For Sale: 1972 Chevrolet El Camino in Ft Worth, Texas

We sell a lot of El Caminos here at Streetside Classics, but not many come through our doors that are as beautifully finished and highly functional as this 1972 Chevrolet El Camino. A real head-turner with a killer two-tone custom paint job, this dialed-in Elky features impressive 383 Stroker V8 power, choice options, and a comfortable interior that all work together to form one of the coolest car-trucks we've ever had the pleasure of showcasing in our inventory.

The early 1970s were the final years of 'The Golden Era of American Motoring', and that instantly recognizable muscle car style still makes a fantastic foundation for something awesome today, as this 1972 El Camino proves. Repainted during a fairly comprehensive restoration that was completed not long ago, it manages to maintain its 1970s utilitarian look, but with the addition of a modern and sleek vibe that really works well. The two-tone Gulf Green Metallic over Silver paint really updates the shape and makes it look a bit more modern, and with the addition of those Rally stripes on the hood, this truck will attract attention no matter where you drive it. The bodywork underneath was clearly in good shape, because the flanks are smooth and shiny and everything fits together better than you'd expect for 1972, with a few custom touches like a cowl hood, HID headlamps, and that black tonneau cover on the bed that all put this Chevy over the top. Sure the paint's not perfect, but only the most obnoxious of nudges is going to find much to complain about it, and the curb appeal is undeniable. Chrome bumpers fore and aft add the perfect amount of endcap bling, and that horizontal bar grille is an instantly recognizable a staple of the Elky and Chevelles from the early '70s. The inside of the bed is also neatly finished, but don't expect some cheap spray-in bedliner. No, this hauler was finished to the same level as the rest of the body, so you'll definitely think twice before you load up dirty stuff from the junkyard. Although if you do want to use it like a truck, it's got the ingredients needed to haul away half of Home Depot with you.

It's very common to see a bench seat in an El Camino, and the interior of this restomod really does a great job continuing the tradition, although with a lot more style. Finished in original Covert Tan, the bench seat and door panels were recovered in correct reproduction materials that look great today, and they provide all-day comfort thanks to solid yet supple insulation underneath the hides. The light brown dash is probably original to the car, and amazingly it's crack-free and without any fading or discoloration, whereas the plush black carpets were likely replaced during this Elky's restoration. Inside the original-style dash are neatly integrated Dakota Digital gauges set into the factory panel, and the effect is that it looks almost stock but delivers a high-tech view of the engine's vitals. Options include an upgraded aftermarket A/C system (although it requires service to blow cold again), a leather-wrapped billet steering wheel atop the stock column, and a modern JVC AM/FM/CD/AUX head unit that power tunes through a set of upgraded speakers in the kick panels. Comfortable and straight to the point, this cabin is an easy place in which to spend some time.

Mechanically, this Elky has been extensively upgraded. The wheezing smog motor is gone, replaced by a strong-running 383 V8 Stroker motor built by Smedling Performance, coming in at a reported 450 horsepower rating. Topped by a big 4-barrel carburetor, a polished Edelbrock intake, and HEI ignition, the motor's running great, and it looks even better adorned with chrome valve covers and a matching chrome Chevrolet air cleaner. Underneath, there's a smooth-shifting 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission that adds an overdrive gear and spins a heavy-duty 12-bolt rear end with a beefy aftermarket cover, so it's comfortable on the highway but still flies off the line. The suspension is fitted with QA1 control arms, coilovers, ladder bars, and sway bars that help set the stance and massively improve the Elky's handles, and with power steering and power front disc brakes the ride experience is smooth and easy. A rumbling H-pipe Flowmaster dual exhaust system sounds just right for a vehicle that looks like this, exiting just beyond the rear wheels for a cool look. Blacked-out Ridler wheels with chrome lips finish the performance look and they carry 245/40/18 front and 275/35/18 rear Nitto performance radials with a lot of life left in them.

Extensively documented with its original Protect-O-Plate warranty card, factory buildsheet, owner's manuals, and several build receipts, this Elky has a lot of tricks up its sleeves. Great looking and fun to drive, this is an slick-built machine that's always going to stand out. Call now!