![]() The Ranchero was slightly smaller, being based on the Falcon platform, though it would begin growing slightly the following year. The Ford Ranchero was the El Camino’s primary competition, and would be for most of its life. Total production for the 1965 El Camino was 34,724, which amounted to almost 2,200 more than the previous year. This package included bucket seats and Chevelle SS wheel covers. Drivers who chose the Custom package got upgraded exterior and interior trim, and could also choose to add the sport trim, which was essentially an SS package in all but name. ![]() Though there was technically only one El Camino model in 1965, it could be customized in just about any way the driver wanted. The first produced 300 horsepower and at the top of the line, the engine was modified to be rated at 350 horsepower. On the V8 side, the 2-barrel 283 CID engine that produced 195 horsepower returned, though the 4-barrel version of the engine that had been offered the previous year was no longer available.īut the 327 CID V8 that had been introduced midway through the previous year returned and boasted 250 horsepower, but the engine also came in two additional, more powerful models. The cars came standard with a 194 CID six-cylinder engine that could be upgraded to a 230 CID six. The latter was dropped this year as the hybrid moved even further toward being its own model.Īnother significant difference for the 1965 models was the expanded engine options that were available, giving El Camino-buyers the opportunity to have a relatively powerful vehicle. But the El Camino was so similar to the Chevelle in 1964 (with the exception of the truck bed, of course), that it carried both El Camino and Chevelle emblems. When the car returned in 1964, it was smaller and based on the Chevelle platform (this echoed Ford’s shrinking of its car/truck, the Ranchero, when it began to be based on the Falcon platform). When the first El Camino was introduced in 1959, it was based on the full-size Chevrolet platform. Otherwise, the body style and looks of the El Camino stayed very similar to what they had been the year before, other than the removal of the Chevelle emblems. The rear of the truck was changed, as well, and this year featured single lens taillights and backup lamps were moved to the bumper. The front end was altered with a new hood, grille and bumper, which gave the car a more distinguished look than the 1964 model that had been nearly completely flat. Increased sales for the year proved that Chevy had the right idea with the new El Camino. The El Camino was given some nice touchups in 1965 along with some additional engine options that made the car/truck hybrid even better. The car sold particularly well in the Midwest, as drivers loved the ride of the car platform with the practicality of a truck. When Chevy introduced the second-generation of the El Camino in 1964 after a three-year hiatus, they found themselves with an immediate hit.
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