Chevrolet developed the El Camino to rival the Ford Rancheros success of combining a coupe utility truck with muscle car looks. Production of the El Camino began in 1959, 2 years after the Ranchero but quickly gained popularity and consistently outsold the Ford Ranchero especially in later generations. El Caminos were adapted from Chevrolet 2-door station wagon platforms fitted with cargo beds, a unique look and a must-have for those striving for practicality with style. The 1959 and 1960 El Caminos were based on the Chevrolet Biscayne's B-Body, with production with production ended in 1960 and not to return to the market for 4 years. The second-generation Chevrolet El Camino marked it return in 1964, now being based on the iconic Chevelle body using its muscle car appeal creating 4 years of solid production and order numbers in the 30,000 units annually.

By 1968, Chevrolet introduced a longer version based on the Chevelle station wagon/sedan chassis. This third-generation El Camino spans from 1968-1972, with a fresh face lift featuring a pointed front end with a twin bar grill, new bumpers, single-unit side marker lights and single beam headlights. For 1972, horsepower was now measured in SAE net figures increased emission controls. With these new ratings the El Camino figures appeared less powerful on paper, although the engines still packed plenty of power. Customers didn't hesitate to enter the showroom for the muscle car/truck hybrid generating one of their best El Camino sales years ever!

Offered here is a 1972 Chevrolet El Camino SS tribute finished in Rouge Red paint with White stripes and an Antique Light Covert Elk fabric bench seat interior. Powering this muscle truck is a newer Crate ZZ4 350ci V8 engine which produces 355 horsepower and 405 lbs. ft torque. The legendary ZZ4 engine is one of the most popular aftermarket GM crate engines featuring an aluminum dual-plane intake manifold, flexplate, aluminum corvette heads, forged steel crankshaft, hypereutectic pistons, D-shaped exhaust ports, hydraulic roller camshaft and lifters. This crate V8 engine is fitted with a Edelbrock 4-barrel 600 CFM carb and matched to a 3-speed Turbo Hydramatic 350 automatic transmission. This El Camino SS tribute has all the desired options along with the SS trim added, it features air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, 15” Rally wheels, 4-spoke black SS steering wheel, under dash instrumentation including temp, volts, and oil gauges.

First sold by Just Chevrolet-Oldsmobile based in Delano, CA, it comes with its original owner's manual, vehicle warranty booklet with Protect-o-Plate, Emissions Control booklet, and three sets of keys. The engine swap took place in December 2005 and now has approximately 18,500 miles driven since. It would find its way north to Ashland, Oregon by 2010 and have Hooker Competition long-tube headers and Flowmaster exhaust installed. The transmission would be overhauled in February 2011 by Dusty's Transmissions with a full 2-year warranty. After several years of enjoyment, the car would once again sell back to a California collector in Rocklin, CA. This new owner would fully restore the braking system with new master cylinder, front pads/rotors, all brake hoses, rear wheel cylinder/shoes, & brake fluid; new KYB shocks all around, new remanufactured steering box, and new Flowmaster exhaust system in 2016/2017. The car would be professionally repainted by HiTech Collision Center January 2017 along with a new interior later that same year. An all new Vintage Air System would be installed by September 2017 with new chrome alternator and fresh drive belts. It would arrive to the Missouri area in early 2021 and receive new rally wheels, tires, hubcaps/trim rings, and white Super Sport stripes and emblems added.

Since its arrival at the St. Louis Car Museum, it has had the oil changed and filter replaced, a new air filter installed, and the brake booster was replaced along with the horn relay. This El Camino is ready to cruise to shows or help you on your next run to Home Depot! Thank you for your interest and please contact our sales team for more information or come see this beauty in our showroom!