Chevy El Camino Iroc-S Pace Truck Still a Knockout

One of only 15 made, near-cherry 1984 El Camino Iroc-S offers the best of all worlds. 

A great benefit of the longstanding Chevy versus Ford rivalry is the development of truly epic rides. Over the years, the two auto giants have battled for truck and car dominance. In an effort to expand the truck market, both introduced a number of variants. One of our favorites is the El Camino. Part truck, part coupe, part utility vehicle; and all badass.

Initially developed in 1959, the El Camino ran for five generations until 1987. We came across one El Camino on Hemmings that is a true rarity. The 1984 Chevy El Camino Iros-S pace car was a very limited special edition; and the epitome of cool.

Offered for sale on Saratoga Motorcar Auctions, this brawny ride is one in a million. Okay, technically it is one of only 15 made. We’re not even going to do the math on that one.

Developed by Chevy and Chattanooga’s Choo Choo Customs, the special-edition Iroc-S gave extra heft, style, and racing DNA to the El Camino.

Using the GM G-body platform, Choo Choo designed the Iroc-S to serve as a Pace truck. As such, it has a unique, track-bred appearance package. That design–red, white, and blue, natch–has been recently refreshed and repainted. But it remains period-correct throughout, a beautifully maintained classic.

Under the hood it has the original 305 V8 and powertrain. Clean as a whistle and only 90k on the ticker, this is a sterling example.

For reasons known only as “it was the 1980s” it has a maroon interior. But it is clean, and it looks like a fancy new-fangled cassette player is included.

This was likely the only 1984 El Camino Iroc-S built. As such, it comes with all documentation; and bears a “Number 15” gold plate on the dash.

Even without the prestige, we love the El Camino. It offers the advantages of a truck and a car. Solid small block engine? It’s got it. Style? Oh yeah. Muscle car cool with trucking chops? Absolutely.

Pace cars and trucks are usually pretty great, but we have to say this one is exceptional. And the El Camino pairs with the Iroc nameplate so seamlessly, we wonder why Chevy didn’t make more!

Photos: Saratoga Motorcar Auctions

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.