![]() ![]() As one of the pioneers of the pro-touring truck movement, Rob and Brandy continued to race their trucks at several pro-touring events including NMCA, SCCA, the Optima Series and the Goodguys Autocross Series. ![]() The popularity and success of the C10R grew the PCHRODS name into one of the most recognized pro-touring truck build shops across the country. This truck would not only revolutionize the pro-touring truck industry, but also the growth of their shop. The company would launch their return to the automotive industry with the unveiling of their first build, the PCHRODS C10R, in the Spectre Performance Booth at SEMA 2013. In 2013, Rob and Brandy settled down to start a family in addition to announcing the return of their Pro-Touring Performance Build Shop, better known as PCHRODS, INC. While she raced the Spectre Performance 1970 Carbon Camaro, he took to the wheel of his 1969 C10. In 2010, Rob and Brandy met at a Goodguys autocross event. The program continued throughout 2012 while Brandy raced several vehicles including a 1970 Mach 1 Mustang, a 1971 Camaro and the well-known 1970 Carbon Camaro. The program expanded in the Spring of 2009 as Brandy got behind the wheel of Spectre’s 1970 El Camino and hit the Goodguys Autocross in Nashville, Tennessee. Brandy embarked on a new marketing program with the company, traveling across the country attending car shows to educate customers on new and current products. Graduating with a degree in Psychology and Social Behavior, Brandy Morrow Phillips started her career in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry with Spectre Performance in 2008. This did not stop him from completing several builds that were showcased at SEMA from 2007-2010, including a 1970 El Camino, a 1967 Shelby GT500 Coupe and his own 1969 C10. The high costs of living and build shops located on every corner made it hard for Phillips to expand his shop. Once Overhaulin’ ended (before it was brought back), Phillips decided to use his experience under Chip Foose and open his own shop in Long Beach, California. Rob was given the title of Project Manager for the 2005 through 2007 seasons. Little did he know at the time, but this was just the beginning of his future with the show. Chevrolet introduced the El Camino in 1959.In 2005, Rob Phillips was brought onto the set of Overhaulin’ to complete a single wiring job. It was Chevy’s response to the Ford Ranchero, which had been selling well as the lone representative of the big three American manufacturers in the ute niche. The El Camino would go on to dominate the niche, even with increasing competition. ![]() It would eventually be named the clear winner of the ute category in the United States. What is a ute?Ī ute is a car platform that has a bed integrated with the cabin. Then, in the back, it has a place for cargo to be carried that looks like a pickup truck bed. 1964 Chevy El Camino | GM Utes in the United States The ute niche has been around since the 1930s in Australia. In the United States, Ford was the first to launch the ute category. It took two model years before Chevrolet would have a competitor ready in 1959. It immediately outsold the Ford Ranchero. In the United States, over time, there would be challenges by competitors that would come and go.īy 1987, the small pickup truck category was increasing in influence. This affected sales of the ute category as a whole. ![]() The El Camino and the Subaru Brat were the only ones left. Although the El Camino outsold the Brat, both would be end production that year. There would be a small attempt by Subaru in 2003, to produce at a ute, this time called the Baja. But, it would be shortlived, as the ute category never regained popularity as it did before. Ultimately, the El Camino would have the longest history of model year production, spanning five generations of iterations. To this day, the El Camino is loved by its fans. Its resale value has been climbing in recent times due to the fans and the demand. Recent media exposure to the departed marque has also helped. Richard Rawlings, from the Discovery Channel show, Fast-N-Lound, documented for his show how his team built a Ranchero and sold it at auction for $50,000. Danny Koker, from the History Channel show, Counting Cars, also documented building an El Camino. 2012 Holden HSV Maloo | Left Hand Utes The revival that died And, Chip Foose, from the hit show, Overhaulin, also built one. Just before the financial crisis of 2007-2008, General Motors was considering reviving the El Camino. Rumors were floated that GM was going to build it atop of the Pontiac G8 platform. Rumors also indicated that testing was being carried out in Australia under the Holden brand. ![]()
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