Chuck and Don Styles - 1965 Chevrolet El Camino – A Personal Piece of History

This beautifully restored 1965 Chevrolet El Camino is more than just a striking example of mid-60s American automotive design — it’s a deeply personal journey brought full circle by owner Chuck Styles. Originally purchased new by a family friend, Chuck remembers riding in this very El Camino when it first hit the road in 1965. Twenty-five years later, in 1990, he brought it home and gave it a second life with a thoughtful restoration completed in 1991.

Exterior

Dressed in bold red, this El Camino exudes vintage muscle attitude. The color choice is perfectly era- correct and makes the car stand out at any cruise-in or car show. Riding on a set of 1967 Rallye wheels, it keeps that period-correct flavor while adding just enough custom flair to make it unique.

Interior

Inside, the cabin is wrapped in matching red Naugahyde — a popular and durable material of the era — delivering both comfort and authenticity. The clean, cohesive red-on-red scheme creates a seamless aesthetic that perfectly fits the El Camino’s dual identity as both utility vehicle and muscle car.

Powertrain

Under the hood lies a 327 cubic inch small-block V8, factory-rated at 300 horsepower. This high-revving, quick-breathing motor was a favorite among Chevy performance fans, and it remains a reliable and punchy powerplant to this day. It’s paired with a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission, giving the driver full control and connection to the road — an ideal match for the El Camino’s muscle roots.

Out back, the original rear axle keeps the drivetrain classic and period-correct. The combo of 327 + Muncie + original diff is a tried-and-true setup that delivers strong, dependable performance.

Ownership & Use

Chuck’s bond with the car goes beyond mechanics — it’s a machine tied to memory. Since its restoration, the El Camino has become a weekend cruiser and a frequent participant in car shows. Its longest journey so far? A road trip to Lake Havasu, where the El Camino proved it’s more than just a trailer queen.

Chuck is no stranger to '65 Chevys either — this El Camino is part of a stable that includes two 1965 Chevelles, further emphasizing his dedication to the era and the brand.

Final Thoughts

This 1965 El Camino is a great example of what makes the classic car hobby special: a timeless machine, a lifetime of memories, and a commitment to keeping history alive on the road. Chuck and Don’s El Camino is more than a restoration — it’s a reunion.