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1978 Chevrolet El Camino SS
2dr Pickup
8-cyl. 350cid/160hp 4bbl
#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good
$16,600 CAD*
+10.7%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Apr 2025
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1978-1987 Chevrolet El Camino stats
Highest sale
$98,569 CAD
Lowest sale
$1,131 CAD
Most recent sale
$16,033 CAD
Sales
671
Past sales
$16,032 CAD
1986 Chevrolet El Camino Conquista
53000 M
Automatic
North America
Apr 14, 2025Bring a Trailer
View details
$14,073 CAD
1987 Chevrolet El Camino Base
73340 M
Automatic
North America
Apr 5, 2025Mecum Auctions
View details
$29,169 CAD
1987 Chevrolet El Camino Conquista
39801 MILES
Automatic
North America
Apr 1, 2025Hagerty Marketplace
View details
$14,182 CAD
1982 Chevrolet El Camino Base
47654 M
Automatic
North America
Mar 20, 2025Mecum Auctions
View details
$15,760 CAD
1981 Chevrolet El Camino Base
22918 M
Automatic
North America
Mar 19, 2025Mecum Auctions
View details
$18,676 CAD
1986 Chevrolet El Camino Base
76000 M
Automatic
North America
Feb 13, 2025Bring a Trailer
View details
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More 1978 Chevrolet El Camino SS values
Model overview
Model description
The Chevrolet El Camino was GM’s response to the success of the 1957 Ford Ranchero. The idea of a car-based light duty pickup or coupe utility had been played around with prior to World War II but it seemed to have been forgotten until the 1950s when the success of the “gentleman” pickups like the Chevy Cameo indicated that the market was ready for an even more car-like pickup truck.
The idea lasted well into the 1980s with the final down-sized Malibu-based generation that bowed in 1978. It was a trim and handsome vehicle, although it lacked the classic status of the earlier Chevelle-based El Caminos. Like nearly everything else built during the malaise-era, the choice of powertrains was a bit uninspiring. Nonetheless, payload was still a hefty 800 pounds, which made the car a flexible and practical choice.
Obviously, the big block options were long gone. The most powerful engine available was a 350-c.i. V-8 that made 170 hp. The base engine was a V-6 that started at 200 cubic inches and was later enlarged to 229 – a welcome change as the 200 made only 95 hp whereas the larger 229 made 115 hp. A 267-c.i. and 305-c.i. V-8 came and went in the mix as well with the 267 making more torque but little more power than the V-6. Both three-speed and four-speed floor-shift manual transmissions were available.
Perhaps the oddest engine choice available was the ill-fated Oldsmobile diesel. While efficiency was great, warranty claims were through the roof and the engine was quickly consigned to history after effectively killing the market for diesels in the U.S.
The 1982-87 El Camino sported the same quad headlight front end as the corresponding Malibu sedan. Perhaps the most collectible El Camino of this era is the 1984-87 SS, which had a NASCAR inspired aerodynamic front end, upfitted by ChooChoo Customs. Other notable variants include the decal-laden Black Knight and Royal Knight SS models, and the two-tone Conquista trim.
Fifth generation El Caminos are an inexpensive way to buy a collectible that is both practical and a certain attention-getter.
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Common Questions
The value of a 1978 Chevrolet El Camino SS can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $8,900 USD for a 1978 Chevrolet El Camino SS in good condition with average spec.
The highest selling price of a 1978 Chevrolet El Camino SS at auction over the last three years was $29,515 CAD. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.
The lowest selling price of a 1978 Chevrolet El Camino SS at auction over the last three years was $18,801 CAD. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.
In the last three years there have been 2 1978 Chevrolet El Camino SSs sold at public auction.
The most recent auction sale of a 1978 Chevrolet El Camino SS was $18,801 CAD on July 21, 2022 by GAA Classic Cars.
Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.
Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.
Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.
The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.