Scott Bucknell’s love for cars started early. Like many of us, it began with anything mechanical that had wheels or an engine, cars and bikes shaping his world from a young age. Over the years he owned a few memorable machines, but this El Camino came into his life in a way that says a lot about the partnership behind the build. While Scott was away, his wife spotted the car for sale, sent him the details, did the homework, and ultimately pulled the trigger herself. It was a Holden-based El Camino, which made the decision even easier. Having a partner who genuinely shares the passion doesn’t just help projects like this happen, it elevates them, and Scott knows how fortunate he is.
The car is a 1974 Chevrolet El Camino, HQ Holden-based, owned by Scott Bucknell, better known as “The Olbugga,” and built by Ricardo Johnson of Midlife Crisis Garage. What started as a simple plan to freshen up the paint and “tickle the engine a bit” quickly escalated, as these things always do. The more Scott looked at the car, the more potential he saw. He wanted something strong, reliable, and genuinely enjoyable to drive. Having owned several El Caminos before, he knew this one was special. The body was straight, rust was minimal, and it came with a factory 350 that was already very drivable.
Once the decision was made to go all-in, the El Camino landed at Midlife Crisis Garage. Ricardo Johnson is well respected in the street rod scene, with multiple cars featured in SA HotRods Magazine, and his approach to this build was methodical and uncompromising. The car was stripped back to bare metal, revealing only minor rust where the pillars meet the apron, a common issue on these vehicles. Aside from that, it was remarkably clean. A lot of time went into the bodywork, particularly the rear tubs. Rather than simply rolling plate, the goal was to keep everything looking factory-correct, clean, and intentional.
With the metalwork complete, attention shifted to fabrication. The chassis was narrowed and the inner guards tubbed to accommodate massive 20x12-inch wheels at the rear. Scott was very clear about the stance he wanted, aggressive but clean, with no visual clutter. Door handles were shaved and replaced with poppers, rear running lights and bumpers were tightened up for a cleaner fit, and a 2-inch reverse cowl was added to the bonnet to hint at what was hiding underneath. Paint was handled by Reynolds Auto Care in Cape Town, finished in a deep emerald green with a subtle pearl that brings the colour to life in the sun. The choice of green was deliberate, staying close to the original base colour that Scott fell in love with the first time he saw the car. Subtle pinstriping on the cowl and detailed airbrushing on the tailgate finish it off perfectly. A HQ Holden GTS grille was also imported to complete the front-end look.
With the visuals sorted, the running gear had to match the attitude. The foundation is a virgin 350 four-bolt main block, built into a 383 stroker using Eagle internals, SRP forged pistons, ARP hardware throughout, and Pro Comp cylinder heads. Clevite bearings support the rotating assembly, while Comp hydraulic roller cams, roller rockers, and chromoly pushrods handle valve control. Ignition duties are managed by MSD, and airflow comes via a Victor Junior intake topped with a Holley Sniper EFI system. Exhaust gases exit through custom long-tube headers into a 3-inch stainless steel system with electric cut-outs, giving Scott the option of cruising quietly or letting the car announce itself properly.
Backing the engine is a TH350 fitted with TCI clutches, a B&M shift kit, and a 2,500rpm stall B&M torque converter. To get the power onto the road, the rear suspension was upgraded with a McDonald Bros four-link setup and Viking double-adjustable coilovers. Out back sits a shortened nine-inch diff with Strange 31-spline axles. Braking is handled by 320mm front discs with six-pot Brembo calipers, while the rear was converted to discs as well. The car is still due for dyno time, but Ricardo describes it as a properly wild ride already.
Wheel choice was critical to the overall stance. American Legend Streeter wheels were selected, sized to 18x7 inches up front and an imposing 22x12 inches at the rear. Wrapped in 225/40R18 tyres in front and 325/30R20 at the back, they fill the arches perfectly. The wheels were imported through Motown American Auto Parts and modified locally by Wheel Repair Centre in Cape Town.
Inside, the El Camino continues the same clean, purposeful theme. A custom dashboard by Johan from Coatit houses a full AutoMeter gauge cluster, keeping everything functional but period-appropriate. Chevy Lumina leather bucket seats provide comfort, while a remote-controlled exhaust cut-out adds an extra layer of fun from behind the wheel. When asked what stands out most, Scott doesn’t hesitate. It’s the stance. And he’s right. It’s unique, aggressive, and incredibly clean, with the tailgate artwork adding just the right amount of personality.
In Scott’s own words, the finished car is “bloody brilliant.” It may not be his ultimate dream car, that honour belongs to a ’48 Mercury or a Hudson Hornet, but that almost doesn’t matter. What matters is the experience of building something special with people who share the same passion. Scott is quick to thank Ricardo Johnson of Midlife Crisis Garage for his patience, talent, and vision, calling him a “bloody genius,” along with Terence and Ralph from Motown American Auto Parts, Reynolds Auto Care, Wheel Repair Centre, Grandi Engineering, and everyone involved in the artwork, interior, and electrical work. The result is a standout El Camino that delivers on every level, proof that passion, done properly, always shows in the final product.
