How many 1972 Chevelle SS were made?
The production of 1972 Chevelle SS models is not captured by a single, publicly published figure. Most credible estimates place the high-performance SS 454 variant in the low thousands, while totals for all SS variants varied by engine and body style and are not standardized across sources.
Context: what "SS" meant in 1972
In 1972, the Chevelle line offered the Super Sport (SS) package on several engines, with the standout being the 454 cubic-inch V8. The SS badge signified a performance-oriented package with upgraded styling and equipment, rather than a single distinct model. Because GM tracked production by engine code and option packages, public numbers differ by source, and there is no universally accepted total for all SS variants in that year.
Key Chevelle SS variants in 1972
The 1972 Chevelle SS lineup encompassed multiple engine choices, each with its own production footprint. The most historically significant and collectible variant today is the SS 454, but other SS trim levels were offered as well.
- SS 350 — the lower-displacement option within the SS package.
- SS 396 — a higher-performance option using the 396 cubic-inch V8.
- SS 454 — the top-tier performance model with the 454 cubic-inch V8 and the strongest performance credentials of the year.
Numbers for each variant are discussed in registries and historical records, but there is no single public tally that cleanly breaks out every SS variant for 1972.
How to verify exact production numbers
To obtain a more precise figure, researchers typically consult a combination of official records and enthusiast registries. The following avenues are commonly used:
- GM Heritage Center production sheets and order documentation for the 1972 Chevelle SS by engine code.
- National Chevelle Registry and other collector registries that compile completed-build data, VINs, and option codes.
- VIN decoding guides and published build sheets from dealers or restoration databases that capture original equipment and production runs.
Accessing these sources can yield more granular counts, especially when filtering for specific engines (e.g., 454) or body styles, but even then totals may vary by documentation completeness and interpretation.
Summary
For the 1972 Chevelle SS, there is no single, universally agreed-upon total for all SS variants. The high-performance SS 454 is commonly cited as being produced in the low thousands, while exact counts for SS variants overall depend on the data source and counting method. Enthusiasts often rely on GM heritage records and dedicated registries to piece together precise figures for specific engine codes and configurations. If you need an exact number for a particular car or configuration, consult GM’s historical records or a reputable Chevelle registry with complete build data.
What is the most sought after Chevelle SS?
“The 363 or 454 cars from 1970 are the best to buy in terms of value,” he says. “In the second generation, the '69 and '71 years are the next most sought after. The '72s are probably at the bottom of the list, along with '68, which makes those the ones to target if you're on a tighter budget.”
What is the value of a 1972 Chevelle SS?
The value of a 1972 Chevelle SS varies, but averages around $58,372, with high-end examples potentially reaching over $109,000 and low-end examples starting around $20,995. The specific price depends on factors like condition, engine, and body style. For example, a 1972 SS 2dr Convertible in excellent condition can be valued at around $72,800, notes Hagerty.
Factors influencing value
- Condition: A vehicle's overall condition is a primary factor. A car in excellent condition will be worth significantly more than one in poor condition.
- Engine: The engine type and specifications impact value. For instance, convertibles with a 402cid/240hp LS3 engine are valued differently than those with a 350cid/165hp L65 engine.
- Body Style: Convertibles are often more valuable than coupes.
- Originality: The presence of original parts and features can increase a car's worth.
- Market Demand: While the '72 is generally considered a good value option, market demand for specific configurations can fluctuate.
How many SS Chevelles were made?
The Super Sport (SS396 sport coupe, convertible, and El Camino pickup) became a series on its own. Chevrolet produced 60,499 SS 396 sport coupes, 2,286 convertibles, and 5,190 El Caminos; 1968 was the only year the El Camino body style would get its own SS396 series designation (13880).
How do you tell if a 1972 Chevelle is a true SS?
To tell if a 1972 Chevelle is a true SS, look for the correct engine (LS5), specific SS badges, and the blacked-out grille. While visual cues are helpful, the most definitive way is to find original documentation, such as the build sheet, original billing documents, or a cowl tag with the correct RPO code if the car was built in Oshawa, Ontario. The VIN alone is not enough because all 1972 models share a similar VIN prefix.
Physical inspection
This video demonstrates how to identify a true SS Chevelle by checking its VIN, emblems, and other features: 59sStudio HotrodsYouTube · Oct 26, 2024
- Engine: Look for a 454ci (LS5) engine, which was the top engine option for the 1972 SS, though other big-blocks like the 396 could also be found in SS models.
- Exterior: Check for the SS emblems on the grille, fenders, and rear. Authentic 1972 SS models typically have a blacked-out grille and may have a cowl induction hood.
- Interior: The SS package included specific interior features like a round-gauge dash (if optioned) and sometimes bucket seats with headrests.
Documentation
- Build Sheet: The build sheet is the most definitive proof and lists the original RPO (Regular Production Option) codes, including the Z15 SS package.
- VIN: While the VIN isn't specific enough on its own, ensure the VIN on the dash, door jamb, and all documentation matches. For a 1972, the VIN will start with "136," as the separate model designation was dropped after 1968.
- Cowl Tag: Check the cowl tag on the firewall for information like the paint color, interior trim, and other codes. If the car was built in Oshawa, Ontario, the cowl tag might have the SS RPO code directly on it.
Potential red flags
- Misleading badges: Many Chevelles have had SS badges added later, so don't rely on them alone.
- Lack of paperwork: The absence of original documentation like the build sheet makes it harder to verify authenticity, though other physical evidence can be compelling.
