In 1959, Chevy decided to bring back an automotive feature that was once common: a truck bed on a car chassis. It was an easy decision to make, as Ford started making the Ranchero two years earlier. The El Camino was born. Based off the Impala at first, and other Chevrolet brands later on, the Chevrolet El Camino would be made for a total of 25 years.

There were a total of 5 generations of the El Camino. The first was based off the Impala and lasted just for 1959 and 1960. In many ways it was a rushed response to Ford's introduction of the Ranchero.

The second generation ran from 1964 until 1967 and was based off the Chevrolet Chevelle.

The third generation was also based off the Chevelle and featured a highly-collectible Super Sport SS396 performance model. These are among the most popular of the El Caminos these days. The third generation lasted from 1968 until 1972.

The fourth generation was from 1973 until 1977. Although still based off the Chevelle, these were down years for the car. They were getting less powerful as Americans demanded cars that would not cost a fortune at the fuel pumps.

The fifth and final generation El Camino lasted from 1978 until 1987. These were based off the Chevrolet Malibu and Monte Carlo. Most cars were terrible in the 1980's, and the El Camino was no exception. They were underpowered and not as stylish as their muscle car counterpart from the 1960's. Chevy did the car a favor by pulling the plug in 1987.