The El Camino was introduced for the 1959 model year two years after the competing Ford Ranchero. According to Chevrolet stylist Chuck Jordan, GM's Harley Earl had suggested a coupé pickup in 1952. Like the Ranchero, it was based on an existing and modified platform, the new-for-1959 Brookwood two-door station wagon, itself based on the completely redesigned, longer, lower and wider full-sized Chevrolet. Highly stylized, it initially sold 50% more briskly than the more conservative Ranchero. The first generation of El Camino was available until 1960, when it was replaced by the Second Generation Chevrolet El Camino.