Drawing, El Camino Concept

George Camp was assigned to the Chevrolet El Camino project in 1964, soon after he began his long design career at General Motors. A key stylist for the El Camino, Camp was especially proud of the 1968–72 models, which were distinguished by the roofline’s broad flowing sail panels trailing back in a tapering line. The graceful form also served as a means to conceal the utilitarian panels of the cargo box.
Camp produced this April 1967 drawing as a proposal for a California-inspired El Camino concept to attract interest at touring auto shows. His use of figures importantly conveys the easy lifestyle associated with the automobile—the male driver wears a tank top and sunglasses, and his blonde female companion’s swimsuit and bare feet suggest that she could be coming straight from the beach. Female figures were often included in automotive advertisements, and women were likewise essential figures in dynamic auto show displays. The car’s details also evoke a California lifestyle. The mounted blue surfboard at the rear of the vehicle enhances the elongated effect of the El Camino’s elegant body, and the reflective blue color likewise brings to mind the effect of sunshine on the ocean.

Drawing, El Camino Concept; Designed by George Camp (American, active mid-20th century); Office of General Motors; color pencil, marker on paper; 53.3 × 147.3 cm (21 × 58 in.); Museum purchase through gift of Paul Herzan and from General Acquisitions Endowment Fund; 2017-18-1