A Guide to 1972 Cars
From a beloved station wagon to a lightning-fast racer, these are the best classic cars from 1972.
While the
Volkswagen Beetle
topped the charts as 1972’s best-seller, the Ford Bronco
and Chevrolet Corvette
were smashing successes in other categories. The early 1970s saw a few worthy hits that have stood the test of time, many of which remain among the greatest classics money can buy today.
Here to guide you through the chart-toppers of 1972 is
Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison super app
. We’ll cover that year’s best from each genre—from SUVs and sports cars to family cars and pickup trucks. RECOMMENDED
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The best cars of 1972
1972 was a solid year in the automotive world, but these models stood out from the pack to solidify their place in car history.
The best car of 1972: Volkswagen Beetle
Average market price: $14,500
Powertrain: 1.6 L flat-four engine with four-speed manual transmission
What makes it special:
As the best-selling car of 1972, the
Volkswagen Beetle
was a beloved classic—and it still is. Despite its funky handling and low horsepower (60 hp), the 1972 model was an upgrade from previous models thanks to a new steering column. The standard Beetle came equipped with a dual-braking system, two-speed windshield wipers, afour-wheel independent suspension, and a flow-through ventilation system. Upgrading to the limited-edition Baja Bug added a leather-wrapped steering wheel, side stripes, stylish exhaust pipes, and alloy wheels. With an average of 21 combined mpg, this VW Beetle is not a bad vintage purchase.
The best luxury car of 1972: Porsche 911 S 2.4 Coupe
Average market price: $175,869
Powertrain: 2.2-liter flat six-cylinder with five-speed automatic transmission
What makes it special:
The 1972
Porsche 911
was known for being an upscale (and successful) race and rally car. The vehicle's 1970s models upgraded the engine to a 2.2-liter, increasing the car's capability and competitiveness on the tracks. The 911 S 2.4 managed a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds, making it the fastest car of the year.The 911 S 2.4 was a huge hit in both America and Europe. The 1972 version is one of the most iconic Porsche models ever made.
The best SUV of 1972: Ford Bronco
Average market price: up to $70,018
Powertrain: 2.8 L V8 with three-speed manual transmission
What makes it special:
The
Bronco
is one of the most beloved Ford
vehicles of all time due to its rakish ruggedness and gritty capability, and the 1972 model is an iconic classic. The first-generation Bronco made waves in the industry, bridging the gap between dedicated adventurers and drivers more comfortable on the pavement. The interior kept things simple with front bucket seats, rear bench seats, and only the most basic instrumentation. The 1972 model is a perfect example of why the Bronco has remained so successful throughout the years.
The best luxury SUV of 1972: Range Rover Classic
Average market price: $46,900
Powertrain: 3.5 L V8 engine with four-speed manual transmission
What makes it special:
Decades before popular luxury brands made SUVs for the American market,
Land Rover
was dominating the European auto world. The 1972 Range Rover
came with full-time four-wheel drive, leather upholstery, a towing capacity of 3.5 tons, and a top speed of 100 mph. This quintessentially British SUV could handle itself with class on and off the road, solidifying its all-around capability. Range Rovers didn’t make it to the U.S. until the late 1980s, but you can import a vintage Range Rover from overseas if it’s older than 25 years old.
The best family car of 1972: Ford Country Squire
Average market range: $6,700–$18,120
Powertrain: 4.9 L V8 with three-speed manual transmission
What makes it special:
In the station wagon's glory days, the Ford Country Squire reigned supreme for its spaciousness, utility, and reliability. The seventh generation of the Country Squire got a completely refreshed design—but it kept the signature wood grain paneling. Despite Ford dropping the gross horsepower from 365 hp to 212 hp for this model, the Country Squire was still the best-selling station wagon of 1972.
With room for six to 10 passengers (depending on the configuration), the Country Squire features either a rear-facing row of seats or a pair of side-facing seats for four. The Country Squire was produced from 1950 to 1991, when the
Ford Windstar
minivan took over. RECOMMENDED
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The best sports car of 1972: Chevrolet Corvette C3
Average market price: $25,000–$67,000 depending on condition
Powertrain: 5.0 L LG4 V8 engine with three-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission
What makes it special:
1972 was an objectively underwhelming year for the ever-popular ‘Vette, but the model still upheld its reputation as the fiercest, most coveted sports car. The 1972 C3 marked the end of an era as the third generation came to a close. This
Corvette
was the final model to have both front and rear chrome bumpers, an egg-crate grille, side-fender grilles, and a removable back window. It also came with less engine power than in previous years, and it had fewer engine options than previous models. Still, it's a classic sports car worth looking at.
The best truck of 1972: Chevrolet C/K
Average market price: $27,200
Powertrain: 4.1 L inline six-cylinder engine with three-speed manual transmission
What makes it special:
The 1972
Chevrolet
C/K marked the final model of the truck’s second generation, designated the “Action Line” by GM. While the C/K was created for utility purposes like farming, the Action Line added optional features like AM/FM radio, carpet, and automatic transmissions. While the C/K Action Line ended with this year's model, this generation served as the basis for many modern SUVs.What cars came out in 1972?
The early 1970s witnessed the final chapter for some classic models, the continuation of others, and the beginnings of some all-time favorites, like the
Honda Civic
. Look over the table below to see what new cars were brought forth in 1972.Model | Vehicle type | Engine | Average market range |
|---|---|---|---|
BMW 5 Series (E12) | Sedan or wagon | Inline four | $23,425 |
Pick-up truck | V8 | $21,900 | |
Sedan | Inline four | $17,701 | |
Coupe | V8 | $10,600 | |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W116) | Sedan | Inline six | $22,378 |
How to save money on used car insurance
It’s generally cheaper to
insure used cars
over new ones—and that goes for classic cars, too! Most folks don’t use their classic cars as daily drivers, and lower mileage leads to lower rates. In this case, you may even drop full coverage
completely for your classic car. Whether you’re browsing for coverage for your 1972 vintage model or need a new policy for a more current set of wheels, you can always count on
Jerry
to find you the most affordable car insurance. It’s easier than you think—just download the No. 1 rated insurance app, fill in your information, and get your top rates in just 45 seconds. You could sign up for a new policy within minutes, saving you an average of $800 each year on car insurance.
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