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1972 Chevrolet Brookwood: A Station Wagon of Substance

The 1972 Chevrolet Brookwood station wagon stands as a testament to American automotive engineering during an era of change. Born from the Chevrolet division of General Motors, this model was part of a lineage that offered families and businesses alike a blend of utility and comfort. At a time when station wagons were the quintessential family vehicle, the Brookwood was Chevrolet's entry-level offering in a market that was soon to be dominated by minivans and SUVs. Notably, it was one of the last full-size models before the 1973 oil crisis prompted a shift towards smaller, more fuel-efficient cars.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1972 Brookwood was characterized by its robust and straightforward design. It featured a long, sweeping body with pronounced wheel arches and a prominent front grille that echoed the design language of its time. The interior was spacious, with bench seats that could accommodate larger families or fold down to make room for cargo. Materials ranged from durable fabrics to vinyl, reflecting both practicality and the era's aesthetic. Technological features included power steering and brakes, which were advanced for the period. Color options varied widely, with shades like "Sequoia Green" and "Cranberry Red" being popular among buyers. The most iconic body style was the four-door wagon, which offered both functionality and style.

Historical Significance

The Brookwood's design did not revolutionize automotive technology but instead perfected the formula for a reliable family wagon. Its significance lies in its role as a workhorse during a time when station wagons were integral to American life. It set itself apart with its affordability and no-nonsense approach to transportation at a time when other manufacturers were beginning to add luxury features to their wagons.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 1972 Brookwood came equipped with a range of engines, from an inline-six for economy to big-block V8s for more demanding drivers. Performance varied accordingly, with top speeds and acceleration figures that could compete with many sedans of its day. Handling was typical for large wagons; it was stable on straightaways but required care on winding roads. Drivers often praised the smooth ride quality and the V8's rumble as part of the authentic American driving experience.

Ownership Experience

The Brookwood served many roles from daily commuting to vacationing across country roads. It earned a reputation for reliability, though as with any classic car, maintenance is key to preserving its roadworthiness. Parts are generally available due to shared components with other GM models of the era, making repairs manageable for enthusiasts.

Fun Facts

While not known for breaking records or celebrity endorsements, the Brookwood did have its quirks. For instance, some models featured rear-facing third-row seats—a novelty at the time. Criticisms often focused on its size and fuel consumption, which became more pronounced during the oil crisis.

Collector's Information

The market for classic station wagons has grown in recent years, with models like the 1972 Brookwood gaining popularity among collectors who value their practicality and nostalgic appeal. While production numbers were substantial, finding one in pristine condition can be challenging. Estimates suggest that prices can range significantly based on condition, from $10,000 for a well-used example to over $30,000 for a showroom-quality vehicle.

Conclusion

The 1972 Chevrolet Brookwood may not have been revolutionary, but it encapsulated an era where practicality reigned supreme in American automotive culture. Its legacy endures among enthusiasts who appreciate its simplicity and versatility—a true workhorse cloaked in steel and chrome.

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high-BN 1Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high., with 7/16" I.D. Each

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Front coil-spring insulator-BN 110Front coil-spring insulator. Fits '41-'60 Oldsmobile and '50-'83 GM passenger models. 5-3/8 in. OD x 3-3/4 in. ID x 3/4 in. high with 13/16 in. wide bottom flange 1/4" thick, 12 flutes. Each.

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Seat Bumper, for Station Wagons. 1-3/16" high. Each-HF 28-ASeat Bumper, for Station Wagons. 1-3/16" high. Each

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Front Molded Door Seals-LM 16-GFront Molded Door Seals. For 4-door sedan and wagon, with RWD. Each is 138-1/2" long. Pair R&L

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Rear Molded Door Seals. For 4-door wagon only, with RWD-LM 16-G/WRear Molded Door Seals. For 4-door wagon only, with RWD. Each is 127-1/2" long. Pair R&L

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Brake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861-RP 2-EBrake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861. 5" X 2-1/2". Each

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Sun Visor Support Sleeve. Clear plastic. Each-RP 303-ASun Visor Support Sleeve. Clear plastic. Each

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Oil Filler Hole Cap. Made of rubber-RP 8Oil Filler Hole Cap. Made of rubber. Fits a 1-3/16" to 1-1/4" hole. Each

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Seat Bumper. Made with steel core like original-SB 62-ASeat Bumper. Made with steel core like original. 1-1/2" long, 7/16" thick. Two used per car. Each

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Front door window stop bumper. ’70-’81 GM passenger cars-SB 70-AFront door window stop bumper. '70-'81 GM passenger cars. Dense rubber. Replaces OEM# 9810036. Each.

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Fuel Door Bumper. 7/8" high, 5/16" O.D. Each-SB 81Fuel Door Bumper. 7/8" high, 5/16" O.D. Each

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Dash and Firewall Grommet. Single-hole type is for one wire-SM 101Dash and Firewall Grommet. Single-hole type is for one wire. Each

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Timing Hole Plug. For 6-cylinder engines. 1-3/4" X 1-1/4"-SM 59Timing Hole Plug. For 6-cylinder engines. 1-3/4" X 1-1/4". Each

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Firewall insulation fastener. 1 in. dia. W head. 1-1/2 in. L-SM 80-AFirewall insulation fastener. 1 in. dia. W head. 1-1/2 in. L. Replaces OEM#'s (GM) 7642589 and (AMC) 4001934. Black. Each.

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/8" I.D-UM 1600-100Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/8" I.D. Each

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel-WF 205Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel. 1-3/8" X 11/16". Each

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Rear Window Reveal Molding Clip. For Station Wagons-WF 208Rear Window Reveal Molding Clip. For Station Wagons. Made of steel. 5/8" x 3/4". Each

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 211Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 15/16" X 3/4". Each

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 223Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 1/1/8" X 3/4". Each

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 224Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 1-1/4" X 3/4". Fits many models. Each