The 1972 model year was the last for the second-generation A-body Chevelles as the new “Colonnade” design would arrive in 1973. Without a build sheet, it’s still hard today to identify a 1972 Chevelle Super Sport as the real deal or a clone. This one has no engine and comes with no documentation, so we wonder if it’s an earlier tribute or one of the 25,000 SS editions assembled in ‘72. Located in Jonesboro, Georgia, this roller has a 4-speed manual and has been sitting for more than 20 years. It’s available here on eBay for $19,000 OBO.
With the muscle car market on the decline, the SS wasn’t as popular as a few years earlier. Instead of 53,600 Malibu’s being ordered with RPO Z15 (the SS option) like in 1970, production was down by more than half in 1972. About 20% had the 454 cubic inch V8, while all the rest came with either an L65, L48, or LS3 engine (the 396 CI was now 402). The SS also had to compete with the cheaper Heavy Chevy which looked like an SS but without the power.
This Chevy seems to sport Omaha Orange paint, which I don’t recall seeing that many of back in the day. It has blemishes and may not be original, but the black stripes and blacked-out grille are SS trademarks. The black vinyl interior with bucket seats seems to be intact, though we wonder about the buckets as no provision for headrests seems to be there. The car sits on Chevy Rally wheels but with chrome center caps. We don’t know how long ago the engine took flight, but it could be two decades.
Most of the photos show this car in a garage, while others show it in a yard or on a flatbed, so it might be a flipper. The seller also says he/she has other “classics and newer models” for sale, so perhaps there’s a dealer involved in this transaction. Would you attempt to document how this car was built and go in that direction with a restoration or go the restomod route instead?
Would it be a restoration if there’s nothing to document or back up its origins? The temptation is there to clean it up, upgrade the brakes/suspension, drop in a good crate motor with a 6 speed and enjoy driving it.
Starting in 1972 the VIN will tell you which engine it came with, so you can at least confirm if it was a factory big block. The ad tells you very little and not enough to justify anywhere near his asking price.
Steve R
Figured someone in BF would know this. Thank you, Steve R.
I doubt it is a “born as” SS. Bucket seats and console look to be from a 68 (no head rests) and I think there is a color change. I would really look the body over in person.
Yes! also, couldn’t they take the time to paint the console? I’d take a run at this but not for 19K.
Full disclosure, I am a huge fan of the ’70 thru ’72 Chevelles, but the asking price for this one is loony tunes. It is the least desirable of all the 2nd gen models and doesn’t have any supporting documentation. Where’s the beef? The 4 speed helps, but not 20K worth of help. Too bad, because for a decent price somebody could put together a pretty decent hot rod.
IF the VIN was published, which it conveniently isn’t, IF it had a “W” engine code for a 454, then it would have been born an SS, requiring no further documentation. However, at this point of no engine or transmission, it will NEVER be “matching” again and therefore doesn’t really matter if it’s a TRUE SS or not. Lousy pictures of the dash, also. But, if the car isn’t a rust bucket, all one has to do is freshen up the paint / interior and put in your own running gear, and make it your own cruiser.
The “W’ code would guarantee an SS, but the SS could be had with any V8.
Cleary states it has a 4-speed trans!!!!!!!
As an owner of several A Bodies, all except 69, (not a fan of the tail lights), nonetheless, as a roller, with zero proof of it being a true SS, it’s priced too high. $10k would be max. Hard to even judge the whole car, maybe I missed it, but not seeing the SS on the rear bumper. It’s fairly easy to add the fender SS and of course the grille is extremely easy, but, the rear bumper seems to be where a lot of SS knock offs skip. As another reader mentioned, the headrest missing, or someone did a quick vinyl seat covers and didn’t bother finishing the job? The center console is definitely off color and no under carriage photos, sway bar, disc brakes, dash pics horrible too. At this point consider it a tribute for $8-9k and move on.
At this point with no V.I.N. only way to truly know would be a picture to see if it had a sweeper or pods in the dash, also S.S. emblems on the door cards, seats seem off, 6 vertical ribs on the backs, 5 on the fronts.
Nice “Hail Mary” thrown in search of a duma$$….a roller?? This car isn’t worth $20K with a decent 350 engine in it. If restored it’s a different story, but It’s still the least desirable of the SS Chevelle line beginning in 66. After 70, the decline became sharp in SS-ness and power. Even the choked down 454 wouldn’t get outta it’s own way. With the narrowed down snapshot of those molded seats, a 1/3rd shot of the backside, along with all the other non-disclosures, there’s some major hidden issues with this vehicle. This car is less than 100 miles from me and Its been sitting for 20 years for a reason, many of them!
I test Drove a 70 454 4 spd. And had the salesman on the dashboard screaming for me to let off the gas.
If you check the sellers completed listings, it shows he’s accepted offers, twice, neither sale was completed. The first time he listed this car it was for $17,500, for some reason, after one failed transaction he thought it was a good idea to raise the price to $19,000. The one constant, the seller hasn’t changed the description or added more and better pictures.
Steve R
I’m curious as to who was stupid enough to hook the chain to the bumper.
Excellent question, ( although I think that’s the least if this cars problems)
Went to look for feedback and funny there is not any…..says been a member 10yrs ?
The ad sez ended.
He must have gotten sick of being ridiculed!
Has the standard dash with long speedometer. I believe the true SS model came with the round instrument pods and had the option of tach. and gauges.
Picture #12 of the 19 in the eBay ad shows an SS style dash. Not a great picture, but good enough to show it’s an SS dash and not the sweep style that a standard Chevelle Malibu is born with.