1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396

Description

Debuting in 1964 and evolving into a unique blend of muscle car and utility vehicle, the Chevrolet El Camino entered its fifth generation in 1968 as part of the A-body platform shared with the Chevelle. By 1970, the El Camino SS 396 had become one of the most desirable high‑performance variants, offering Chevelle SS styling cues combined with a versatile pickup bed. The 1970 model year is especially sought after for its bold front-end design, strong engine lineup, and muscular proportions.

This 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396 is finished in Cranberry Red with dual black stripes over a black vinyl interior. Power comes from a factory 396 cubic-inch V8, reportedly rebuilt by Beaverton Auto Machine (“Custom Engines by Robin Whitcomb”), paired with a 3‑speed automatic transmission. It rides on 14" SS Rally wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires and features power front disc brakes with rear drums.

The seller states this El Camino received a body‑off refurbishment completed in March 2021 just prior to their purchase from the shop that did the work, with fewer than 1,000 miles reportedly added since. Although factory SS provenance cannot be verified through documentation, a cowl tag photo is included and the VIN tag cross references a factory SS model.

This refreshed 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396 is now offered with refurbishment documentation and a clean California title in the seller's name.

Highlights

• Powered by a rebuilt factory 396ci V8 paired with a 3‑speed automatic transmission

• Finished in Cranberry Red with black stripes over a Black vinyl interior

• Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, and rear‑wheel drive

• Body‑off refurbishment completed in March 2021

• The chassis number (136800L192638) decodes as:

  • 1 – Chevrolet

  • 36 – Malibu V8 series

  • 80 – El Camino body style

  • 0 – Model year 1970

  • L – Los Angeles (Van Nuys) assembly plant

  • 192638 – Sequential production number

Factory Equipment

• 14" SS Rally wheels (now fitted with P245/60R14 BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires)

• Factory-style SS striping and badging

• Power front disc brakes

• Dual exhaust system

• Heater and defroster

• Front bucket seats

• Center console

Servicing & Documentation

• 2022-2026:

  • New alternator and battery

• 2021:

  • Factory 396ci V8 engine professionally rebuilt by Beaverton Auto Machine

  • Body-off refurbishment, documented work with detailed receipts

Known Imperfections

• Some cosmetic imperfections consistent with light use since refurbishment are noted (see photo gallery)

Ownership History

From the owner: “I purchased this El Camino in March 2021 directly from the restorer after the completion of a full body‑off restoration. The original matching‑numbers 396 engine was rebuilt by Beaverton Auto Machine. I’ve driven the vehicle less than 1,000 miles since purchase. It remains in showroom-like condition. SS authenticity could not be verified due to lack of factory documentation, but the VIN does correlate to an SS model.”

Included

• Receipts for parts, service, and upgrades

• Refurbishment documentation