How many 1972 Impalas were made?
There isn't a single official tally for "1972 Impalas" because the Impala name was used across multiple body styles in Chevrolet's 1972 full-size lineup, and production numbers are reported by body style or trim rather than a single total.
Context and how the numbers are reported
In 1972, the Impala nameplate appeared on several full-size Chevrolet models within the Caprice family; counts are typically published by body style and trim level. This means that a simple year-only tally for "1972 Impalas" doesn't exist in a universally accepted form, and sources may differ based on whether they group Impala with Caprice or count only units with the Impala badge. What follows outlines the standard way numbers are organized and how to verify them.
The 1972 Impala lineup and production by body style
The following body styles were commonly associated with the Impala in the 1972 lineup. Production tallies are usually broken out by these configurations rather than presented as a single "1972 Impala" total.
- Two-door Impala variants (including sport coupe configurations)
- Four‑door Impala variants (sedans and sport sedans)
- Caprice/Impala combinations that were marketed under the full-size lineup
Because production data is typically reported by body style and trim level, there is no simple, widely published total for "1972 Impalas" alone. The exact counts depend on the source and the way the records were tabulated.
Where to find exact figures
To obtain a precise figure, researchers typically consult archival production data from General Motors and reputable automotive reference works. The process generally involves cross-referencing factory records with cataloged model-year entries to isolate vehicles that carried the Impala designation in 1972.
- GM Heritage Center or GM corporate archives for year-by-model production by body style and trim.
- The Standard Catalog of American Cars (editions covering 1903-2022) by Kraus, Lamm, and others, which aggregates production numbers by year and model line for major manufacturers.
- Hemmings Motor News and other authoritative automotive reference works that compile and cross-check production figures from original factory data.
Keep in mind that even among reputable sources, the figures are not always identical, because some counts include or exclude certain variants (such as Caprice-badged cars within the same full-size family). For a definitive figure, primary source verification from GM's archival records is typically required.
What this means for collectors and researchers
For enthusiasts and collectors, the nuance matters. A "1972 Impala" on a listing could refer to different body styles and trims, and exact production figures can vary by source. When evaluating a car's provenance, VIN details and factory build sheets often provide the definitive configuration rather than a year-end tally.
Summary
The number of 1972 Impalas produced is not captured by a single, universally published figure. The Impala name appeared across multiple body styles within Chevrolet's 1972 full-size lineup, and production counts are typically broken out by body style and trim. For an exact total, consult primary GM archival data and catalog references that compile factory figures.
In short: the precise count requires looking at the specific body styles and trims rather than a standalone year-only total.
