Unlike Ford, which continued production on many platforms through 1979 and seven generations, Chevy did not make an El Camino in 1961 to 1963 fully aware of Ford's downsizing success with its new Falcon Ranchero. An economy six at 110 horses joined the power list. The engines were similar in '60 although the fuel injection versions were gone. The El Camino sold just 14,163 units versus the Falcon Ranchero's 21,027 number.
Ford turned the tables as they went from full size to the new, very small Falcon-based Ford Ranchero at a much lower price.
The 1960 El Camino, however, completely stunned the auto world as its sales plummeted and ended up in a reversal of the prior year. Both bring very good money at the national car auctions. These engine options made the '59 El Camino very special as the fuel injected version is very rare, as is the dual-quad 283. If that wasn't enough, how about a 290-horse fuel injected 283? Yes, four different versions of the popular small-block. 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. So we're talking about the iteration that saw the badge fully embracing the performance aroma.Īnd while some fans will always prefer the original 1977 F-150 Hoonitruck restomod that Ken Block actually used (or any other of his Fords), the Chevy twist we have here is certainly a sight for sore eyes, whether you fancy the Gymkhana livery or would rather go for the all-back approach.As for the engine and drivetrain combos on that first ever '59 El Camino, there were many to choose from. After all, the third-gen El Camino we have here saw the coupe-truck becoming larger, but also friendlier to the scales. This rendering, which comes from digital artist Ardiansyah, follows the pattern, all to the delight of our eyes. The said virtual contraptions not only came in 3D form, but also featured multiple liveries and we can say the same about the El Camino sitting before us. And while nobody has shown the intention to bring such a project to life so far, it still makes for an astonishing proposal. Over the past weekend, we saw another pixel master, Abimelec Arellano, presenting the " Hoonicop", a machine similar to the one mentioned above, albeit with this based on the good old Crown Victoria.
The artist, who also shaped the next Batmobile, worked together with the professional hoonigan to introduce the mother of Ford Mustang Fox Body all-round builds (think: drag racers are in a class of their own), hence the Hoonifox nameplate of the future build. It all started less than two weeks ago, when Ash Thorp shared Block's next ride with the world. In fact, while we're all stuck at home, it looks like digital artists have decided to move Block's hooning efforts online. This pixel play didn't land by accident, though.