1969 Chevrolet El Camino

1969 Chevrolet El Camino Lima Bean Restomod
Professionally Built 383 Stroker Air Ride 4-Wheel Disc Brakes Vintage A/C Over $120K Invested

Highlights


1969 Chevrolet El Camino professionally built restomod

Known as Lima Bean

Over $120,000 reportedly invested in the build

Barry Young-built 383ci stroker V8

Engine rated at approximately 383 horsepower

Turbo 350 3-speed automatic transmission

Shift kit and stall converter

CVF black front accessory drive system

Shorty headers

2.5-inch dual exhaust

MagnaFlow mufflers

Griffin/Cold Case aluminum radiator

Dual electric cooling fans

Black AN-style fittings

American Autowire wiring harness

Four-wheel disc brakes

Power steering

Custom four-corner Air Maxxx air-ride suspension

Front sway bar

Powder-coated frame

Powder-coated Tanks Inc. fuel tank

Dakota Digital VHX instrumentation

Vintage Air air conditioning

TMI custom interior

Custom center console with cupholders

Custom Autosound/retro-style stereo system

Upgraded audio system with Pioneer subwoofers

One-piece door glass

Comfort-grip steering wheel

HID/modernized headlights

Custom PPG exterior paint

Matte contrasting hood treatment

Shaved exterior emblems

Modified SS-style grille

Camaro-style front spoiler

Spray-in bedliner

18x8 front Ridler wheels

20x10 rear Ridler wheels

245/40ZR18 front tires

275/40ZR20 rear tires

Custom professional build


A Fully Developed Pro-Touring El Camino
This 1969 Chevrolet El Camino, appropriately known as Lima Bean, is far removed from a basic cosmetic restoration. This is a professionally constructed restomod reportedly representing more than $120,000 in investment, combining classic late-1960s Chevrolet styling with a thoroughly upgraded drivetrain, suspension, braking system, cooling package, interior and electrical system.

The exterior is finished in a distinctive custom PPG green accented by a contrasting matte-finish hood treatment. The color works exceptionally well with the El Caminos long, low body lines, while shaved emblems, a modified SS-style grille, Camaro-inspired front spoiler and modern lighting give the car a cleaner and more aggressive appearance without losing its unmistakable 1969 identity.

Under the hood is a Barry Young-built 383ci stroker V8, reportedly producing approximately 383 horsepower. The engine compartment presents exceptionally well, with much of the drivetrain and accessory system color-matched to the exterior. A CVF black accessory drive, modern ignition components, black AN-style plumbing and a neatly organized engine bay give the installation a finished appearance.

Backing the stroker is a Turbo 350 3-speed automatic transmission equipped with a shift kit and stall converter. Shorty headers feed a 2.5-inch dual exhaust system with MagnaFlow mufflers, providing the kind of sound expected from a traditional small-block Chevrolet while retaining a clean, street-oriented exhaust layout.

Cooling has also been substantially upgraded with a Griffin/Cold Case aluminum radiator and dual electric fans, an important addition for a performance-oriented classic intended to be driven.

Chassis, Suspension & Brakes
The chassis received considerable attention during the build. The frame was powder coated, and the El Camino rides on a custom Air Maxxx four-corner air suspension system. An in-cabin controller and digital pressure display allow the driver to adjust the suspension, giving the car the dramatically lowered stance shown in the photos while providing adjustability when additional clearance is needed.

A front sway bar contributes to the upgraded chassis setup, while four-wheel disc brakes provide a major improvement over period braking equipment. Power steering further improves usability in normal street driving.

The combination of the lowered stance and staggered Ridler wheels transforms the look of the car. The front wears 18x8 Ridler wheels with 245/40ZR18 tires, while the rear steps up to 20x10 wheels with 275/40ZR20 tires.

Interior & Comfort
Inside, the El Camino continues the restomod theme with a clean black custom cabin. The seating has been upgraded with TMI upholstery, complemented by a custom center console, cupholders and contrasting stitching. The cabin retains the recognizable architecture of a 1969 Chevrolet while introducing modern comfort and convenience where it matters.

A Dakota Digital VHX gauge system replaces the original instrumentation and provides clear modern readouts within a design that fits naturally into the factory-style dash. Vintage Air air conditioning adds modern climate control, while the comfort-grip steering wheel provides another subtle usability upgrade.

The audio system has also been modernized with a retro-style head unit and upgraded speakers, including Pioneer subwoofers mounted behind the seats.

Other thoughtful improvements include one-piece door glass, an American Autowire electrical harness and modernized headlights.

Bed & Exterior Details
The El Caminos bed is finished with a durable spray-in bedliner, making the rear compartment cleaner and easier to maintain while preserving the usable nature of the original design. Chrome bumpers and trim provide traditional contrast against the custom green finish, while the modern wheels and low ride height make it clear that this is not a stock restoration.

The undercarriage photographs show the extent of the build beneath the body, including the upgraded suspension, exhaust system, rear axle assembly, fuel tank and clean chassis presentation.