Chevrolet El Camino 1st Gen
Chevrolet's first car-pickup hybrid, the 1959-1960 El Camino is famous for its dramatic 'bat wing' styling. Today, its market spans from affordable projects to valuable, big-block restored examples.
Find one with Spotter →Chevrolet El Camino 1st Gen sold for a median of $49,500 over the last 12 months, based on 29 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $35,000 and $79,200. 142 currently for sale.
Listings
Chevrolet created the El Camino for the 1959 model year in response to Ford's successful Ranchero. Based on the full-size Brookwood station wagon platform, it shared the dramatic styling of the 1959 Chevrolet lineup, including its iconic 'bat wing' rear fins and 'cat's eye' taillights. Production of this first generation only lasted 2 years, 1959 and 1960, before the model took a 3-year hiatus.
Collectors appreciate the 1959-1960 models for their unique, over-the-top styling and their status as Chevrolet's first car-based pickup. The combination of passenger car comfort with light-duty utility was a novel concept. Examples equipped with the top-spec 348 V8, especially with Tri-Power carburetion, are the most sought-after by enthusiasts and command a significant premium.
The market for these first-generation El Caminos is broad. With 32 sales tracked, the average price hovers around $30,000. Project cars can be found for as little as $2,500, while concours-level restorations and well-built restomods have sold for close to $70,000. Most transactions fall into the $20,000 to $45,000 range for solid, driver-quality cars.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the main enemy. Pay close attention to the bed floor, the 'smuggler's box' behind the seat, floor pans, and the lower sections of the fenders and quarter panels.
- Verify the powertrain. Many came with a 283 V8, but the rare and valuable 348 V8 is a key value driver. Check casting numbers to confirm originality if a car is advertised as numbers-matching.
- Inspect all exterior trim carefully. The unique chrome and stainless steel trim pieces for 1959 and 1960 models are very difficult and expensive to find. Ensure everything is present and in decent shape.
- Check the X-frame for rust and cracking, particularly around body mounts. The rear suspension, with its coil springs and trailing arms, is also a known weak point that should be inspected for wear and damage.
Prices range from $2,500 for project vehicles to $69,850 for show-quality restorations.
525 Chevrolet El Camino 1st Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 142 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chevrolet El Camino 1st Gen cost?
Over the last 12 months, Chevrolet El Camino 1st Gen sold for a median of $49,500 across 29 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $35,000 and $79,200. There are 142 currently for sale.
How many Chevrolet El Camino 1st Gen listings are for sale right now?
There are 142 Chevrolet El Camino 1st Gen listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.