Featured here is a great looking fully restored 1972 Chevy Chevelle SS. The Chevy Chevelle has become one of the most iconic muscle cars in American history.
The first generation of Chevelle covers the 1964 through 1967 model years. The second generation of the Chevelle covered 1968 through 1972 and the third generation was 1973 through 1977.
As collectors’preferences change , there is not one specific model that is considered the most popular Chevelle. With that being said, according to Ausley, the 1970 models are far and away the most desirable Chevelles. One result of this is that the current pricing for the 1970 models is up.
Many Chevelle Models to Choose From
For the 1970 model year the Chevy Chevelle was offered as a two door hardtop, a two door coupe, a two door convertible, a two door sedan, a four door sedan, a four door hardtop, a four door station wagon, and a two door coupe utility. Plenty of Chevrolet Chevelle models to choose from.
1972 Chevy Chevelle Styling
Long hood, short deck, squared body, the Chevelle has been consistently ranked as a top ten muscle car.
The 1972 Chevelles were little changed from the 1971 models with a few exceptions. These included a new grille and new parking lights mounted on the leading edges of the fenders.
Engines and the SS Package
To begin with, lower displayed performance was shown because General Motors required all performance numbers to be reported as net engine ratings. With GM the engine tested had an air cleaner assembly, accessories and exhaust system connected which of course lowered the numbers and probably surprised many buyers. By 1972 the lower net engine ratings were used for all GM produced automobiles.
1970 saw the Chevelle receive impressive engine packages, The SS Package was the only package that the Chevy 454 was available with..The 454 was available for the Chevelle model from 1970 to 1975. The 454 V-8 was offered in various configurations over the years. The ranges were anywhere from the standard 1970 454 option LS-5, rated at 454 HP ,to the lower horsepower emission regulated 454 of 1974 with only 235 HP.,
The 454 likewise was available on the Chevrolet Monte Carlo from 1970 to 1975. During the 1960’s and early 1970’s the name of the muscle car game was horsepower and the Chevy 454 was at the top of the list.
The Heavy Chevy Chevelle
Offered during the last half of the 1971 model year and through out the 1972 model year, the Heavy Chevy is a Chevelle sport coupe with a domed hood, hood pins, a unique stripe kit, and a blacked-out front treatment. The Heavy meant “heavy on looks and light on price.” The car it was said was aimed at unmarried buyers under 25 years of age searching for a performance car at an economy car price. The goal was to have a lower priced performance that was relatively inexpensive to insure.
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Specifications
Based around the Chevelle sport coupe, the car featured a base 307 cubic inch V-8 with a unique grille and a domed hood with lock pins. Any other V-8 could be substituted, other than the 454 cubic inch engine, which exclusively served Malibu’s with the SS package.
Transmission choices were a three and four speed manual and a three speed Hydra-Matic automatic.
Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drums.
Dimensions included a 112.0 inch wheelbase, overall outside length 198.0 inches, 76.0 inch width and 52.3 inch height.
Additional related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below…
Reference material for this article includes…The Complete Book of Classic Chevrolet Muscle Cars: 1955-1974 by Mike Mueller…COPO Camaro, Chevelle & Nova: Chevrolet’s Ultimate Muscle Cars by Matt Avery.
1972 Chevy Chevelle Collector Car
All Chevrolet Chevelles from the late 1960’s through the early 1970’s are popular collector cars. The Chevelle offered both great styling and powerful engines. The second generation Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic American Muscle Car.
Current asking prices for 1972 Chevelle SS Hardtops in excellent condition appear to fall in a range of $35,000 to $50,000.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)