The Camino De Santiago inspires many things in many people. Did you
know it also inspired the creation of a car?
Unheard of in Europe but lorded in
all its retro splendour in North America, is the Chevrolet El Camino. Yes it
was actually named after the Camino De Santiago! Sort of.
The existence of the El Camino Real in California, a road connecting 21 Spanish missions, (which was named for the Camino de Santiago) elevated the term in the consciousness of General
Motors’ car designers seeking a name that reflected the freedom of the open
road. the company also wanted a car to rival the success of Ford's Ranchero, and perhaps that's also why it also sought a Spanish name.
The Chevrolet El Camino was an
early crossover vehicle that blended a
2-door coupe car and a pickup truck. Like the mullet hairstyle, it was business
in the front and party in the back!
Made from 1959-60 and then from 1964-87 it is an American style icon. I
probably see one annually on Vancouver’s streets which from now on will remind
me that the Camino carries on once you have finished the walk.
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