It is a lot easier to spot a nice El Camino than it is to find one for sale. In an effort to have a decent one, I just sold a shabby 1978 Classic and replaced it with a 1982 Super Sport. This new acquisition appears to be in pretty nice condition, but needs a little TLC, minor body work in particular. Aside from some decals anouncing its Super Sport status though, I wonder what makes it special. I understand that these models are sought after by some collectors, but I just wanted a decent El Camino and note that the SS models look a lot like the base models as they have less chrome than the Classic. Is this just a GM marketing gimmick, using decals to create a more expensive model, or are there performance or trim upgrades that make the SS more desirable?
Eric

Dan Smith, founder of The National El Camino Owners Association wrote a great article explaining the fifth gen SS's, you can read it Here. (http://elcaminocentral.com/article-34-thread-1-1.html)

Is this just a GM marketing gimmick, using decals to create a more expensive model, or are there performance or trim upgrades that make the SS more desirable?
No special performance items came with the 5th gen SS.

From the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks Salesman "Pocket Price Guide"

Z15
Super Sport (The Super Sport model includes all items listed for the Standard El Camino model plus the following additions or substitutions)

EXTERIOR:
~ Bright Appearance Items: Delete wheel opening and rocker panel moldings.
~ Front Air Dam: Painted lower body color.
~ Mirrors: Sport type, LH and RH, painted upper body color.
~ Ornamentation: "Super Sport" decals on lower portion of doors and on tailgate. Vinyl pinstriping to cover paint break lines.
~ Quarter window moldings: Black
~ Paint: Accent paint color on lower body.
~ Rally Wheels: Painted to match lower body color.

INTERIOR:
~ Ornamentation: "El Camino SS" nameplate on instrument panel above glove compartment door.


Z16
Royal Knight (Z15 Super Sport only)

Not available when D91 Conquista, BW2 or BX8 Moldings, or N95 Wheel Covers are specified. Includes all items listed for the Super Sport model plus the following additions or substitutions: Special side striping on front fenders, bodysides, tailgate and sides of pickup box color-keyed to exterior color choice; Single-tone exterior color; Large bold hood decal; "Royal Knight" decal on front fenders and tailgate.

My 78 had a two tone paint white on top Dark blue on bottom originaly and the front air dam that got destroyed. and the SS decals on the botom of the doors and tailgate. It has been painted twice since then. Would love have to seen the origanal car. I am the 3rd owner. And it has been kept in the family. Was my wifes grandpa's car and before that was her great uncles.

.. Aside from some decals anouncing its Super Sport status though, I wonder what makes it special?.......
Eric

The only answer that matters at all....... The Owner of it! That is what makes it special. Otherwise is a Junk Yard soon to be / gonna be.

Good answer Pete! But In reality their's not much.

.. Aside from some decals anouncing its Super Sport status though, I wonder what makes it special?.......
Eric
The only answer that matters at all....... The Owner of it! That is what makes it special. Otherwise is a Junk Yard soon to be / gonna be.

When I bought the 1982 SS recently, at a great price, I thought that maybe the "SS " designation might make it a better investment. I like El Caminos, but I don't think I would regard the SS as especially hot stuff personally. I just kept reading that some people think that model is special, so when this one came up I figured what the heck, it looks pretty nice, even though I personally prefer the Classic in a tasteful two tone. The prices on these cars in presentable condition are getting unreal, and many are beyond the scope of my budget. I did not want to buy a fixer upper and this one is basically fine.
I wonder how many readers especially like SS models. Comments?
Eric