Can't find the Chevelle of your dreams? Consider an El Camino!

GTO or Road Runner fans may dissent, but the SS Chevelle is arguably the most sought-after musclecar, especially the big-block versions. However, because of this, they can be pricey, even for less-than-stellar examples or even non-SS small-block base-models. A good alternative is an El Camino. The hybrid car / truck El Camino was actually introduced in 1959 on the Impala chassis. It was discontinued after 1960, but returned in 1964 on the mid-size "A" body Chevelle / Malibu chassis. The El Camino proved to be immensely popular, lasting until 1987. It's hard to say how many were built because their sales are generally lumped in with Chevelle sales figures. 1964-65 models were limited to six-cylinder or 283 or 327 small-block power. In 1966 the 396 big-block became available on the SS model. In 1968 the bodystyle was updated and except for the grille and headlight treatments remained unchanged through 1972. Like their Chevelle brothers the 68-72 models are the most popular. However, they are generally less-expensive. A further bonus, I guess because the engineers figured people would be hauling stuff in them, a lot of Elkys, including base-models have front disc brakes, power steering and factory A/C, stuff you don't usually find on strippy Chevelles of the same vintage. In 1970 the 454 became an option. Again, I can't quantify sales numbers, but I have seen a few genuine LS6 El Caminos. The LS5 454 and the L34 396 was still available on SS models, and base versions got sixes, or 307 or 350 V8s. The 327 was dropped after 1969. Compression ratios were lowered for 1971, but the 402 ( 396 ) and 454s were still optional. In 1971 Pontiac / GMC dealers started selling re-badged El Caminos that were called "GMC Sprint". They aren't really collectible, as their just a garden-variety Elky with GMC badges on the body. The big-blocks were optional. In 1973 all the GM "A" bodies were re-styled, including the El Camino. Performance declined under ever-tightening federal emission controls, but the 454 was optional until 1975. The 396 / 402 was dropped after 1972. After 1975 the 350 small-block was the largest engine available. Oddly, the "SS" package was dropped on Chevelles after 1973, but continued on the El Camino. This bodystyle continued until 1977. In 1978 all the GM mid-sizes were downsized and were now called "G" bodies instead of "A" bodies, the El Camino included. GMC versions were now called "Caballeros" instead of "Sprints". the 350 was available until 1980. Because they weiged about 500 lbs less than the outgoing "A" bodies, they were decent performers, although the "SS" option was now basically a trim package. From 1981 on, the 305 was the largest engine available. However, in 1984 the Monte Carlo SS was introduced and became immensely popular. In 1985 Chevy put the "Aero" Monte Carlo SS front end on the El Camino, which gave sales a shot in the arm. Things remained basically unchanged through 1987. When the middies-i.e. Malibu, Cutlass, etc, went front drive in 1988, that was the end of an era. However, they make great drivers, and because their lighter than a same-year Chevelle, even small-block models can be great performers, and they are generally less expensive to buy. Might be a good alternative for Chevelle fans on a limited budget. Mastermind