Thanks for the clarification.

Was there ever a1965 396 El Camino from GM? I have been looking around and notice a number of site list a 396 option for the El Camino?

I remember seeing one someone posted pulling a boat and it had 396 flags on it. I think it was a GM ad.

https://i.postimg.cc/Ss5jZWQJ/0.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/3NvNzdW9/0a.jpg

FULL SIZE:

http://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA...re/image3.html

I don't see a 396 option listed.

The pic in the macsmotorcitygarage looks like a photoshop job to me. Still cool, though.

https://www.musclecarfacts.com/chevr...965-el-camino/

Under engine options is 396/375Hp???

Then it's listed here:

https://www.ss396.com/cars/1965-El-Camino/



This is why I'm inquiring? I heard they were RPO in 1966, but wonder if some lipped through in 1965 since they had the Z16s???

The largest engine you could order in a 1965 Chevelle or El Camino was the L79 327/350 HP. The 396 did not appear as a regular RPO until 1966. The Z16 was a special run of 200 cars with a one off 396 that was only used for that model run and never again used.

Remember 1965 was the first year of the BB and the 396 was very limited in it's use: Corvette (425HP) and Full Size (325/425 HP).

It's just strange some websites mention that 396/375 opton. I knew about L79 El Co's in 1965, but wasn't sure if there were any 396's. Guess now I do.

Unless something like the company that ORDERED the L79 1966 Nova wagons! I thought finally 1 of those surfaced after all these years.

The only 65 ElCamino built by Chevrolet with a 396 was the Surfer II concept / show car in the photos in the links posted above. And even that one almost certainly was a transplanted engine installed at the Design facility (that built the car) or at the Tech Center. Not an assembly-line installed engine.

I've always wanted to build a clone of that Surfer Elc. Too many ideas, not enough time! Or energy! Or money!!