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1973 GMC Sprint SP 454: The Other El Camino

gmcsprinter

When I came across this 1973 GMC Sprint here on eBay with a starting bid of $10,000, I had to check the calendar to make sure it wasn’t April 1st. No, I’m not talking about the price tag – I thought for sure this was a case of El Camino identity theft. But in reality, GMC did produce its own version of the famous truckster complete with a 454 Turbo-Jet big block in the SP package (again, GMC’s version of the SS package from Chevrolet). According to the seller, this configuration is 1 of 71 ever made and with very low mileage below 40,000, I’m beginning to wonder if the asking price isn’t so crazy. The ’73 models were pre-catalytic converters, so you might even get to enjoy the extra power of the 454. If I were the seller, I’d find that one missing center cap to make this example as complete as possible. Although it’s a rare version of a mass-produced car, is it special enough to support the asking price? What do you think?

Comments

  1. Avatar photo Mark E

    If you want RARE, I’d try to find a Caballero Diablo. I remember seeing one ONCE, when it was brand new…

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  2. Avatar photo Charles

    That green is tough on the eyes, however the vehicle is cool regardless of the color. I can see it bringing a high price. Take it to your local show and you will have the only one there.

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  3. Avatar photo geomechs Member

    While I’ve never been a big fan of this style of car/truck this one appeals to me. I do agree with Charles in that the green color isn’t very attractive. I could still drive it and enjoy it immensely.

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  4. Avatar photo Rocco

    I’m a Ford guy, and I’d drive it. BUT, I haven’t got $10K to start bidding.
    No cats, no HEI ignition, no problem. I still have my flexible GM points adjuster tool.
    I like those special editions. Especially when it’s big HP(365HP), and all that torque.
    As Tim the Tool Man Taylor would say: Ohg,Ohg,Ohg!

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  5. Avatar photo That Guy

    Not being an El Camino expert I can only guess if this is a realistic price, but my car-guy genes say it’s not out of line. It’s a rare, high(ish) powered variant, in what seems to be really clean, honest, original condition. I’m sure it’s not as sought-after as, say, a 1970 SS, but I have to think there is a buyer out there for this truck at this price.

    My brother-in-law actually had a 454 El Camino when he and my sister were dating back in the 80’s. I don’t recall exactly which year it was; could have been anywhere from 73 to 75. Not an SS, but it was a 4-speed, and was a pretty damn fast truck for the day.

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  6. Avatar photo jim s

    it looks to be all there and ready to drive. a/c works!! new enough for shoulder belts so you can mount a child seat. should be easy for it to keep up with todays highway speeds. no reserve auction with over 6 days to go. this could make someone a nice daily driver car/light duty truck/tow vehicle/weekend drag car. great find

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  7. Avatar photo pontiactivist

    I saw one of these in red 25+ years ago. Was a 4 speed iirc. I actually like this color too. Have never been a green fan but after restoring my buddies old 71 gs455 conv in citrus green with white int & top a couple years ago I love the way this green sparkles in the sun. Also cant imagine that there was two in this color combo out if 71 built.

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    • Avatar photo jeb

      I have the same car ,color an all . Mine is a 74 one of 66 swivel buckets ,454 sprint sp , has only 225 hp thanx to emiissions. That green was around for years remember the gmc pickups ,many were that color.it may be a dumbed down big block but that can be remedied. Jay leno had a 73 on his webpage for a while. Too cool thnx

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  8. Avatar photo pontiactivist

    Also for the oddity factor of these el camino ranchero car trucks. I remember a couple years ago at the pontiac nationals in norwalk ohio someone gad an 65 acadian elcamino.

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  9. Avatar photo Woodie Man

    Talk about a seventies malaise mobile…….holy criminies! While admittedly in very nice condition these were beasts….and it has a slushbox. now find a ’65 El Camino with a 4 speed and you’re talking

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  10. Avatar photo pontiactivist

    I had a 65 el camino. 327 4 speed in high school. Wish I still had it.

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  11. Avatar photo Chebby

    The engine looks original but I’ve never heard of anything past 1970 making this kind of horsepower. Is this because as a GMC it’s classified as a truck, not a passenger car?

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  12. Avatar photo Jasper

    My favorite era of El Camino and a truly ideal example. Tubine I poly cast wheels and those great ’73 GM metallics.

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  13. Avatar photo Bobsmyuncle

    Great find!

    Pretty cool car, and personally I love the colour combo.

    This one is in that perfect condition that driving it and even throwing some junk in the back wouldn’t make you squirm uncomfortably.

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  14. Avatar photo Blindmarc

    This is the real deal for a GM fan a good friend of mine had a 73′ elco,And his wife had a 70′ Sprint. This is a very rare truck. Still at 10k

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  15. Avatar photo H. R. Wood

    Had a 74 Spirit of American like that, White, had red and blue stripes bought it new. sure wish I had it and many of the better than one thousand other muscle cars I have owned in the past fifty years.

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  16. Avatar photo Blindmarc

    1hour to go and still no bidders

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  17. Avatar photo Blindmarc

    Reposted. Wish I could afford more than a pot to pee in.

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  18. Avatar photo Eric Weaver

    did this ever sell?? I have the same car but not mint like this

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