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Unveiling the 1972 Pontiac Grand Safari

The 1972 Pontiac Grand Safari stands as a testament to American automotive grandeur, a time capsule of the early '70s love affair with size, comfort, and style. Born from the esteemed halls of General Motors, this full-size station wagon was not just a vehicle but a statement piece on wheels. With its origin rooted in Pontiac's commitment to combining luxury with utility, the Grand Safari offered families and adventurers alike a taste of opulence on every journey. A notable moment in its history is its cameo in the zeitgeist of '70s pop culture, often seen cruising in films and television series of the era, symbolizing the quintessential family road trip.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1972 Pontiac Grand Safari was a sight to behold, characterized by its elongated body, sweeping lines, and distinctive front-end styling that featured Pontiac's trademark split grille. The interior was equally impressive, boasting plush seating upholstered with high-quality materials that promised comfort for long hauls. Technologically ahead of its time, it featured innovations such as an available rear-facing third-row seat and a power-operated tailgate window. Color options ranged from the subdued to the vibrant, with hues like Revere Silver and Wilderness Green catching buyers' eyes. Among body styles and options, the most iconic was arguably the wood-paneled "woodie" version that became synonymous with premium wagons of that era.

Historical Significance

The 1972 Pontiac Grand Safari played a pivotal role in cementing the station wagon as a cornerstone of American family life. Its blend of style and functionality set it apart from contemporaries and left an indelible mark on automotive design. Its spaciousness and luxury features influenced subsequent generations of wagons and even today's SUVs.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its grandiose exterior lay a robust powertrain capable of delivering impressive performance for its size. The standard V8 engine propelled the Grand Safari with enough vigor to make highway merging effortless, while optional engines offered even more thrust. Handling was surprisingly agile for a vehicle of its stature; it absorbed bumps gracefully and remained composed on winding roads. Driving this classic wagon was an experience filled with sensory delights—from the throaty rumble of the engine to the smooth glide over asphalt.

Ownership Experience

Owners of the 1972 Pontiac Grand Safari relished in its versatility—equally adept as a daily driver or a show car. Its reliability was commendable for its time, though contemporary owners should expect maintenance typical of classic vehicles. Parts are generally accessible due to shared components with other GM models from that era.

Fun Facts

The Grand Safari has had its share of limelight with rare editions that enthusiasts seek out fervently. While not known for breaking speed records, it has held records in hearts as one of America's favorite family haulers. Despite some criticisms over fuel efficiency—a common trait among vehicles from its time—the Grand Safari remains beloved by many.

Collector's Information

Today, the 1972 Pontiac Grand Safari holds a special place among collectors. While production numbers were substantial during its heyday, finding one in pristine condition can be challenging. Values can vary widely based on condition and originality but expect well-maintained examples to fetch anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 or more at auction or private sale.

Conclusion

The 1972 Pontiac Grand Safari is more than just a vintage vehicle; it's an emblematic piece of Americana that encapsulates an era when cars were built with pride and presence. Whether you're an enthusiast seeking nostalgia or a collector hunting for your next treasure, this classic wagon is sure to leave an indelible impression.

1972 Pontiac Grand Safari 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 Pontiac Grand Safari 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 Pontiac Grand Safari Door Side Seal-C/LP 40-KDoor Side Seal. Made of smooth skin sponge extrusion, with clips installed. (For seal without clips, see LP 40-K) Sold by the foot.

1972 Pontiac Grand Safari Hood to Fender Bumper. Each-HF 24Hood to Fender Bumper. Each

1972 Pontiac Grand Safari 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 Pontiac Grand Safari 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 Pontiac Grand Safari 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 Pontiac Grand Safari 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 Pontiac Grand Safari 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 Pontiac Grand Safari 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 Pontiac Grand Safari Fuel Door Bumper. 7/8" high, 5/16" O.D. Each-SB 81Fuel Door Bumper. 7/8" high, 5/16" O.D. Each

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

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

1972 Pontiac Grand Safari 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