Chevrolet El Camino - 1st Gen (1959 to 1960)

The El Camino was introduced for the 1959 model year two years after the competing Ford Ranchero. According to Chevrolet stylist Chuck Jordan, GM's Harley Earl had suggested a coupé pickup in 1952. Like the Ranchero, it was based on an existing and modified platform, the new-for-1959 Brookwood two-door station wagon, itself based on the completely redesigned, longer, lower and wider full-sized Chevrolet. Highly stylized, it initially sold 50% more briskly than the more conservative Ranchero. The first generation of El Camino was available until 1960, when it was replaced by the Second Generation Chevrolet El Camino.