Vehicle Description
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!
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
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.
