You could still get a Chevelle SS 396 in 1972, but the engine was actually 402 cubic inches, and the horsepower rating was just 240 for an LS3. That’s because the industry changed its output ratings to SAE net measurements (it was 300 the year before). This beautiful example is a real deal SS and has the paperwork to back it up. The seller believes this car has received a frame-off restoration, though that can’t be verified. Located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, this Mohave Gold hot rod is available here on eBay for $72,495 (offers will be entertained).
About 25,000 Chevelles and El Caminos had the SS option in 1972, down from 50,000 in 1970. That was a clear indication of how the muscle car movement had paled since the market became saturated and the insurance companies had raised prices. The LS3 “396” was the starting point, though the 454 monster was still offered (it, too, was feeling the effects of SAE net and some detuning). The 1972 model year was the last before the A-bodies were redesigned, taking on the all-new Colonnade appearance that eliminated true hardtops.
The seller’s car is practically showworthy, with the seller only giving the paint a couple of dings (9.6 on a scale of 10). He/she believes the car was restored, since it has 95,000 miles, but the when and how are unknown, although the original paperwork has survived. It’s a 4-speed Chevelle with factory air conditioning, which still blows cold. All the numbers match, so this car seems to be unmolested.
According to the seller, the car’s mechanicals get a “10,” as does the interior. You’d have to look hard to find the trivial things that caused the seller to reduce the body/paint rating by 4%. The tires are newer and have 80% of their tread life left. The seller has videos to offer, but you’ll have to contact him/her to access them. If you’re looking for a top-flight SS, this Chevy should be on your checklist – unless the asking price is outside your budget. Thanks for the tip, Curvette!
Nice color! But isn’t this price more in line with a 454?
In 1972, the 396 (402) could be had without the SS package. The 454 could only be had with the SS package. The car looks nice, but the price is a bit high for a 1972 car.
Classic Chevy Chevelle setup the 396, 4sp 🏁
Top flight? No, super nice, yes.
The Mohave Gold was a great color. Much better gold!
Agree with above comments, I’ll take the 442 listed today way before this average looking Chevelle.
I am a free market guy and I thus don’t like complaining about prices of stuff. This is 72 grand because somebody is ultimately going to pay that or close to it. But I have to point out that nobody but a well heeled nostalgic person is going to pay this much for this kind of car.
When those persons die off, there is going to be a major value adjustment. Just a word from the wise to anybody who’s looking at these as a potential fun long term investment strategy.
“This is 72 grand because somebody is ultimately going to pay that or close to it.” – doubtful. More likely it will sit at this price until it goes into a forced liquidation sale.
Your statement that “there is going to be a major value adjustment” is far more realistic. What’s more, the nice Tier II cars like this are exactly where there is the most helium in the prices.
Many of these Tier II cars are now listing in the $50K to $100K asking price range. The owners are looking at the Tier I stuff and assume that the Tier II stuff should be riding up the same price curve.
In reality, Tier I and Tier II cars are in completely different markets, with very different buyers who have very different motivations for owning them. Tier II cars are nice drivers, not trailer queens. The buyers are practical and knowledgeable. They are not the multi-millionaire contractors wearing bidder lanyards at Mecum auctions playing big-boy ballgames with bottomless budgets for Hemi-‘cuda convertibles.
Many of these Tier II cars have never, ever traded at these asking prices and likely never will. A lot of the owners are into them for far less money, maybe like $20K, 20 years ago. They are just praying to god for a payday and hoping there is a pool of fools that are still out there.
The people who can afford these prices and might want the cars are no longer in acquisition mode. Many of them are also sellers. The only thing they are interested in these days are fire sale, well-maintained bargains to play with for a while and then flip for their purchase price.
I think it’s invitable. I don’t wish it to happen, but logic doesn’t lead you to any other conclusion. I was one generation removed from the baby boomers, and they always managed to keep these out of the financial reach of younger people, except for a very brief period from the mid-1970s until maybe 1984 or so, when values started to climb rapidly, and never really looked back.
Because of this, most Gen Xers and Millennial car guys never had the opportunity to form a bond with these, and Gen Z simply isn’t into cars on the whole.
Of course, there are exceptions, and I understand that, but that’s not going to be enough to propel the hobby like it used to.
$72K and change for a 396 ’72, nice car but way too much for what it is.
Notice that the left quarter panel is touching the bumper and the right is not. Poorly attached replacement would be my guess. I’ve been down this road, and once was enough. Pretty car, don’t look too close.
Good eye their. It still is a nice Chevelle but price is too high and would need a good inspection. Pictures of exhaust have surface rust which for this price should bee clean being a Chevelle owner myself.
good colors with docs but this price is what the 454 option brings.396 is about 1/2 give or take. missing the matching wheel spare tire too. not a fast seller at the ask $