor repair if anything, but one that you’d expect to be carried out before the auction.
