As with the Chevelle 1972 saw the final cut in performance of the Classic El Camino, the
end of an era is here, this will be the last year the Chevelle will be produced
by GM but the El Camino will live on for another twelve years.
Any V8 El Camino could be ordered with the SS package like the Chevelle,
including the 307 V8. The Super Sport was no longer a badge of distinction.
Because GM changed how engine net ratings would be reported, all engines would
be designated by the net horse power, this did not however change the engine
power. The 350 V8 decreased to 175bhp, the 402 (formally the 396) to 240bph, and
the 454 to 270bhp.
The new philosophy of GM will take its toll, for El Camino performance fans the
end of an exciting era. It would be over twenty years before performance would
once again be king
