1972 Chevrolet El Camino SS Tribute 

Elvis tribute artists are not impersonators.  They emulate Elvis, they're not trying to be him.  They look a bit different, they might not sing as well, and it's likely they don't have the charisma of the King, no one does.  But they give it their best shot and are widely appreciated.  Cars can be the same way, you can have one that pays tribute to a special model and attain some of the attributes, but the price of admission is going to be less. 

For consignment, a 350ci V8 powered El Camino paying tribute to the legend, the Elky Super Sport.  It's got the right look with SS trim elements and has been well loved showing 165,016 miles.  57,000 El Caminos were produced in 1972, the same year Elvis played Madison Square Garden, and they were mostly used as work trucks, work trucks with a muscle car front end.  Today, those that have survived are considered uncommon collectibles. 

Exterior
Pewter Silver Metallic was one of over 15 colors available on El Caminos in 1972 and this car wears it well.  It's enhanced by the black SS stripes on the hood.  The chrome bumpers, trim around the wheel wells, side mirrors and other metal work is in nice condition.  Hood pins and a cowl induction emblem accompany the stripes and add to the illusion.  Proper SS emblems are on the fenders, grille, and tailgate.  The rear has that special appeal with truck-like features, the black band across the center of the tailgate with reverse lights embedded is especially cool and the dual oval exhaust looks like business.  The bed is very clean and the car is equipped with 15-inch Chevrolet rally wheels wrapped in 235/60/15 in front and 255/60/15 tires in the back, all with a 2022 date code.  A few minor imperfections in the paint were noticed including one crack and an area of drip, otherwise very nice conditions prevail. 

Interior
The clean interior starts with black vinyl doors with the tuck and roll panel and crank handles for the main windows and vent windows.  The vinyl pattern is mirrored on the split bench seat which is in good condition and hides a skinny spare tire behind them.  The steering wheel has a horizontal horn that creates two connection points from the center and on the left side, we notice a crack in the plastic.  A column shifter leaves the center floor wide open.  The textured black plastic of the gauge cluster surround is pure 70's and the gauges themselves are intact but a bit hazy.  The additional pieces on the simple dash include an AM/FM/Cassette radio, A/C controls, and the requisite cigarette lighter.  Auxiliary gauges below the dash include amps, water temp, and oil pressure.  The loop style black carpet shows some wear on the driver's side and some looseness, but overall decent while the perforated headliner is in good shape.  

Drivetrain
A period correct 350ci V8 is under that cowl hood and is fed through a single, 4-barrel carburetor on an Edelbrock intake.  The original, numbers matching transmission is in place and that is a TH350 3-speed automatic.  A 10-bolt rear houses 2.73 gears while power brakes bring it all to a stop, disc up front, drum in the rear.  Our consignor states the battery is new and hoses have been replaced. 

Undercarriage
We were pleasantly surprised by the relative cleanliness under this car which has over 150,000 miles.  The gas tank looks practically brand new, there's very little surface rust to speak of, and the dual exhaust runs from headers to Cherrybomb mufflers and off to those chrome tips we mentioned earlier all in fine condition.  Coil springs on the independent front suspension and 4-link with coil springs is noted out back.  Everything is clean and dry with the exception of some oil near the output shaft seal and just a touch on the flywheel cover.  

Drive-Ability
A pump of the gas and turn of the key and the 350 cubes fired right up and sounded great.  We love the truck like cab in the height of a car and cowl hood is a great thing to see on the horizon.  The car ran well through the three gears and turned well.  Everything seemed to be in working order and it was a great runner. 

You love the look and features of the El Camino SS but you want one you can drive, enjoy, and even take to shows without the worry of a rare collectible accruing mileage.  Heck, Cobra people do it all the time, and people buy tickets to tribute bands just to get a taste of the real thing.  And that's what we have here, a well sorted, nicely presented '72 Elky that will definitely turn some heads. 

1D80H2B523172

1-Chevrolet
D-El Camino
80-2 Door Sedan Pickup
H-350ci 2bbl L65 V8
2-1972
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
523172-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

ST 72 13680-1972 El Camino 2 Door Sedan Pickup
BDY B174445-Baltimore Body #
TR 704 A52-Black ElK CTO/Coated Fabric
PNT 14B-Pewter Silver Metallic, Black  Vinyl Top
09A-1st Week September

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