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In this edition of the Original Parts Group Inc. (OPGI) blog, we are featuring an ultra-clean 1972 big-block El Camino SS. This vehicle is owned by OPGI and is part of an in-house fleet of classic GM cars built by OPGI for advertising and testing purposes, as well as for use at trade shows, car shows and other special events. All of OPGI’s classic cars have been completely restored to the highest degree of original authenticity (using OPGI parts of course) and this El Camino is no exception.
Although the first El Camino was introduced in October of 1958, the third generation 1972 model represents the peak of the El Camino’s many refinements and perhaps also serves as a signpost on the path toward the end of big horsepower in muscle cars. The third generation El Camino debuted in 1968 and was an immediate sales hit, due in part to the availability of the 375 hp, 415 lbs-ft L78 396 big-block, the highest horsepower engine available in an El Camino to date. In 1969 the SS designation became an option on the El Camino, instead of being a separate model, and included power front disc brakes and a cowl induction hood. On the outside, the third generation El Caminos followed the design cues of the Chevelle and as the Chevelle was restyled, so was the El Camino. In 1970 the 396 engines were upped to 402 cubic-inches (without an increase in horsepower). 1970 also saw the introduction of the powerful LS6 454 ci V8 with 450 hp and 500 lbs-ft of torque, a powerplant that represented the best of the GM big-blocks in the muscle car era. By 1971 most of the El Camino (and Chevelle) engine options were beginning to be detuned (thanks to mandatory lower-octane unleaded fuel and emissions controls) and the LS6 454 disappeared from the El Camino lineup. However, the LS5 454 was still available and it delivered a respectable 365 hp and 465 lbs-ft of torque.
By 1972 GM mandated that all their engines report net horsepower ratings resulting from testing that included accessories and emission controls hooked up. As a result, the horsepower rating for the ’72 El Camino’s LS5 454 was 270 hp (with 390 lbs-ft of torque). Although an El Camino with Super Sport equipment could be ordered with any V8 engine in 1972, the 454 El Camino was available only in Super Sport trim mode that year.
The following fourth generation El Camino (1973-1977) was redesigned and the cars got longer, heavier and had less power. By 1975, the last year a big-block was offered in the El Camino, the 454 fell to 215 hp and the party was over, as all El Caminos to follow would offer ever-decreasing amounts of horsepower under the hood. In comparison, the third generation El Caminos represented the high point of the model in terms of both styling and power from 1968 to 1972, and that’s why OPGI chose this big-block equipped 1972 model in SS trim as the perfect candidate for restoration.
After acquiring the basic car in fair but complete condition, OPGI sent it to JH Restorations in Riverside, California (along with a bunch of new parts from OPGI) for a full frame-off restoration job. JH Restorations was also tasked with rebuilding the 454 ci powerplant and installing a fresh THM 400 transmission behind it. The entire interior was completely refurbished (with OPGI parts) in black and new bucket seats as well as a new center console were added. All the exterior bright trim including the bumpers were replaced with new OPGI items and new glass from JR Glass was fitted all the way around. Doug Starbuck at Starside Design performed all of the body work and finished up the job by spraying the El Camino in Placer Gold with Black SS Stripes laid on top. The final result is a time-machine El Camino that is probably in better shape than when it left the factory back in 1972.
The restoration work turned out so well that OPGI chose the ‘72 El Camino SS to be part of the company’s display at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The El Camino SS was very well received at the SEMA Show and following that presentation, it was returned to OPGI headquarters in Seal Beach, California where it is on display today. For more information on OPGI’s ’72 El Camino SS or any of the parts and accessories used on it, visit OPGI.com or call toll free: 1-800-243-8355.
