- Body-off-the-frame restoration by Tim Stanley
- Desirable factory 348 Tri-Power V-8 engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission
- Menacing triple black color scheme
- First year of the iconic El Camino
LOT 385
Selling on Saturday
From The Great Outdoors Collection
1959 Chevrolet El Camino
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
The 1950s were a pivotal time in the States, still celebrating the victory of WWII and, of course, the space race which greatly influenced design and technology across the board. A futuristic flair took hold, and automobiles were no exception. The hefty, boxy cars of the post-war years transformed into sleek, low-slung machines that looked fast even when standing still. Tailfins, once subtle accents, grew into towering chrome-trimmed statements, complete with rocket-inspired taillights. Chevrolet's redesigns from 1958 onward exemplified this new space-age aesthetic.
By 1959, Chevrolet models sported a distinctive look. Their front ends showcased quad headlights flanking a broad, horizontal grille punctuated by polished bullet details. The low, wide stance-dubbed the "slimline" design-was further enhanced by hood-mounted, jet-engine-inspired air intakes. But it was the rear that stole the show: the iconic "batwing" tailfins stretched outward, creating a massive rear deck that dipped into a sharp V at the center. Nestled beneath the fins were the unforgettable "cat's eye" taillights, a hallmark of the era's exuberant style. Combining style with practicality, the 1959 El Camino hit the market with a splash and gained a cult-like following.
Hailing from the first year of production is this menacing triple black 1959 Chevrolet El Camino. Acquired from a well-known collector in the Detroit, Michigan area, this example has been in The Great Outdoors Collection for the last few years. Restored by Tim Stanley of Charlotte, North Carolina, who is credited with restoring some of the top cars from all generations, the appearance is spectacular. Most importantly, during the restoration process, all the original sheet metal, including the bed, were preserved and used. Finished in a desirable triple black color combination, the body is enhanced with a white top and white snap-on bed cover. Unique features of the Space Age design include the cleated front end, cone nose front bumper, and large wraparound back window.
Like the rest of the car, the cabin has been restored to a high standard, finished in a menacing black and white. The two-tone steering wheel frames a black Space Age dash that encompasses five gauges, with the speedometer in the middle. The interior also includes a radio and the floor-mounted, four-speed manual transmission. Accompanying the sale of this El Camino is a handful of invoices from 2023 that total just over $2,200, a spare wheel, and jack.
Beautifully restored and equipped with the desirable factory 348-cubic-inch Tri-Power V-8 engine that's topped by a Carter four-barrel carburetor and backed by a factory four-speed manual transmission, this El Camino presents as the ideal candidate for collectors looking for a desirable and well-maintained first year example to add to their stable.
Contact Us
- Phone: +1.260.925.6789
- Toll Free: 800.990.6789
- Email: info@worldwideauctioneers.com
