1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo | Chevy Monte Carlo

1972 Monte Carlo

Posted on 08. Nov, 2009 by admin in First Generation

The 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo saw a few noteworthy changes cosmetically from the previous year, but remained largely the same. The egg crate style grille, which was very similar to that of a Cadillac, was the most noticeable change cosmetically to the 1972 Monte Carlo. Actually, this was a very similar version of what was found on the Chevrolet Caprice in 1971. Also, the metal rear trim molding was different, highlighting the final year of the first generation Monte Carlo.

1972 Monte Carlo

In 1972 the Monte Carlo SS was dropped. However, there was a new custom option available this year only, which included a lot of special additions that were only available on the SS option. But the difference was that, while the SS only shipped with certain engines, this new custom option could be shipped with any engine you desired that was listed on the order roster.

1972 Monte Carlo

Due to the SAE net horsepower ratings, the engines seemed to take a decrease in rated power. This was the first year that Chevrolet did not even list gross HP ratings for their Monte Carlo… they simply stuck with the SAE ratings. As far as what they were rated, the available engines were listed as follows… the 350 two barrel was listed at 165 HP, the 350 four barrel was shown to pull 175 HP, the 402 four barrel boasted 240 HP, and the 454 four barrel showed a whopping 270 horses under the hood.

Because California had passed additional emissions standards that were a lot more strict, the only engine available for the Monte Carlo that was allowed in California was the four barreled 350. Also, the only transmission shipped in California was the Turbo Hydramatic. 1972 saw the four speed manual transmission discontinued as an option, with the brochure giving the excuse “Sorry, no four on the floor”. The only transmissions offered with the 1972 Monte Carlo were the standard three speed manual, with the two speed power glide automatic offered as an option, but only with the base 350 two barrel. 1972 also marks the first time that variable ratio power steering became standard on the Monte Carlo.

The 1972 Monte Carlo was a very hot seller for Chevrolet. 180,819 Monte Carlos were produced for this year, which set a new record for Chevrolet for the final year for the first generation of the G-body style.