The most collectible Elkys of them all come in the form of third-gen models, namely those produced for model years 1968 through 1972. Finding a mint 396-cube SS is harder than finding a needle in a haystack, whereas the 454-cube SS is – hands down – the Holy Grail among third-gen utes.
Chassis number 136809K436542 is the very opposite of collectible, for it features a completely different engine and tranny from its original self. Listed on Bring a Trailer, said 1969 model combines a supercharged V8 engine from the LS family with a four-speed auto of GM origin. Specifically, the LSA and the 4L85-E.
Building on the mighty LS9 of the C6-generation Corvette ZR1, the LSA is a fourth-gen small block that was used by the Cadillac CTS-V, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, an HSV for the Australian market, as well as the Vauxhall VXR8 for the United Kingdom. It’s a seriously potent mill, with GM’s crate version packing a massive 556 ponies and 551 pound-feet (747 Nm) at 3,800 rpm.
Related to the 4L80-E, the Hydra-Matic 4L85-E can take a lot of tire-shredding torque. In this case, it’s linked to a Ford niner out back. The ominous-looking El Camino was acquired by the current owner in 2018, who refinished the car in black while removing the brightwork in the process.
Sitting on polyurethane bushings, the body further includes flush door handles, and power sport mirrors. Gifted with modern exterior lighting and Boze wheels that measure 18 by 8 and 20 by 10 inches, this unique Restomod isn’t afraid of laying down some rubber from its Nitto tires.
Thanks to six- and four-piston calipers that squeeze on drilled and slotted rotors from the peeps at Wilwood, it stops on a dime as well. In regard to handling, the restomod lives up to its designation with the help of Level 3 QA1 coilovers with adjustable shocks and springs. The suspension and chassis package further comprises tubular control arms, boxed lower trailing arms, front and rear sway bars, as well as adjustable frame braces.
Exhaling through a custom dual exhaust with cutouts for good measure, this one-of-one build shows no rust or paint imperfections at all. That’s because 136809K436542 had its frame powdercoated and body undercoated. Kept cool by a cross-flow aluminum radiator, the 1969 model keeps the driver and passenger cool by means of a Vintage Air climate control system.
Equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system from Alpine, keyless entry, lap belts, and black-stained wood in the bed, the coupe utility flaunts carbon-look gauges and – get this – paddle shifters. Presently showing a little over 80 miles (nearly 130 kilometers), this El Camino doesn’t feature wipers. Considering that it was built with Arizona weather in mind, it’s easy to understand why the owner couldn’t make a case for two wipers.
Stupidly nice both inside and out, said Elky is offered on dealer consignment with a clean title. With five days of bidding left at the moment of writing, it sits on $40,000 after six offers and just under 4,000 views.