1972 Camaro Specifications

1972 was the year the Chevy Camaro almost kicked the bucket. Strikes at Norwood, the economy, and the new insurance laws had GM considering the possibility of dropping the model.

It is estimated that 39,000 Camaros and Firebirds never made it off the assembly line, worth over $100 Million to dealers. Diehard fans and an outpouring of popular feedback regarding the Camaro helped keep production alive in 1972. The 1972 Camaro SS was coming to an end as well.

1972 Spotters Guide and New Features

Put 1972 in a trash can and bury it. Chevy continued to refine the Camaro but due to a 174-day strike beginning on April 7, no cars left Norwood Ohio, which was the only plant producing the F-body. When the strike ended, 1100 partially completed cars were scrapped or donated to vocational schools since it would be too expensive to modify them to conform to stricter ’73 bumper & emission regulations.

The Nova line was moved from Norwood to protect it from future “labor problems”. The position of the F-body was precarious with serious talk about axing the whole model, shutting down the Norwood plant, and writing it off.

Pony car sales were down, the Federal (emissions & safety) boot was coming down, the price of gas was up, insurance was up, the SS was zapped. IT WAS DUE TO PEOPLE LIKE US – powerful owner loyalty groups which helped sway GM to keep producing the F-body. If it came down to business economics, the Camaro/Firebird would have died in 1972.

New features in 1972:

Coarser grille mesh.

• RPO Z21 NOT INCLUDED with Z22 (notice price drop on Z22 option)
• 3-point shoulder harness debuted in mid-year
• Door panels restyled, include map pockets & change holder
• Speedometer reads 130 MPH max, down from 150 MPH
• Hurst Shifter no longer used
• Last year for the SuperSport Model
• Last year for a Big Block engine
• First-year the specific engine type is coded into VIN

Click here for Second Generation Camaro Spotters Guide & Summary of Yearly Changes

1972 Camaro OEM Brochure

1972 Camaro Information

Engine Options

• 250 cubic inch 110 horsepower 6-cylinder (Base L6)
• 307 cubic inch 130 horsepower V8 (Base V8, not available in CA)
• L65 – 350 cubic inches 165 horsepower V8 (Base for CA)
• L48 – 350 cubic inches 200 horsepower V8 (optional)
• Z28 – 350 cubic inches 255 horsepower V8 (Z28 only)
• LS3 – 396 cubic inches 240 horsepower V8 (SS only)

1972 Camaro Production:

• 4,821 6-cyl
• 63,830 V8
• 68,651 total

Dealer Introduction: 9/23/71

Vehicle Identification Example: 1Q87H2N10001

• First digit is GM Division: 1 = Chevrolet
• Second digit is model level: Q = Camaro (all models)
• Digits 3&4 are Body Type: 87 = 2dr. Coupe
• Fifth digit is engine code:
  • D = 250ci
  • F = 307ci
  • H = 350ci
  • K = 350ci, ss
  • L = 350ci, z *
  • U = 396ci, ss
• Sixth digit is model year: 2 = 1972
• Seventh digit is N for Norwood assembly.
• Last six digits increased one with each car built at Norwood, sequence started at 100001

Note: The correct 1972 Z28 VIN engine code is “L”. The Camaro White book, “Camaro Recognition Guide” (Hooper) & “Camaro ID Numbers” (Cars & Parts) incorrectly list the VIN on a Z28 as being “T”. “T” usage in VIN as Z28 engine code began in 1973.

Dimensions:

• Length: 188.0″
• Height: 50.5″
• Width: 74.4″
• Wheelbase: 108.0″

Curb Weight: (in pounds)

• 12387 – 3213
• 12487 – 3340

1972 Ending VIN by Month:

• Norwood:
  • Aug – 103511
  • Sep – 116358
  • Oct – 129265
  • Nov – 141851
  • Dec – 152533
  • Jan – 158652
  • Feb – 160185
  • Mar – 167139
  • Apr – 168650
• Van Nuys:
  • No Camaros built here in 1972