Image of 1972 Chevrolet Kingswood, Note: These illustrations use artistic license and may differ from actual historical models.

1972 Chevrolet Kingswood: A Station Wagon with a Muscle Car Heart

The 1972 Chevrolet Kingswood is a classic that stands as a testament to the era of family-sized comfort paired with muscle car bravado. Born from the stables of General Motors, this station wagon was designed to cater to the American family's need for space without sacrificing power. As the automotive landscape was shifting towards smaller and more fuel-efficient cars due to the oil crisis, the Kingswood held its ground as a symbol of traditional American automotive values. A unique fact about this vehicle is that despite its family-oriented design, it shared underpinnings with Chevrolet's performance models of the time, giving it an unexpected edge in power and drivability.

Design and Innovation

The 1972 Kingswood's exterior styling was characterized by its long, sweeping lines that suggested both space and speed. Its prominent front grille and square headlights presented an authoritative face, while the woodgrain siding available on some models added a touch of sophistication. Inside, passengers were greeted with a spacious cabin lined with materials that prioritized durability and comfort. Technological features like air conditioning and an AM/FM radio were considered luxuries at the time. The color palette ranged from classic whites and blues to more vibrant options such as Sequoia Green and Cream Yellow. The most iconic body style was arguably the three-seat station wagon with a rear-facing third-row seat, which became synonymous with family road trips.

Historical Significance

The Kingswood's impact on automotive design was subtle yet significant. It proved that utility vehicles could be stylish and powerful, influencing future generations of family cars. Its blend of practicality and performance set it apart from contemporaries that were either utilitarian or sporty, but rarely both. The Kingswood's legacy is evident in modern SUVs that strive to offer similar combinations of space, comfort, and power.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 1972 Kingswood could be equipped with engines ranging from a modest 250-cubic-inch inline-six to a robust 454-cubic-inch V8. Performance varied accordingly, with top speeds reaching upwards of 115 mph for V8 models and acceleration from 0-60 mph in under 9 seconds. Handling was surprisingly nimble for a vehicle of its size, thanks in part to its car-based platform. Drivers often noted the satisfying rumble of the engine and a ride quality that balanced firmness with comfort—making it adept at both highway cruising and navigating suburban streets.

Ownership Experience

Owners of the '72 Kingswood appreciated its dual nature as both a reliable daily driver and an attention-grabbing show car. Maintenance was straightforward due to shared components with other Chevrolet models, making parts readily available and repairs manageable for the average owner. However, its size did mean higher fuel consumption—a consideration for those using it as their primary vehicle.

Fun Facts

The Kingswood saw some interesting trivia throughout its life span. For instance, special editions like the "Estate" offered higher-end trim levels that are now sought after by collectors. While not known for breaking speed records, it did set benchmarks for size and comfort in its class. Criticisms often focused on its fuel efficiency—or lack thereof—especially in light of the era's energy concerns.

Collector's Information

In today's market, a well-preserved 1972 Chevrolet Kingswood can fetch anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 depending on condition and originality. Production numbers were substantial since this was a mass-market vehicle; however, finding one in excellent condition has become increasingly difficult over time. As such vehicles continue to gain popularity among classic car enthusiasts, their value is generally appreciating.

Conclusion

The 1972 Chevrolet Kingswood remains an emblematic figure in the pantheon of classic American station wagons. It offered families practicality without compromising on style or performance—a philosophy that continues to resonate in today's automotive market. Whether you're a collector or simply someone who appreciates vintage charm paired with muscle car spirit, the Kingswood is a vehicle that demands respect and admiration.

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

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

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

1972 Chevrolet Kingswood 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