Vehicle Description
We've made the case for the practical and stylish El Camino here
before, and with this charcoal gray 1972 Chevrolet El Camino, it
remains as true as ever. There's a strong-running small block under
the hood, a handsome paint job that accentuates the car's classic
styling, and honestly, if you can find a muscle car more versatile
than this one, you should buy it.
Dressed in sophisticated charcoal gray paint with black stripes,
it's the archetypal Elky, and personally, the '72s are my favorite
with their single headlamps and side-mounted parking lights. The
bodywork is well done and doesn't look very old, although there are
signs of use that are probably inevitable. The doors fit well, and
the tailgate is in great shape with none of the rust or dings that
typically show up on these cars no matter how well-maintained they
are. Bumpers, both front and rear, appear to be reproduction items
or even very nice originals, and all the stainless trim is in good
condition. Factory parking light lenses, a standard Chevy hood, and
bright stainless trim all give it an OEM look, and despite the
stripes, this isn't an SS clone. The bed makes this a practical
piece of muscle, and thanks to a very neatly done spray-in
bedliner, that means you shouldn't be afraid to put it to work now
and then. I promise it won't mind!
This El Camino carries a handsome black interior, which uses a
bench seat to permit three-abreast seating. Most of the interior
appears recent, including the door panels, headliner, and even the
seat cover, all of which are correct reproductions. A bench seat is
probably a smart choice in an Elky, just to maximize passenger
capacity, and the column shifter means nobody's uncomfortable. The
standard gauge cluster is little more than a speedometer and fuel
gauge plus some idiot lights, but the powertrain is so reliable,
more gauges aren't really necessary. There's an AM/FM/CD stereo in
the dash that sounds great, and you'll not that this is a factory
A/C car, although some of the components have been removed. But for
the most part, there's nothing inside to detract from the original
look and that's a good thing.
The engine is a 350 cubic inch V8 that runs very well with good
power and a great rumble from the Flowmaster dual exhaust system.
Wearing a coat of Chevy Orange, the engine is dressed with a chrome
air cleaner and finned valve covers, so it looks pretty stock. For
performance, there's an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor atop a GM
intake (which has been painted orange to help it blend in), an HEI
distributor, and a set of long-tube headers that hug the block for
good service access. A stout TH350 3-speed automatic transmission
handles the gears, doling out torque to the 10-bolt rear end, which
is full of relatively tall gears so the Elky is easy-going on the
highway. Power steering and brakes make this truck/car handle
easily, and there's a recent Flowmaster exhaust system. Traditional
Rally wheels look awesome and wear 225/70/15 BFGoodrich T/A
radials.
Properly sorted cars are hard to find, and when they've led hard
lives like most El Caminos, it's even more difficult. This is an
exception. Drive it, have fun, and don't forget that it still might
enjoy working once in a while, too. Call today!