1978 Chevrolet El Camino review from North America

The original 305 V8 engine had already passed away before I purchased this unit, however this era of small blocks were known to be plagued with an untimely demise.

The heater core leaked internally, but was simply bypassed because I store the vehicle for the winter.

The tailgate straps appear to have worn and broken over time.

The original interior was fairly sun dried and crispy due to it's southern origin.

Most of the rubber mouldings and seals have long since dried up.

All fussing aside, my gorgeous little hybrid machine accelerates like a slingshot and rumbles like deep thunder.

The original 3 speed automatic was ditched for a more pleasing manual shift arrangement from a 1981 Chevy Malibu, and a Super T-10 4 speed from an early Camaro.

The original 305 V8 was dumped for a 7.4L 454 V8 from a 1973 Monte Carlo.

Chevrolet has the most impressive interchangeability I have ever seen. Oh the possibilities!

My vehicle is fairly plain as far as toys and trim are concerned, therefore all my controls and equipment are working well.

Fuel economy obviously lacks, but the looks and stares from onlookers are priceless.

These vehicles in stock form were always a little more of a specialty than a true job site beater work truck, however the reasonably simple and almost infinite modifications available can easily make this a true muscle car by any universal standards.