1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The 1972 Monte Carlo was popular, with sales increasing significantly to 180,819 to set a new record for the first-generation G-body.

For 1972, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo received a new egg-crate grille similar in design to the one found on the Cadillac and the 1971 Chevrolet Caprice. The parking lamps were relocated from the bumper and were now positioned vertically at the outboard grille segments. 1972 was the final year for the first generation design of the Monte Carlo. The SS was dropped and a new Monte Carlo Custom option became available as a one-year only offering that included a special suspension and other items previously found on the SS option. Unlike the SS package, however, the new package was available with any engine.

The Monte Carlo engines remained mostly unchanged, but an industry-wide switch to SAE net horsepower numbers led to a reduction in the rated power of all Chevrolet engines. Gross horsepower figures were not listed by Chevrolet for the 1972 model year.

Another mechanical change for 1972 was the lack of a four-speed manual transmission. The standard three-speed manual and optional two-speed Powerglide automatic transmissions were offered only with the base 350 CID two-barrel engine. The three-speed Turbo Hydramatic was offered was available on all engines.

A variable-ratio power steering system became standard equipment for the first time. The interior trim remained mostly unchanged from 1971, other than the availability of all-vinyl upholster with the standard bench seat in addition to the optional Strato bucket seats.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012