1981 Chevrolet El Camino

Gateway Classic Cars of Tampa is proud to present this “Sweet” 1981 Chevrolet El Camino. What is it? A car? A truck? A car-truck? It’s none of the above. It’s Chevrolet’s ICONIC El Camino and if you want to get technical, it is a coupe utility. The El Camino was based on a two-door station wagon and although it was based on a car line, it’s titled and classified as a truck.

What you see here is not the average 1981 El Camino. The fifth generation “Elky’s” were known to have rust issues, which makes a solid body basic El Camino highly sought after. This El Camino not only has a solid body, it received a frame-on restoration in 1997 and has been pampered, spoiled, and garaged kept ever since.

This is not your typical paint-over-the-original-paint rush job. Before the GM “HOT ROD RED” paint was applied to the entire body, it was bead blasted. This process ensured that all the previous paint was removed, leaving a bare metal surface as the starting foundation. Twenty-one years later the color still shines brightly, shows well, and proves it was both money and time well spent.

The restoration continues with a new 350 4 bolt main 350 horsepower crate engine installed along with a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission out of a 1966 Corvette. That means this 1981 El Camino is “Show and Go.” If that is not enough excitement, all this power is transferred to a Positrack Rearend, housing 3:73 gears. Oh yeah…mash that pedal to the metal and watch this El Camino go quickly from mild to wild. To ensure the horsepower was put to the pavement, the entire suspension was upgraded.

The exterior and drivetrain could not be restored without touching the interior. Inside, you will find 1987 Buick Grand National Bucket Seats redone in Chestnut Suede and Tweed. The chestnut brown color compliments the exterior while keeping it unique, classy, and simple. You will also find new carpet and a three-gauge cluster displaying water temp, oil pressure, volts. Options include AM/FM Radio, CD Player, Power Brakes, Power Steering, Power Windows, Seat Belts, Cloth Interior, Raised White Lettered Tires, Rally Wheels, Cowl Induction Hood, and Posi Traction.

This 1981 Chevrolet El Camino is for sale in our Tampa Showroom and can be viewed in greater detail including 100+ HD pictures and an HD video at www.GatewayClassicCars.com. For additional information, please call our knowledgeable staff at (813)645-6200 or email us at Tampa@33570. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST GatewayClassicCars.com. If you would like to see it in person, come to our Tampa Showroom, located at 351 30th Street NE, Ruskin, FL 33570. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST.