Majorette and Racing Champions Mint 1985 Chevrolet El Camino SS

The El Camino is one heck of a unique truck that combines the style and size of a car with a rear pickup bed, and while other automakers have made their own versions, none have lasted longer than the El Camino.  Starting in 1959, the El Camino took a few years off before returning under the Chevelle platform in 1965 and then lasting for another two more decades under the Monte Carlo platform.  The last stand was 1987 mostly from low sales, but also from the fact that the platform it was on was being phased out for a front-wheel drive version.  Still, Chevrolet toyed with the idea of a front-wheel drive version.  Here are two examples of the last-generation El Camino in their own unique way.

The El Camino moved to the smaller G-body platform in 1978 shared with the Malibu and Monte Carlo platform.  This new small platform makes for a truck that is nimbler than past-generations and eliminated the heavy sag of the large body (and bumpers) of the previous-generation.  Taillights have now moved to the rear bumper, while the license plate still resides on the tailgate.  From the A-pillar forward the El Camino has that familiar look with the Malibu, but after that it is a pickup bed that is unified with the body.  Even with the unibody look the El Camino is still a body-on-frame platform, while the interior has a car-like design shared with the Malibu, though the regular-cab design is rather tight for a pickup.  The engine is a 5.7L V8 that produces 150 horsepower through a 3-speed automatic transmission, and while the SS package has the aerodynamic look of the Monte Carlo SS it does not share the same powertrain design; in fact, the SS package was an aftermarket conversion kit sold at Chevrolet dealers.

Majorette was first on the scene with the El Camino and for a while was the only diecast manufacturer with one.  You can find countless variations including the most recent in all-black with modern 5-spoke Majorette wheels, though most common is the El Camino SS sprawled across the sides in white in either blue or red (shown here).  The front has that aerodynamic look with quad headlights, eggcrate grille, and lower signal lights that are part of the metal base.  The hood has a hood scoop, while the sides have running boards that really aren’t needed for such a low truck.  The rear has license plate housing in the tailgate, taillights in the rear bumper that are part of the metal body, and a trailer hitch for towing.  The bed area is part of the white interior and has a deep space except for the rather odd hump between the wheelwells for the working suspension.  The doors open to an interior with detailed bench seat pattern, two-spoke steering wheel, floor shifter, and dashboard shape if it lacks any detailed controls.  Over the years the casting has looked a bit bloated (also a common trait with 1990’s Matchbox models with working suspensions), but overall has stayed very consistent and attractive.

Then in 1998 Racing Champions Mint released their version, a true SS custom and I found mines in black with red interior (tasty) with red center caps.  The front has that aero front with silver quad headlights, lower signal lights, chin spoiler on front bumper, and SS below left headlight.  Like the Majorette it has a hood bulge, but on the lower rocker panels there is a cool side exhaust system, which is fake by the way, side marker lights, El Camino SS badges on the front doors, separate exterior mirrors, and sail rear quarter windows.  Out back the rear bumper has detailed taillights, license plate in the tailgate, gas cap door on the left-rear fender, and covering the bed is a nice soft tonneau cover with detailed tarp snaps on the sides.  The wheels have a nice snowflake pattern just like the real vehicle, while the chrome base has the detailed drivetrain, frame, and exhaust system that routes out to the rear.  Inside the interior has a nice burgundy look with bucket front seats, floor shifter, two-spoke steering wheel, and a more comprehensive dashboard layout.  Oh, and the hood opens to show off that fabulous V8 motor in silver with chrome air cleaner housing.  It would be nice to see this El Camino make a return in the current Racing Champions line because it’s a nicely done vehicle, but of course that doesn’t mean the durable Majorette version should be left out.