James Smith took delivery of his 1979 El Camino in April, 1979.
It started life as a Royal Knight SS, he ordered it with a 350ci engine but it came with a 305. Instead of refusing it he kept it, upgrading it over the years. After three years he upgraded the transmission from a T200 to a turbo 350 and drove it daily for 10 years before parking it.
When James’s son turned 15 he decided to make the 1979 El Camino a father and son project, beginning the restoration and upgrading! He replaced the 305 with a 400ci bored small block, added Edelbrock Performer aluminum heads, Crane 3/4 race cam, Edelbrock RPM air gap intake, and a Holley 750 cfm carburetor. This car is considered family, runs good, sounds good, gets lots of looks and better yet…
“Not many El Caminos are around anymore so it’s really good at winning trophies and plaques at the car shows we attend.”
– James S
