CALIFORNIACLASSIX 1-Owner, Matching Numbers 1972 Chevrolet El Camino Super Sport

The love child of a Muscle Car and a pickup, a Chevrolet El Camino SS serves more than one purpose.

Mouse Over the Photos to Enlarge.

First introduced in 1959, by 1972 the ElCo had become a legend in its own right. Fast forward to 2018, when a dedicated community of enthusiasts is searching for the most original examples. Especially the third generation, Chevelle-inspired SS models are in high demand.

Since most El Camino's were used as workhorses, finding an unrestored example in fine condition has become rather tricky. All too often, El Caminos are "built" or "rebuilt" from parts of various origin and unverifiable claims are made as to their provenance and specification.
Here's a nicely preserved, original SS that has never needed restoration and thus has never been taken apart.

Sold new on November 20th, 1971 at venerable Bill McGuire Chevrolet in Buena Park, Calif. to a local Fullerton gentleman, VIN *1D80J2L520610* spent all its life in Southern California. Always garaged, it was pampered for 46 years by its one-and-only original owner, who is now 78 years old!
Like badges of honor, this little truck still wears its original, early blue-and-gold California license plates, front and back.

This SS was the 20,610th El Camino built during the model year, assembled locally at the Vany Nuys, Calif. plant and equipped with the "J" code L-48 350cu.in. engine featuring the 4-barrel carburetor. Additional extras included the SS package with domed performance hood and hood pins, Muncie 4-speed manual transmission, heavy duty suspension, air conditioning, AM/FM radio, clock and power front disc brakes.

Special, styled 15x7in. road wheels were also part of the package.

ElCo presents itself exactly as delivered. Midnight Bronze Metallic finish was re-done once, decades ago, and still displays an excellent luster. Optional black vinyl top looks like new. The car has never suffered from accident damage. We can't find any rust or prior rust repair, either. Apart from the usual, insignificant wear that is a natural part of age and use, there are no bubbles, dents, scrapes or any other mishaps that would cause a collector sleepless nights. It's a dry California SS all the way!

Under the hood, all the correct details are in place, from the matching numbers L-48 small block engine to the correct 4-barrel carb, A/C compressor and A.I.R. smog pump. Car features power steering and power disc brakes, too.

Stamped numbers on engine.

Never having been restored, nevertheless the SS can be run safely on today's low-octane fuel. Engine starts, idles and sounds heavenly, with that typical solid SBC rumble. Exhaust manifolds are stock.

El Camino's cockpit has survived admirably well, too. The black headliner looks pristine, sun visors are original, dome light works. Door seals were replaced just recently. Owner's manual resides in the glove box.

By the way, a "real" SS features a few tell-tale signs of originality inside, among them the circular SS gauges, the glove box light, handbrake warning light on the dash, and driver's remote outside rearview mirror. The many imitators out there usually do not feature any or all of these items!

SS gauges and SS steering wheel.

Front seat upholstery is 100% intact. Original belts are in place. Odometer shows just 21,224 miles -- rolled over once -- and the car certainly looks like the low-miler it is.

Stowed safely behind the seat: the factory spare tire and jacking equipment.

In '72, the El Camino featured backup lights recessed into the tailgate, which rendered them useless when the tailgate was down. Funny . . .
Note brand new rear bumper, which we installed as the original had lost its luster.
Check out original plate and original selling dealer's license plate frame.

Chevy's long pickup bed presents itself in excellent condition, entirely free of the usual rust, bumps and bruises found on average examples. Bright stainless bed trim is also in fantastic condition.

Bone dry and free of any rust or perforation, the pickup's undercarriage is nothing short of spectacular.

Sure, freshly painted, "restored" floors might look better, but a bottom that has been left alone and is 100% bone stock should please the eyes of any real aficionado. This El Camino has nothing to hide!

Tuesday, November 27th was another fine, sunny day here in SoCal and we were looking forward to our test drive.

This SS starts, runs, idles, steers, handles, and stops just like you would expect it from a well-maintained Chevrolet.

The 4-speed makes all the difference in the macho department. It's pure joy to pilot a true muscle car like this '72. All lights and gauges work. The original radio was upgraded around 1980 with a Pioneer tape deck.

Link to videos on YouTube:

Driving around town.

This El Camino SS is a true performer. There's no smoke, no overheating, no unusual noises, no fluid leaks to note. We've replaced the starter and brake master cylinder -- among other items -- and were surprised at the low cost and prompt availabilty of all needed parts. Driving this 46-year-old collector car on a daily basis is not a far-fetched proposition but reality.

Not too often will you find a real, factory SS that's a numbers matching, one owner, unmodified, rust free example. One that has lived all its life in Southern California, that comes with its original license plates and is ready to be enjoyed. Christmas is almost here, why don't you treat your loved one with a pickup that's as beautiful as it's muscular. Better yet, treat yourself to this rare, original SS.
Merry Christmas!

You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, perform your due diligence before you bid.

Please, note that this car is currently advertised on our Web site and on display in our Showroom. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time.

Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at 805-653-5551.

• By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below.
• If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final.
• Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available!
  We require a $1,000 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction.
• The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading.
• You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies.
• We ship worldwide.

Copyright © 1999-2018 by Californiaclassix.com™. All Rights Reserved.
Californiaclassix.comâ„¢ is a Registered Trademark.
E-mail inquiries to the Webmaster.