Vehicle Description
1972 Chevrolet El Camino
Rumor has it that Mattel's Elliot Handler (the 'el' in Mattel),
spotted designer Harry Bradley's El Camino in the Mattel HQ parking
lot and commented, "Those are some hot wheels," coining the new
name for Mattel's line of toy cars, Hot Wheels. In fact, Elliot was
so impressed by Bradley's custom El Camino, he insisted that Mattel
use it as a model for the first line of Hot Wheels toy cars. And
the rest as they say is history.
For consignment, a pre gas crisis, pre-emissions, pre muscle car
killing legislation car that has had a redux in the past. With an
engine replacement done, this farm to church hauler presents in
nice condition. A few dents and dings, bubbles, all in all a very
nice paint job, two tone blue and some parchment vinyl added to the
top. Dig further my Camino loving colleagues and stay thirsty for
more info.
Exterior
Light metallic blue in very good visual form covers this car/truck
combo's steel panels with the lower body under the trim spear being
a darker blue. Gaps are consistent but some rust bubbling is noted,
particularly in the lower panels. Bumpers, front and rear, are
looking good and all badging is present and accounted for with an
added SS grille badge. The metal bed shows in body matching blue
with just a few dings from prior use. A taut clean parchment
tonneau covers the bed and partially hidden brightwork proves nice
framing. The tailgate functions fine, and sporty chrome side
mirrors are on either side attached to the doors. Just above
covering the roof is a well preserved and unscathed parchment vinyl
top. On all 4 corners are highly polished chrome deep dish wheels
with simple dog dish caps wrapped by 205/75R14 thin whitewall
rubber.
Interior
Parchment which shows a very rich texture of grained vinyl covers
the door panels with a nice vertical tuck and roll design. These
have simple padded parchment arm rests as well as chrome for the
cranks and door releases. More parchment in the door panel matching
pattern vinyl covers the bench in this two seater, and the backs
are split for access to a small storage area behind the bench.
Bolsters are smooth parchment vinyl and there are all presents
nicely. Newer brown carpeting covers the floors, and the very clean
and correct dash fronts the vinyl split bench. Save for the
aftermarket AM/FM/CD neatly mounted in the factory location the
dash is in good original condition. A newer perforated tan
headliner floats above. Nicely done in here with a few minor custom
touches.
Drivetrain
Under the long steel hood is a non-original 305ci V8 circa 1977
residing between the inner fenders. A 4-barrel carburetor is on top
and feels the air and fossils through a Edelbrock aluminum intake
manifold. Behind this healthy mill is the numbers matching TH350
3-speed automatic transmission. Power gets kicked rearwards to a
10-bolt rear axle. Under the hood our eyes are drawn quickly to the
added chrome for the valve covers, air cleaner assembly,
alternator, and master cylinder cap.
Undercarriage
Underneath we meet a mix of matte black paint and patinaed surfaces
on the structurally sound undercarriage. We did see the 2 rearmost
body mount bolts on the driver's side have corroded away and need
to be replaced. Independent coil springs for the front, and a
4-link with coil springs for the rear along with front power discs
and rear power drums are seen. A Turbo muffler system in dual
exhaust form allows for an easy exhale from the mill.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and good driver which handled our test track with
ease. Braking was bias free, and handling was adequate during my
drive as was the acceleration. All functions were working at the
time of my drive and I had enough fun to take a few extra laps to
not only enjoy the early spring weather but to also listen to my
partner in crime and all around good guy give me a full blown El
Camino history lesson.
A very nice job has been done overall as to the restoration of this
car/truck. With a newer engine, nice paint, vinyl top and some
slight custom interior pieces, this truck/car can haul hay or haul
ass or both, although the hay may all go away prior to arriving at
your intended destination. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. All
thanks to a churchgoing farming woman from down under!
VIN DECODE
1D80H2B546373
1-Chevrolet
D-Custom El Camino
80-2 Door Sedan Pickup
H-350ci V8 2bbl
2-1972
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
546373-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 72 13680-1972 Custom El Camino 2 Door Sedan Pickup
BDY B333063-Baltimore Body #
TR Illegible
PNT 57-Golden Brown
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
