Rebuilt 454ci V8/Frame Off Resto/Vintage AC & Heat/Dual 4bbl Carbs/Rebuilt 700R4

1972 Chevrolet El Camino

Among the first hybrid vehicles in the history of the automotive industry, the Chevrolet El Camino, a combination car-truck, featured the practicality of a pickup truck, while maintaining performance car status. Chevy dealers across the U.S. showcase vintage models like the El Camino in their showrooms, while awaiting a possible new release. Chevrolet promoted it as, “the most beautiful thing that ever shouldered a load!”. Even claiming, “It rides and handles like a convertible yet hauls and hustles like the workingest thing on wheels.”

It wasn't until 1968 that the El Camino, featuring a total body makeover, and loaded with a more powerful SS engine, took its place in the iconic lineup of American muscle cars and remained there for the remainder of the 1960's and throughout the 1970's. For consignment, a 1972 El Camino, with its single headlights offered up 2 big blocks, the 402ci LS3 and the semi neutered, thanks to the federal government, 454ci LS5 V8. Ours was originally a 350ci V8 version but has had an engine swap along with copious amounts of ponies added and is now available for the taking.

Exterior
The beneficiary of a frame off restoration 8 year ago we now see laser straight rust-free steel, well minded gaps, great chrome and stainless trimmings and repainted in an appealing orange metallic. From the B pillar forward its “look…! it's a Chevelle SS”, but from the B pillar rearward, its “look! …it's a hauler.”. For a slight custom and cleaner look new glass has been installed along with one piece door glass, goodbye wing windows. Throw in some wide gold racing stripes on top of the orange scooped hood, a wild wrap on the tailgate, and add in some 15-inch rally wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich 215/70R15 in front and wider 255/60R15's on the rear and let's boogie.

Interior
KISS is the theme from the interior, and it does so by utilizing plenty of Light Covert Elk vinyl. For the doors we get vertical ribbed vinyl and smooth vinyl and some trim delineation all looking showroom new. Crossing over the perfect threshold which holds back a sea of tan pristine clean carping, we can rest ourselves in wide Covert vinyl bucket seats. Here we can take in the applique covered cluster in the dash, a factory tachometer, and gauges and knob setup from 1972. An aftermarket AM/FM/CD radio and slides for the Vintage Air and heat are present along with a flawless padded dash topper. Note and a shout out to the tan and applique console which races between the buckets and holds a storage bin along with the aircraft inspired horseshoe shifter and power window controls.

Drivetrain
This rebuilt 454ci V8 version is crammed under the hood and shows nicely with its chrome air cleaner cover, valve covers and bolt ons. A GM block is present, and little to no corrosion or rust is noted anywhere. This 454ci V8 is circa 1979-1990 based on the 14015445 casting number. On top are dual Edelbrock 4-barrel carbs mounted to an Edelbrock aluminum intake. A rebuilt 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission throws power rearward to a 12-bolt 3.31 Eaton posi rear axle with new axles, and then the rear tires smoke?!?

Undercarriage
Better than new are the words best used to describe this undercarriage. Solid orange painted floor pans and rockers are supported by the rust free frame which has been repainted black for this simple undercarriage environment. A dual exhaust system fed by surface rusted headers works its way rearward and looks just fab. Power disc brakes are up front and power drum brakes on the back, all of which are new. On for the ride is a front independent coil spring suspension and for the rear we note a 4 link with coil spring arrangement. We also note a new power steering system as well as a new driveshaft.

Drive-Ability
These late 60's early 70's muscle cars never cease to amaze me and this one is all buttoned up and ready to perform for you. Just sneak it a treat of high test gas and it will stand on its own two rear tires…(well maybe not!), but it performs beautifully, great acceleration, good solid braking, and there is almost no better feeling in the world than driving a big block muscle car, errr truck…SMOOOOOOOTH! All working, all good for the test track drive.

A fine example of a restored El Camino right out of the last performance year, 1972. A well restored, rust-free example right from the end of the muscle car era with lots of capabilities to haul goods and some ass!

1972 Chevrolet El Camino

Among the first hybrid vehicles in the history of the automotive industry, the Chevrolet El Camino, a combination car-truck, featured the practicality of a pickup truck, while maintaining performance car status. Chevy dealers across the U.S. showcase vintage models like the El Camino in their showrooms, while awaiting a possible new release. Chevrolet promoted it as, “the most beautiful thing that ever shouldered a load!”. Even claiming, “It rides and handles like a convertible yet hauls and hustles like the workingest thing on wheels.”

VIN DECODE
1D80H2B681002
1-Chevrolet
D-El Camino
80-2 Door Sedan Pickup
H-350ci V8 2bbl L65 165hp
2-1972
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
681002-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
ST 72 13680-1972 El Camino 2 Door Sedan Pickup
BDY B765828-Baltimore Body #
TR 732 A52-Antique Light Covert Light Elk Coated Fabric Bench Seat
PNT 57 11-Golden Brown, Antique White
06B-2nd Week June Build