1972 marked the end of the second generation of the Chevrolet Chevelle. Little was changed visually, save for an updated grille and new front parking lights to echo the removal of the split-bar grille.

Trims offered were the base Chevelle and uprated Malibu. Body styles offered included sport coupe, sport sedan, four-door sedan, and convertible. The El Camino pickup was also still based on the Chevelle, and there were four wagon styles offered – Nomad, Greenbirer, Concours and Concours Estate.

Starting in 1971, GM reported both net and gross horsepower output. For ’72, power was ratings were lowered to reflect only the net output. The base engine offered was a six-cylinder unit making 110 horsepower. A 307 cu in V-8 making 130 hp was offered as well as a pair of 350 cid V-8s, making 165 hp and 175 hp, respectively.

The SS was still offered, and could be had with a 350 or a 402 V-8. The range-topping engine was still the SS 454, but it was now rated at only 270 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.

Buyers who opted for either SS trim could also get the ZL2 package, which included the cowl induction hood, wide racing stripes, and stand-out hood pins.

The Heavy Chevy package continued on from a 1971 debut, and featured unique graphics and upgraded suspension components. It was available on any V-8 model but the SS 454. An estimated 701,000 1972 Chevrolet Chevelles were produced.