454-POWERED 1972 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO

OVERVIEW

This restored 1972 Chevrolet El Camino is powered by an upgraded 454ci V8 engine paired with a Holley fuel injection system and a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission. Features include factory air conditioning, power steering, power front disc brakes, a tilt steering column, bucket seats, a center console, a spray-in bed liner, SS badges, a RetroSound AM/FM stereo, and Dakota Digital analog gauges. Finished in Cranberry Red and equipped with a black vinyl top over a black vinyl interior, this El Camino is available now and comes with receipts, an owner’s manual, an assembly manual, a custom-fit car cover, the internal parts needed to make the cowl induction system functional, photos from the restoration, and a clear Texas title in the seller's name.

EXTERIOR – FEATURES

During the restoration completed under previous ownership three years ago, the exterior was finished in Cranberry Red. Features include chrome bumpers, a cowl-induction hood, SS hood stripes, hood pins, a black grille with an SS emblem, wheel opening moldings, dual rearview mirrors, a black vinyl top, a color-matched spray-in bed liner, a black rubber bed mat, and a white tailgate accent with trim and SS 454 badging. Recently replaced or restored parts include the hood cowl, cowl vents, door hinge pins, door gaskets, beltline rubber, window regulators, door latch assemblies and strikers, door handles, and side mirrors.  The seller states that minor rust is present around the rear window and that all the glass and chrome show normal wear and tear.

EXTERIOR - WHEELS AND TIRES

A set of gray 15-inch Chevrolet Sport Wheels is wrapped in Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires.

INTERIOR – FEATURES

The bucket seats and door panels are upholstered in black vinyl. Features include a center console with a horseshoe shifter, power steering and brakes, factory air conditioning, manual windows, a wide rearview mirror, black sun visors, black custom floor mats, a new cigarette lighter, a RetroSound AM/FM/Bluetooth radio with front and rear kick panel Kicker DS speakers, new LED courtesy lights, Morris three-point seat belts, and a tilt steering column. The seller notes imperfections in the bucket seat plastics and the surrounding paint.

INTERIOR – GAUGES

The set of Dakota Digital analog gauges located ahead of the driver includes a 160-mph speedometer, an 8K-rpm tachometer, and readouts for the fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltage. With 1,500 miles added during current ownership, the digital odometer reads 35,008 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

Power is provided by an upgraded 454ci V8 engine connected to a Holley Sniper EFI fuel injection system and a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission. The engine has been upgraded with a Comp Cams 11-205-3 high-energy camshaft with Comp Cams hydraulic lifters and roller rockers, a Holley HyperSpark ReadyTo-Run distributor, and a Holley HyperSpark ignition coil, and was recently dyno-tuned by Mayco Automotive Performance of Houston, Texas. Engine bay features include Billet Specialties aluminum valve covers, an aluminum Edelbrock intake manifold, a cowl-induction hood-compatible air cleaner assembly with a chrome lid, a Powermaster 150-amp one-wire alternator, and a chrome radiator top cover. Additional features include a Powermaster high-torque starter, cast iron exhaust manifolds, a Champion heavy-duty four-core aluminum radiator with dual 13-inch Flexi-a-Lite fans, and a DieHard 800-cca battery with upgraded battery cables. Recent service includes a radiator flush.

UNDERCARRIAGE

This El Camino is equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear drive axle with a 12-bolt differential. A Holley fuel tank with an internal electric fuel pump has been installed. Braking is provided by power front discs and rear drums. A dual exhaust system with Flowmaster 40 Series mufflers exits at the rear.  

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

The seller will include receipts for the parts replaced during ownership, a reproduction owner’s manual, a reproduction assembly manual, a custom-fit car cover, photos from the restoration, and the throttle response-related internal parts required to make the cowl induction system work as part of the sale.

Deciphering the VIN reveals the following information:

1 = Chevrolet

D = El Camino Custom

80 = Two-door pickup

J = 350 four-barrel

2 = 1972

L = Van Nuys build plant

596804 = Production number

The data tag decodes as follows:

ST 72-13680 = 1972 El Camino Custom

L = Van Nuys, California plant

08978 = Fisher Body sequence number

TR 732 = Antique Light Covert Elk vinyl

A52 = Bench seat

75 = Cranberry Red

11 = Antique White top

06D = Fourth week of June 1972