A guy here in town is selling a 1980 El Camino SS with the original 305 motor. I'm assuming it's a real SS and numbers matching tranny and engine, didn't get a chance to look too closely at the cowl tag or engine code. The engine (cranked right up but needed a tune) has the original Q-jet but has an Edelbrock intake, has A/C (not working), power steering and disc brakes up front, and original paint. The driver side door sags abit and the interior is pretty ragged out. The seats have multiple tears, the dash had been cut into (original idiot lights and gauges though), original shifter, and the headliner and some interior peices are falling apart. No major dents or rust from what I could tell. So what's it worth? He's asking $2,500

Can't tell you what it's worth but I can tell you the factory did not produce a 1980 ElCamino SS.

Can't tell you what it's worth but I can tell you the factory did not produce a 1980 ElCamino SS.

Are you sure? I thought the SS in '80 was just an appearance package with the exterior decals, different wheels, and some minor interior upgrades?

The factory made an SS option and a Royal Knight SS option in 1980.

So what's something like that worth in original condition?

2500.00 is worth it for sure!!

Are you sure? I thought the SS in '80 was just an appearance package with the exterior decals, different wheels, and some minor interior upgrades?

They had an SS El Camino in '79. A friend of mine had one. The '79 was pretty much an appearance package although the 305 did have a four barrel carb.

They had an SS El Camino in '79. A friend of mine had one. The '79 was pretty much an appearance package although the 305 did have a four barrel carb.

:yes:Got one for my wife as a wedding gift. Still have the paperwork laying around somewhere.

I know 79 was the last year of the 350, but I think the 305 SS past that year had a 4 barrel Q-Jet with decals and some interior and wheel upgrades. I had a friend you bought an 83 or 84 SS, I think they ended the SS option after they shipped them off to Mexico for manufacturing.

I know it was very common for dealers and/or aftermarket companies to come up with "Special Edition" models back in that era.....I certainly remember the 83 or 84 El Camino SS models, as we had a new 84 Monte Carlo SS back then. But my recollection is that, though the Monte SS was definitely a factory issue, the El Camino SS was created by Choo-Choo Customs in Chattanooga TN. Perhaps the 79 or 80 models were the same thing.....or perhaps my memory has been altered by too many :beers:

After doing exhaustive research on this subject. (Two beers and ebay)
Look at the pics in the 79 and 80 brochures. SS

http://cgi.ebay.com/1979-Chevy-El-Camino-Sales-Brochure_-SS_Conquista_-8pg_W0QQitemZ270391459885QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ2009 0516?IMSfp=TL090516123010r901


http://www.ssb5.net/members/watch/enlarge.php?aid=&img=92333/2008_0620ebay0247.jpg&eid=103-105-103-103-108-101-42-119-111-114-109-115&enc=1

:yes:Got one for my wife as a wedding gift. Still have the paperwork laying around somewhere.

Because nothing says "I love you" like an El Camino.;)

those rides never really bring much $ around here. they are really nice commuters. average price around here is 3,500, a really nice one will bring 6k. you always have some guy with a low milage one, or a one owner and they ask 11-12k, but they never sell at that price. the nicest one i ever saw sold for 6,200, but generally they are 2,500-4,000.

i get calls all the time from church women, or my wifes hair dresser, thinking they've found me some treasure, always thinking they have found a 69 or 70, and it always ends up being in the 80's and over priced. i have one lady who's had her husbands (passed) for sale for about two years, she thinks because it was a one owner, it should go for 14k. i tried to tell her, as soon as it's sold, it isn't a one owner any more, and it's not a real desirable year, i think it's an 83, if i remember right.

i'll probably own one someday, but only because they are cheap, and i like to have a beater around to run parts...

After doing exhaustive research on this subject. (Two beers and ebay)
Look at the pics in the 79 and 80 brochures. SS

http://cgi.ebay.com/1979-Chevy-El-Camino-Sales-Brochure_-SS_Conquista_-8pg_W0QQitemZ270391459885QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ2009 0516?IMSfp=TL090516123010r901


http://www.ssb5.net/members/watch/enlarge.php?aid=&img=92333/2008_0620ebay0247.jpg&eid=103-105-103-103-108-101-42-119-111-114-109-115&enc=1

Great finds! Yeah, even checking places like the El Camino store and Phoenix Graphix, they have '80 model specific SS parts. Of course there weren't very many differences, but there was some decals and badging.

Yeah, the Choo Choo was a El Camino SS with a Monte front end, cowl hood and side exhaust. I think it had door handles that said "Custom"....and something after that, I don't remember exactly.

I have an '81 SS (wife's car). I believe it shows the Z15 option on the cowl tag. Nothing fancy and had the 267 V8 and AC from the factory. No other options other than tilt steering column and some stripes; a nice grocery getter / commuter for her :yes:

perhaps my memory has been altered by too many :beers:
I'll come over and have one with ya.:D

perhaps my memory has been altered by too many :beers:

I guess it's settled then :p

Excellent research Rick :hurray: and my apologies to Jon for posting false info :clonk:

I guess it's settled then :p

Excellent research Rick :hurray: and my apologies to Jon for posting false info :clonk:

Oh no problem, I guess we're both learning new stuff! :thumbsup: Anyone know where the casting numbers are on the 305 block and heads? Can they even be seen without taking things apart?