The fourth generation El Caminos were built from 1973 to 1977. These were the largest El Caminos built. By 1973, performance was starting to diminish, but sales of El Caminos were still strong. These El Caminos have never received the attention and admiration bestowed upon the earlier (and latter) El Caminos, but they are now starting to get some attention.

In 1973 the Standard and Custom models were joined by an "Estate" model which featured simulated woodgrain siding. The SS model continued, but became more and more just a trim option. The GMC Sprint continued in production with the Standard, Custom, and "High Sierra" models. The GMC Sprint High Sierra was basically equivalent to the El Camino Estate.

In 1974, the Custom model was replaced with the "Classic" model. The Classic could be ordered with one of three trim packages: the SS, the Estate, or the "Conquista". The Conquista featured two-tone paint and special trim. The GMC Sprint did not have an equivalent to the Conquista in 1974, but the Sprint Classic could be ordered with SS or High Sierra trim.

By 1974, there was no longer a Chevelle SS option (only a Laguna "S-3" option). However, the El Camino SS continued for many more years.

A few 1975 El Caminos have been reported with "Laguna" style front ends. The front nose from a Chevelle Laguna coupe can be bolted onto an El Camino. Chevrolet records do not show how many such vehicles were built, but they were available at no extra cost, apparently.

In 1975 a GMC Sprint equivalent to the El Camino Conquista was introduced. It was called the GMC Sprint "Sierra Madre del Sur".

In 1976, the Estate and High Sierra models were deleted. The Standard model now featured two round headlights (as before), while the Classic had a different grille with four rectangular headlights, two stacked vertically on each side. The SS and SP packages could be ordered on the Standard or Classic models.

The 1977 models were virtually unchanged from 1976.

In the south west part of the country, a special edition 1977 "Camino Del Rey" was offered. It included wheel flares on all four wheel wells, a front air dam, a rear spoiler, and "Camino Del Rey" decals on the lower portion of the doors. This package was typically offered on the Conquista model. It was probably dealer-installed.

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