Here’s all you ever wanted to know and more about Chevrolet’s popular mid-sized entry for 1972, the Chevelle.
The car we know today as the 1972 Chevelle was an accident, sort of. An all-new General Motors A-body intermediate platform was scheduled to arrive for the 1972 model year, but a lengthy strike by the UAW in late 1970 and other hassles pushed back the introduction to MY 1973. So when the ’72 Chevelle appeared on September 23, 1971, it was but a mild update of the ’71 car. However, it doesn’t seem that Chevrolet buyers objected to the carryover model, as the ’72 Chevelle was the second-best selling car in the USA that year.
More than most factory promos, the original Chevrolet dealer film below drills down into the details. There’s an explanation of the rubber mounting bushings for the body-on-frame construction and the drainage strategy for the corrosion restistance system. There’s even a crash test to demonstrate how the SIde Guard Door Beams deflect crash impacts. Finally, there’s a breakdown of the comprehensive model lineup, from the Chevelle Sport Coupe and Sedan to the Chevelle SS and Heavy Chevy. Video follows.
I’m trying to imagine what a “Technicolor cartridge” was . . .
You should Google it. It’s an interesting history of formats that were used to show short films for education and other purposes.
I’m curious about the 1969 Malibu at the 7 minute mark. It’s not an SS but appears to have bucket seats and what looks like a hood mounted tach. Can’t say I’ve ever seen a factory, or dealer, mounted hood tach on any Chevy.
Give me a 72 with SS package, bucket seats, console, either 350 ,396, or 454 with a 4 speed and I’d be very happy! Probably my favorite Chevelle after the 67 SS. Always wanted one, never seemed to happen.