The Chevrolet El Camino is arguably the most popular “Ute” in the world, or coupe utility vehicle if you prefer. Its notoriety didn’t set in until later, but it’s hard (if not impossible) to go back and find a single model that doesn’t have that “something” special about it, regardless of generation.
Even the first-gen cars were good, having been introduced back in 1959 as a direct response to the Ford Ranchero, which throughout its life cycle didn’t quite measure up to the Chevy in terms of looks. Only later Ranchero models would bring their A-game. Anyway, once the El Camino began its life as a second-gen model, it never looked back and has been flourishing ever since in terms of popularity.
The last El Caminos to be built were fifth-gen models, in production between 1978 and 1987. These featured sharper styling, resembling the Malibu in several ways. However, these were also the first El Caminos not to share their chassis with another Chevrolet model, which was sort of a big deal.
Today we’re talking about one such vehicle, specifically a 1987 El Camino Conquista – which of course means ‘Conquest’ in Spanish. Most of the allure here came from the special paint treatment, as seen on this dual-tone Medium/Light Brown Metallic example, getting auctioned off through Cars & Bids.
Aside from the Conquista Package fitted to this coupe pickup, other notable factory-standard features include the power steering, drop-in bedliner, front bench seat with pull-down center armrest, power windows and locks, vinyl door panels, air conditioning and a Delco AM/FM radio. As far as I’m concerned, this car had me at ‘air conditioning’.
As for modifications, there aren’t any – unless you count the 18-inch Cragar wheels, which thankfully work well together with the dual-tone aesthetic and the chrome moldings (also part of the package).
Powering this 1987 El Camino is a 5.0-liter V8 engine, which sounds mighty impressive, I know. Unfortunately, this engine was everything that was wrong with the American car industry back in those days.
It was all show and no go, producing just 150 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque. Granted, these weren’t heavy vehicles, coming in at around 3,200 lbs (1,45 tons), and the torque was decent – but the power? Unless you were riding light, as in no passengers and nothing heavy in the bed, these cars would really struggle to impress in a straight line.
Still, getting your hands on one is definitely worth it, especially since fifth-gen models in good condition don’t exactly grow on trees. Speaking of its condition, despite some scratches, dents and some rust, there’s not much else wrong with this particular example. It just needs a little TLC and you’ll be golden.