1959 Chevrolet El Camino Custom Pickup

• Unique specification
• Chevrolet Corvette 5.7-litre V8 engine and 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission
• Requires re-commissioning

Nowadays an integral part of American popular culture, the pickup truck has come to be thought of as the modern-day equivalent of the cowboy's horse. Once viewed as strictly utilitarian commercial vehicles, they were seized on as ideal candidates for customising and hot-rodding in the post-war era, and today, like so many fashions that start in the USA, enjoy a cult following worldwide.
General Motors rationalised its truck production in 1911, introducing the 'GMC' brand name, to which Chevrolet was added during WWI. Chevrolet's El Camino pickup (or coupé utility vehicle) was first introduced in 1959 in response to the success of the Ford Ranchero, which, unusually for a pickup, featured an integral body/chassis rather than the traditional separate frame. In the El Camino's case it was adapted from the Biscayne two-door station wagon platform.
Offered with a UK V5C Registration Certificate, this uniquely customised El Camino was first registered in the UK in 2011. A printed document in the car's file (date unknown) states the following:

LT1 350cl 5.7 Litre V8 fuel injected engine with 4L60E 4 speed automatic transmission with column change Impala differential for motorway cruising and heavy duty half shafts
Power steering and power brakes with 6 pot Wilwood discs up front and standard drum brakes to the rear Dakota digital dashboard in original housing
Lowered suspension with heavy duty front and rear sway bars
Cruise control on tilt steering column with Impala steering wheel and '60 Impala aluminium lower dash trim
Heater and a/c (not working noted in the file)
10 disc multi CD changer
Original split bench seat re-trimmed in two-tone vinyl to match interior
Polished American Racing wheels
One piece California bumpers. Rear bumpers with bumperettes removed for smooth look
Custom made rear tonneau cover

All other history remains unknown, likewise who carried out the custom works (there are no invoices on file). The car has formed part of the Bishop Collection since 2021 and will require recommissioning before returning to the road. Sold strictly as viewed.