1972 Chevrolet El Camino

Description

We've made the case for the practical and stylish El Camino here before, and with this bright red 1972 Chevrolet El Camino, it remains as true as ever. There's a strong-running small block under the hood, a great-looking 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 classic glowing Torch Red 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, so it still has a shine that'll make you want to get your detailing kit out on weekends just to keep it looking its best. 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. Smoked parking light lenses, a cowl induction hood, and twin pipes sticking out from under the bumper suggest performance is on tap. 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 new, including the door panels, headliner, and even the seat covers, 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. An under-dash A/C unit keeps the cabin cool in the summertime and you'll note that there's no radio, which means it's ripe for an upgrade of your choice. But at the moment, there's nothing inside to detract from the original look.

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 painted valve covers, so it looks pretty stock. For performance, there's a 4-barrel carburetor atop an Edelbrock intake (which has been painted orange to help it blend in), 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 2.73 gears so the Elky is easy-going on the highway. Power steering and brakes make this truck/car handle easily, and there's a new gas tank hanging out back. Cool blacked-out Torque Thrust wheels look awesome and wear 235/55/17 performance 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 the rare exception. Drive it, have fun, and don't forget that it still might enjoy working once in awhile, too. Call today!