The final year of production for Chevrolet’s iconic coupe utility brought down the curtain on a uniquely American automotive experiment. As the last G-body variant rolled off the line, gearheads didn't realize they were watching the end of an era. Today, finding a clean example requires looking past decades of heavy utility use, rust, and deferred maintenance.
You're looking at a vehicle that combines passenger car comfort with light truck utility, making it a favorite for modern hobbyists. Whether you're hunting for a project car or evaluating market values, understanding what makes the 1987 model unique sets you up for a smarter purchase.
History of the Final-Year El Camino
Chevrolet introduced the fifth generation of its iconic utility vehicle for the 1978 model year, shrinking its footprint onto the new G-body platform. By the mid-1980s, production had shifted entirely to Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, where it stayed until the final unit left the factory.
The twilight years of the nameplate saw minimal engineering changes. Chevrolet wasn't pouring R&D money into a dying segment. Front-wheel-drive architectures were taking over showrooms across the country, leaving rear-drive car-trucks behind.
Under the hood, choices for the final run were modest. The standard power plant was a fuel-injected 4.3-liter V6 pushing roughly 145 horsepower. Buyers could step up to a 305 cubic-inch small-block V8, while Super Sport (SS) chop-nosed styling packages added a Choo-Custom aerodynamics front end that gave the truck a distinct muscle car appearance.
Despite sharing showroom space with traditional pickups, the El Camino maintained a loyal following of tradespeople and customizers who loved the plush Malibu-derived interior matched with an open bed.
Current Market Values and Investment Potential
Values for these classic utility cruisers have climbed steadily as clean, un-modified specimens disappear. You won't find muscle car six-figure price tags here, but entry costs have risen past the days of cheap project beaters.
- Rough Projects: Vehicles needing extensive floor pan replacement, rust repair, and engine work typically trade between $4,000 and $8,000.
- Driver Quality: Running, driving cars with decent paint, working air conditioning, and minor wear range from $12,000 to $22,000.
- Restored or Restomods: Frame-off restorations or modern LS-swapped variants regularly command $25,000 to $40,000+ depending on build quality.
When checking market prices, inspect the frame rails closely. Rust doesn't care about nostalgia, and replacing structural metal drains a bank account fast. You can research current sales trends on platforms like Hemmings to track real-time transaction data.
Common Restoration Challenges
Restoring a late-model G-body utility car is straightforward compared to older unibody classics, thanks to abundant reproduction parts. Even so, specific trouble spots trip up DIY builders.
Tackling Structural Rust
The rear frame rails, rocker panels, and floor pans bear the brunt of road salt and moisture. Pull up the interior carpet immediately upon purchase. If the floorboards are swiss-cheese, plan on cutting and welding fresh sheet metal before touching the cosmetics.
Sourcing Body and Trim Pieces
While mechanical components interchange easily with Chevy Monte Carlos and Malibus, unique bed trim, rear glass seals, and tailgate hardware are tough to find. Check specialized vendors like Classic Industries for reproduction weatherstripping and interior dash components.
Upgrading Suspension and Brakes
Factory ride quality leans toward mushy. Swapping out worn coil springs, adding beefier sway bars, and converting front drum brakes to power discs transforms how these vehicles handle modern traffic. Many owners also swap out the sluggish three-speed or four-speed automatic transmissions for modern overdrive units to improve highway cruising RPMs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine came stock in a 1987 El Camino?
The standard engine was a 4.3-liter V6 with throttle-body injection. The optional upgrade was a 5.0-liter (305 ci) small-block V8.
Are parts easy to find for a late-model El Camino?
Yes. Because it shares the G-body platform with the Chevrolet Malibu and Monte Carlo, mechanical and suspension parts are widely available. Unique bed and trim pieces require more hunting.
Did Chevrolet make an SS version in 1987?
Yes, the Super Sport package remained available, featuring distinctive front-end aerodynamics and SS decals, though it was an appearance package rather than a high-output performance monster.
How heavy is the towing capacity?
While it has a pickup bed, its car-based chassis limits heavy hauling. It handles light loads around 1,000 pounds comfortably, but it's not built for heavy-duty construction site work.
