1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Car Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1972 Pontiac GTO Sport Coupe
1972 Pontiac Lemans Sport Convertible
1. GTO Now an Option on Lemans Line
2. Luxury LeMans is New Line
3. Tempest Nameplate GONE
4. GTO Endura Front & Ram Air Hood Options on LeMans
5. WW5 Package Gives LeMans 455 LS5 Plus More
1972 – No GTO Convertible, but the Engines Remain
The GTO was changed from a separate series back to an option package on LeMans and LeMans Sport coupes. The T-37 line disappeared, replaced by the Base LeMans – with the Tempest nameplate deleted. The Luxury LeMans series appeared. Engines were similar to 1971 with HP slightly reduced, though no real internal changes were made.
1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Resources
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1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1972 Pontiac GTO
| 11 Cameo White | |
| 14 Revere Silver | |
| 24 Adriatic Blue | |
| 26 Lucerne Blue | |
| 43 Springfield Green | |
| 48 Wilderness Green | |
| 50 Brittany Beige | |
| 53 Quezal Gold | |
| 55 Shadow Gold | |
| 56 Monarch Yellow | |
| 57 Brasilia Gold | |
| 63 Anaconda Gold | |
| 65 Sundance Orange | |
| 75 Cardinal Red |
1972 Pontiac
| 11 Cameo White | |
| 14 Revere Silver | |
| 18 Antique Pewter | |
| 19 Starlight Black | |
| 24 Adriatic Blue | |
| 26 Lucerne Blue | |
| 28 Cumberland Blue | |
| 36 Julep Green | |
| 43 Springfield Green | |
| 48 Wilderness Green | |
| 50 Brittany Beige | |
| 53 Quezal Gold | |
| 54 Arizona Gold | |
| 55 Shadow Gold | |
| 56 Monarch Yellow | |
| 57 Brasilia Gold | |
| 62 Spice Beige | |
| 63 Anaconda Gold | |
| 65 Sundance Orange | |
| 69 Cinnamon Bronze | |
| 75 Cardinal Red |
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1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars
LeMans
For 1972, all Pontiac intermediates were now Le Mans models, and the former low-priced T-37 line was replaced by a base Le Mans pillared coupe. The top-line intermediate was the Luxury Le Mans, available in hardtop sedan and coupe models, featuring upgraded interiors compared to regular Le Mans models. The Le Mans Sport was available as a two-door hardtop or convertible with Strato bucket seats and interiors from the Luxury Le Mans. Replacing the previous GT-37 option package for 1972 was the new “Le Mans GT” option, available on Le Mans pillared and hardtop coupes with any V8 ranging from the 350 two-barrel to the 455 HO four-barrel. The same appearance and handling items carried over from the GT-37 to the new label car. Engines ranged from the 110 HP I-6, through the 160-175 HP 350 CID V-8, all the way up to the 455 CID 300 HP engine.
GTO
In 1972, the GTO reverted from a separate model to a $354 option package for LeMans and LeMans Sport Coupes (Code W62). The GTO package could be had with either the low-priced pillared coupe or hardtop coupe when LeMans was selected. Both came standard with cloth and vinyl or all-vinyl bench seats with rubber floor mats on the pillared coupe and carpeting on the hardtop. The LeMans Sport was offered only as a hardtop coupe. It had Strato bucket seats upholstered in vinyl, carpeting, custom pedal trim, and a cushioned steering wheel. Other optional equipment was similar to the 1971 and earlier models. Planned for 1972 as a GTO option was the duck tail rear spoiler from the Pontiac Firebird, but after a few cars were built with that option, the accessory was canceled. Rally II and honeycomb wheels were optional on all GTOs, with the Honeycomb wheels now featuring red Pontiac arrowhead emblems on the center caps whereas he Rally II wheels continued with the same caps as before.
For the 400 CID V-8 the SAE net horsepower was down a bit, to 250 HP @ 4,400 RPM and 325 lb⋅ft of torque at 3,200 RPM. The optional 455 CID V-8 had the same rated power of 250, but @ 3,600 rpm, and substantially more torque of 375 @ 2400 RPM. The 455 CID HO engine (LS5) was still optional. This V-8 was rated at 300 SAE Net HP @ 4,000 rpm and 415 lb⋅ft of torque @ 3,200 RPM. A total of 646 cars with this engine were built.
Sales on the GTO fell to 5,807. In a surprise move, Pontiac did not offer a production GTO convertible in 1972. However a LeMans Sport convertible could be offered with either of the three GTO engines and the other sport/performance options to create a GTO in all but name. The GTO’s Endura bumper was offered as an option as well on LeMans/Sport models, with “PONTIAC” spelled out on the driver’s side grille rather than “GTO.”
1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Factoids
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- GTO is Now an Option on LeMans Line
- Luxury LeMans Line Bows
- Tempest Nameplate Gone
- No GTO Convertible, But You Could Order All the Pieces
For the first time in years, the GTO became an option on LeMans rather than its own line. Option W62 netted you the 400 CID V-8 and all the normal features found on the car in previous years. It was available on the LeMans and LeMans Sport. Optional engines were the L75 455 CID and the LS5 455 HO V-8s.
In response to the moving upscale of the Youth Market, Pontiac released the Luxury LeMans Line. More formal interiors and different external styling separated the line from regular LeMans models. Some called the cars “Baby Bonnevilles”.
With the release of the Luxury LeMans as an upscale model, Pontiac removed the Tempest nameplate as the entry-level line, substituting the base LeMans in its place. This was a trend in all of GM for 1972.
In a strange twist, the GTO convertible was not offered as an option, BUT you could order all the performance and styling pieces on the LeMans Sport – including the engines. And Option WW5 got you the LS5 V-8 and all the goodies that went with it.
1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Models Offered
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LeMans – Standard equipment included bench seats with cloth and Morrokide trim, front and rear foam seats, rear ash trays in arm rests (except in coupe), loop-pile carpets (except in coupe), Deluxe steering wheel, upper level ventilation (only in hardtop coupe), teak wood dash accents, windshield radio antenna, concealed wipers (except in coupe), ventipanes (except in hardtop coupe), chrome valance panel, and bright moldings on the roof gutters, windshield, rear window and body sills on most styles. Station wagons had all-Morrokide seats, under floor cargo compartment, vinyl cargo floor coverings, two-way tailgates with built-in steps, power brakes with front discs and power tailgate windows on nine-passenger models. Standard tires were H78-14 size on wagons and F78-14 size on others.
The LeMans was available as a 2-door coupe, 2-door hardtop, 4-door sedan, and 2- and 3- seat wagons.
LeMans Sport – The LeMans Sport line had special “Sport” logos in script, and it came standard with bucket seats. Standard equipment included rear foam seats, rear ash trays in arm rests, loop-pile carpets, Deluxe steering wheel, upper level ventilation, teak wood dash accents, windshield radio antenna, concealed wipers, chrome valance panel, and bright moldings on the roof gutters, windshield, rear window and body sills. The GTO type Endura rubber front fascia was a $74 option for all LeMans Sport models. Standard tires were F78-14 with G70 x 14 optional.
Models available were: 2-door hardtop coupe and convertible.
GTO Option – The GTO was now an option (Code W62) on the LeMans and the LeMans Sport line. The base engine was still the 400 CID 4-barrel V-8, with both the 455 and 455 HO engines optional.
Models available were 2-door Sport Coupe (pillared) and 2-Door Hardtop Coupe only There was no convertible offered.
Luxury LeMans – A distinctive grille treatment with twin cavities divided by bright horizontal blades was used on Luxury LeMans models. Twin ribbed full-length body side moldings, fender skirts and roof pillar letter badges were additional external distinctions. The standard equipment list was the same as for LeMans styles plus all-Morrokide bucket seats in hardtop coupes, or notch back bench seats in any body style. Interior trim features included all-Morrokide or cloth and Morrokide upholstery combinations, carpeted lower door panels with reflectors, custom cushion steering wheel, pedal trim plates, front door assist straps, bright arm rest accents and ash tray and glove box lamps. Identification consisted of “Luxury LeMans” nameplates on the lower front fender, behind the wheel opening.
Models available were 2- door and 4-door hardtop.
1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Engines
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- 110 HP 250 CID I-6
- 160 HP 350 CID V-8 AMT
- 175 HP 350 CID V-8 AMT
- 160 HP 350 CID V-8 SMT
- 175 HP 350 CID V-8 SMT
- 175 HP 400 CID V8 AMT
- 200 HP 400 CID V8 AMT
- 200 HP 400 CID V-8
- 250 HP 400 CID V-8
- 230 HP 455 CID V-8 AMT
- 250 HP 455 CID V-8 AMT
- 300 HP 455 CID HO V-8
250 CID I-6 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 250 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.525 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 110 SAE Net @ 3800 RPM.
Torque: 185 SAE Net @ 1600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°, Overlap 33.5°, Lift 0.388″.
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model (manual transmission) 7041017 (automatic transmission) 7041014.
350 CID 2-Barrel Single Exhaust V-8 – Option L30 – Automatic Transmission Only. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.750″ x 3.75″
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 160 SAE Net @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 270 SAE Net @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.414″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel 7042062.
350 CID 2-Barrel Dual Exhaust V-8 – Option L30 – Automatic Transmission Only. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.750″ x 3.75″
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 175 SAE Net @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 275 SAE net @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.414″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel 7042062.
350 CID 2-Barrel Single Exhaust V-8 – Option L30 – Manual Transmission Only. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.750″ x 3.75″
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 160 SAE Net @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 270 SAE Net @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 51°, Lift (intake) 0.377″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Carter 2-barrel 488032.
350 CID 2-Barrel Dual Exhaust V-8 – Option L30 – Manual Transmission Only. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.750″ x 3.75″
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 175 SAE Net @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 275 SAE net @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 51°, Lift (intake) 0.377″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Carter 2-barrel 488032.
400 CID 2-Barrel Single Exhaust V-8 – Option L65 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.2:1.
Horsepower: 175 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 310 SAE Net @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 51°, Lift (intake) 0.377″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Rochester two-barrel Model 7042060.
400 CID 2-Barrel Dual Exhaust V-8 – Option L65 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.2:1.
Horsepower: 200 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 325 SAE Net @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 51°, Lift (intake) 0.377″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Rochester two-barrel Model 7042060.
400 CID 4-Barrel Single Exhaust V-8 –Option L78 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.2:1.
Horsepower: 200 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 295 SAE Net @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Rochester four-barrel (manual transmission) 7042263; (automatic transmission) 7042264.
NOTE: This was NOT available on GTO.
400 CID 4-Barrel Dual Exhaust V-8 –Option L78 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.2:1.
Horsepower: 250 SAE Net @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 325 SAE Net @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Rochester four-barrel (manual transmission) 7042263; (automatic transmission) 7042264.
NOTE: This was the standard GTO V-8.
455 CID 4-Barrel Single Exhaust V-8 – Option L75 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.1251″ x 4.210″.
Compression ratio: 8.2:1.
Horsepower: 230 SAE Net @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 375 SAE Net @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift (intake) 0.414″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Rochester four-barrel 7042262.
455 CID 4-Barrel Dual Exhaust V-8 – Option L75 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.1251″ x 4.210″.
Compression ratio: 8.2:1.
Horsepower: 250 SAE Net @ 3600 RPM.
Torque: 360 SAE Net @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift (intake) 0.414″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Rochester four-barrel 7042262.
455 CID 4-Barrel Dual Exhaust LS5 HO V-8 All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.1251″ x 4.210″.
Horsepower: 300 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 415 SAE Net @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetor: Rochester four-barrel (manual transmission) 7042273; (automatic transmission) 7042270.
NOTE: Available in LeMans, LeMans Sport 2-door models and GTO Only.
1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Chassis Features
-
- Wheelbase: All 2-door: 112.0 inches; All 4-door & wagons: 116.0 inches.
- Overall length: Station Wagons: 211.3 inches; 4-doors: 207.2 inches; 2-doors: 203.2 inches; GTO: 205.1 inches.
- Overall width: All: 76.7 inches.
- Overall height: Station Wagons: 54.2 inches; 4-doors: 52.6 inches; 2-doors: 52.0 inches; Convertible: 52.3 inches; GTO: 52.0 inches.
- Front track: All: 61 inches.
- Rear track: All: 60 inches.
- Standard tires: I-6: E78 x 14 mounted on 14 x 5JJ rim wheels V-8 & I-6 convertible: F78 x 14 mounted on 14 x 6JJ; Luxury LeMans Wagons: H78 x 14 x 6 JJ; GTO: G70 x 14 x 6 JJ.
NOTE: For optional tires, see page 19 of the 1972 AMA Specifications Sheets – accessed HERE.
1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Information
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 1st – 2.85:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.95:1.
- 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1.
- 350 CID V-8 Optional: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- V-8 Wide Ratio: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.59:1.
- V-8 Close Ratio: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.28:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.27:1.
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- I-6 CID 2-bbl: Low – 1.76:1, High – 1:1, Reverse – 1.76:1.
- 350 CID 2-bbl: Low – 1.82:1, High – 1:1, Reverse – 1.82:1.
- T-350: Optional Tempest I-6 & 350 CID 2-bbl: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.52:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 1.92:1.
- T-400: Standard GTO – Optional 400/455 CID: 1st – 2.48:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.08:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Options
-
- 250 I-6 was standard in all lines Except GTO Option W62.
- 350 CID L30 2-barrel V-8: Optional Except GTO Option W62. Single or dual exhaust.
- 400 CID L65 2-barrel V-8: Optional Except GTO Option W62. Single or dual exhaust.
- 400 CID L78 4-barrel V-8: Standard in GTO with dual exhausts, optional others. Single or dual exhausts.
- 455 CID L75 4-barrel V-8: Optional all.
- 455 CID LS5 4-barrel H.O. V-8: Optional in GTO and available in all 2-door LeMans or LeMans Sport as WW5 Option. Not Available on any Luxury LeMans.
- Delco X maintenance free battery.
- Heavy-duty batteries ($11).
- Safe-T-Track differential – where not standard.
- Heavy-duty Safe-T-Track differential – where available.
- Performance and Economy rear axles – where available.
- See Page 18 in the 1972 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all standard/optional ratios HERE.
1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Significant Options & Accessories
-
- 455 CID H.O. Option for GTO ($349) Includes WU3 ram air hood.
- 455 CID Option for GTO ($272).
- Air-conditioning ($397).
- Auxiliary lamp group ($18).
- Base LeMans Endura styling option ($41).
- Bumper guards ($5-15).
- Convenience lamp group ($11).
- Cruise Control ($62-67).
- Deck lid remote control ($14).
- Dual exhausts, ($30) standard GTO & LeMans GT.
- Electric rear window defroster ($62).
- LeMans “GT” package ($23).
- LeMans “Sport” option ($164).
- LeMans two-door hardtop and Sport Convertible console ($59).
- Power bench seats ($67-77-103).
- Power brakes ($44-46).
- Power front disc brakes ($46-68).
- Power driver’s bucket seat ($77).
- Power steering, variable ratio ($113).
- Radio, AM/FM Stereo and 8-Track ($363).
- Rally Gage cluster with clock and tachometer ($92).
- Rear deck spoiler ($46) Discontinued 10/1/1971.
- Safari luggage carrier ($62-82).
- Soft-Ray glass, all-windows ($39-49).
- Soft-Ray windshield ($30-35).
- Wheels, Honeycomb ($62-123).
- Wheels, Rally II ($56-87).
- Wood-grained Safari exterior paneling ($154).
- WW4 performance option for LeMans ($510-$796) depending on line & model).
- WW5 455 H.O. Ram Air option for LeMans ($982-$995) depending on line & model).
1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Downloads and Images
1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Pontiac Mid-Size Line will appear below.
1972 Pontiac Full Line Deluxe Brochure
1972 Pontiac Full Line Regular Brochure
1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Print Ads
1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars AMA Specifications Sheets
SEEKING: 1972 Pontiac GTO & LeMans Road Tests Got One? Click HERE
1972 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Pontiac Mid-Size Line will appear below
1972 Pontiac Luxury LeMans Hardtop Coupe
The 1972 Pontiac Luxury LeMans Hardtop Coupe was a new offering this year, moving the LeMans line upstream. 8,641 were delivered.
1972 Pontiac Luxury LeMans 4-door Hardtop
The 1972 Pontiac Luxury LeMans 4-door Hardtop was also new this year. Again, Pontiac took the 4-door hardtop upstream to capture more affluent buyers. a sold 37,615 were sold.
1972 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible
The 1972 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible was the only convertible available this year (No GTO drop top was available). Only 3,483 were made.
1972 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Coupe
The 1972 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Coupe was an option on the LeMans line this year (as well as the 2-door Coupe). 5,807 Pontiac GTOs were produced – 5,673 hardtop coupes and 134 pillared coupes.
1972 Pontiac LeMans 2-door Hardtop Coupe
The 1972 Pontiac LeMans 2-door Hardtop Coupe was also now the major 2-door hardtop available and is shown in “GT” trim here. It was the most popular LeMans model offered with 80,383 sold.
1972 Pontiac LeMans 4-door Sedan
The 1972 Pontiac LeMans 4-door Sedan was the only 4-door sedan in the Line. 19,463 found buyers.
1972 Pontiac LeMans 2-door Coupe
The 1972 Pontiac LeMans 2-door Coupe was now the entry level mid-size Pontiac. Available in I-6 or V-8, 6,855 were sold.
1972 Pontiac LeMans Station Wagon
The 1972 Pontiac LeMans Station Wagon came in 6 and 9 passenger versions. 8,332 6- passenger and 5,266 9 passenger versions were sold.