The best-selling U.S. car in 1972 was the Impala, with Chevrolet finding homes for nearly 600,000 units of this one-year model alone. With so many produced, I’m surprised how long it’s been since I last saw one on the road, and some likely didn’t survive, as family cars were often considered more disposable back then. This 1972 Chevrolet Impala here on Craigslist is described by the seller as remaining in unbelievable condition, and he seems to be on the right track, as it’s been in Arizona since new and is stated to be rust-free. Currently located in Flagstaff, the owner says his $16,000 price is non-negotiable. We’d like to thank Barn Finds reader Zappenduster for finding this one and bringing it to our attention!
This Chevy is said to be an estate find and comes with extensive maintenance records. Remaining in a climate so friendly to sheet metal for all these decades has done wonders for the body here, with the seller confirming that the exterior is free of any signs of corrosion. It also appears straight, with no past accidents reported, and always being kept in a garage when not in use has helped preserve the exterior far better than most vehicles now past their golden anniversary. The paint isn’t quite perfect, as there is some light fading in a few areas, but it’s minor enough that I probably wouldn’t even consider giving this one a respray anytime soon.
Under the hood is a 400 V8 with exactly 104,475 miles. The seller says the engine has never required any major mechanical work and currently needs nothing, so if it’s been properly cared for, there may be plenty of life left for the next owner to enjoy. Things in the bay look much as they would have back in ’72, including the A/C compressor still intact, and I appreciate that it’s being presented honestly, without extensive cleanup or varnish applied to the hoses. The automatic transmission has also received a clean bill of health.
Although the interior is sort of basic, there’s little to find fault with inside, and those plastic seat covers have certainly helped preserve the fabric underneath beautifully. I can easily understand the seller’s optimism in describing this one as a potential show car or even a museum piece, but I’m also speculating that most enthusiasts would prefer a 2-door model, so the sedan status might thin the pool of prospective buyers somewhat. Still, this is a very nice example, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it eventually commands near the asking price. Given the excellent condition, how much would you be willing to pay for this 1972 Chevrolet Impala?
It didn’t cost that much new!!! (!!) (crickets) Just kidding, of course.
Nice one, Mike and Zappenduster! My dad had a couple of these as company cars in dark green, and they seemed giant compared to the previous generation Chevy company cars. He always got Bel Airs, until they started giving him Pintos after the gas crisis in the early ’70s, and finally, a Le Car.
” . . . and finally, a Le Car.”
Oy.
Scotty, you gotta tell us what company your dad worked for. What a journey: Bel Air–Pinto–Le Car – mon dieu!
If $16k is non-negotiable, he’s gonna have this car for a long time.
Probably hoping to thwart off the Demolition Derby crowd
$1600 at best. Another dreamer.
At $1600.00, please find me a truckload in this condition. Granted $16,000.00 seems a reach, ($6000.00) maybe. But I’ve been buying and selling these in all conditions for the past 47+ years, and any like this one, I’d be all over it at $3,000.00 all day everyday.
Why are the pictures on Craigslist dated 8/22/2016?
Given the inflexibility of the price , maybe that’s how long it’s been for sale?
Wouldn’t turn it down that’s for sure! Checks all the boxes as far as I’m concerned. Big enough for
my family, easy to service, what more could you want. Sure, you’re gonna have to convert the
A/C to R134, but that’s about it.
Kudos to the seller for providing
an honest appraisal of his/her
wares. After so many ads on CL
that tell you little or nothing, this
ad is most refreshing to see. Dunno if he/she will get their price though. With the economy
being what it is, there are a lot of folks like me who can find more
important things to do with $16K.
Last full size car Dad bought was a 1972 Impala like this one except his was white with a blue interior. It was also his first car with automatic transmission, PS,PB & A/C. It was downright luxurious compared to his former rides. My little sister learned how to drive with this one. Unlike me and my brother who learned VIA the ‘66 Chevy Belair with three on the tree and power nothing. My brother drove me and my wife to our wedding in the “Imp” as my sister christened it. This looks like a real nice example but even someone like me who would have a sentimental connection to it wouldn’t pay the seller’s asking price. The statement in their ad that the seller is completely non negotiable is going to turn off most if not all buyers in my estimation. GLWTS but I don’t think that the seller will be getting that lucky.
I love the ’72 Chevy styling. Nice evolution of the ’71. Any of the three two door versions would be my preference but a well preserved sedan is just fine.
My parents bought a brand new 72 Impala from Antony Abraham Chevrolet in Miami. It was a 4 door hardtop. I learned to drive in that car. If you parallel parked that beast you were awarded you DL. If I recall correctly the standard engine in the Impala was the 350 2 barrel. If this is a 400 then that was an option for Impala but I think standard on the Caprice. I could be mistaken, many many brain cells ago.
Ditch the plastic seat covers and enjoy.
Mom’s new car that year. Traded a 66 Belair wagon with only 65,000 miles, also bought new, when Dad was in Vietnam. Hers was gray over black with the 400. Although the hp was down by then, it towed the tandem axle Starcraft travel trailer just fine on family vacations loaded down with 5 kids & a full trunk. 16k though really? C’mon
400s were bored to the water. After 100,000 miles it will need attention. This car will be a pig on gas. 16K is way too much.
nice piece but hot for 16k. not a museum piece either. needs nothing then why is the paint beat? it needs paint. s/b 400 is nice but this is a 6500.00 at best. not a huge crowd for these. it’s neat to me because my pop had the same car but with a 350. i just don’t see the sellers asking # here.
At best 7000.
Probably a scam on Craigslist. I’ve seen a couple personally. They want a deposit and never provide an address to see the fictitious car
Nicest one left? Maybe it’s the lighting or the camera but it doesn’t look that nice to me. Looks a bit neglected actually.