The 1972 model year was almost the last for the Chevy Camaro, plagued by labor issues that resulted in the fewest number of sales by 30% (and 1971 was far from a record). But cooler heads prevailed, and the second-generation Camaro would survive for another nine years. This 1972 rather ordinary Camaro is a 25-year-old barnyard find that’s said to be a Rally Sport but doesn’t have the traditional split front bumpers. Located now in Fresno, California, this running project is available here on craigslist for $9,500 – and is a tip from Tony Prmo.
Second-gen Camaros were an unlucky lot at first. The 1970 models were several months late getting to market due to issues at Fisher Body; then labor issues were factors in 1971 and 1972, so the second three years of the car sold nowhere near as well as the first three. There was talk of the car being canceled for 1973 as demand was off for the genre and muscle cars in general. Fortunately, that did not happen, and the Camaro was a Chevy staple as recently as 2024.
This bumblebee yellow Camaro sat out in a yard for two-and-one-half decades, so the paint faded and the vinyl roof covering (black?) became non-existent. The odometer reads 12,000 miles, but 112,000 is more likely. The all-original car has a 307-cubic-inch small-block V8 with an automatic transmission (Powerglide or TH-350?). Options may have been few, although a console and a “horseshoe” shaped shifter were included. Baby Moon wheel covers are in place now.
The seller says this car is an RS (for Rally Sport) in the header, which would be somewhat rare at 11,364 copies in 1972. But the front clip looks like that of an ordinary Camaro. Where’s the separate right and left front bumpers accompanied by a body-colored frame around the center grille (urethane?)? No cowl tag info is provided to see if RPO Z22 was ordered. Whether or not it’s an RS, it’s still a cool Camaro that probably deserves to be restored.
It’s not a RS, it’s a regular Camaro. $9500 isn’t a terrible price, but I wouldn’t pay it. No P/S or P/B, it’s pretty much a stripped car other than the 307 and auto.
No, it says “very rare”!
So maybe it’s the very rare RS without the split bumpers, extended grill, round front turn signals and other RS only options.
Definitely not a Rally Sport, not a Camero either, but “mistakes” like that are becoming more and more common. The authors of the writeups can question the sellers description without appearing or expanding on what the seller put in the ad, them calling it an RS, isn’t exactly saying it’s a Rally Sport. I’d bet it’s rougher than it looks. Power brakes and power steering are easy to add, doing so won’t break the bank.
Steve R
Camaro. There is no “e” in Camaro.
No according to the ad as the seller wrote it.
Steve R
Now deleted by the author?
The author probably sold it at that price.
Yeah, not too many early 2nd gen Camaros available for under 10K that haven’t mostly disintegrated into the ground.
I kinda like the full front bumper and bow tie moon hub caps.
Plain Jane Camaros are rare these days. I like the look of the baby moon HUB CAPS NOT WHEEL COVERS, the body colored wheels and the white letter tire combo. The description is bogus, but the car appears to be honest. And the price seems fair. (Although a detailed roof inspection would be in order.)
Don’t forget that the Firebirds were in short supply also. I worked in the parts department at a Pontiac store while in college from early 1972 through mid 1975. We had a Trans AM come in on the transport truck leaking oil profusely and making very seriously bad engine noises. It seems, that while on the top of a rail car. Someone emptied a 44 magnum into the top surfaces of the car. Even making holes in the engine block. Normally a vehicle with this amount of damage would be totaled. But once the factory made a deal with the customer. We were told to fix it. (I’m guessing that the customer didn’t want to wait any longer for the car to make it through the order bank again). Pontiac, sent us a short block and the rest we replaced through the parts system. I guarantee that car was better than when it left the assembly line. Pontiac did not quibble over 1cent that was spent on that car. The order was fix it right!
You don’t get much for 9500. If the bones are good it’d be worth it IMO. Not gonna be a cheap project though but could be a nice driver. 307s run good with a little help, even with 8.5-1 compression. Too bad it has a vinyl top, they usually did more harm than good. Good luck to seller and buyer! Hate to see one of these junked if there’s a chance for it.
Someone liked it whether it was an RS or not and scooped it up, ad is gone. Those early 70’s bodies, thru 72, were the last of the Cameros I liked. Plenty of potential with this one to build a clean, simple hot rod if it is still solid underneath.