The Chevrolet El Camino wasn’t the first American “coupe utility pickup” vehicle—the Ford Ranchero beat it by two years—but it’s probably the most famous.

Is it a car? A truck? Who can tell? And does it even matter?

The distinctive Elco has a look all its own. It has been featured in auto magazines and blogs, including OnAllCylinders, and depending on the model year AND build style, has either been the butt of jokes or the objects of our automotive affection since John F. Kennedy was running for president.

The El Camino has been built on several GM platforms, including the A-body and B-body, but the sales figures indicate the 1960 model was among the least popular.

GM actually shut down El Camino production for a few years after the 1960 sales slump before reviving the car/truck in 1964, which is why you’ll notice the missing years in the Ride Guide graphic below.

For us, we are especially fond of the 1959-60 first-gen Elco, based on the Chevy Brookwood wagon.

The El Camino, though opinions vary, remains an iconic piece of American automotive history and beloved by many.

Learn more about the El Camino and how to identify them by model year in our latest Ride Guide: