1972 Camaro — The darkest hour

Representative second-generation Camaro editorial line illustration — Second-generation Camaro, representative illustration — not a specific model year or chassis Representative editorial illustration · AI-generated by OpenAI for CamaroFacts, 2026

A 174-day UAW strike at Norwood stopped Camaro/Firebird production from April to September 1972; ~1,100 stranded bodies were scrapped because they no longer met incoming 1973 bumper standards. GM reportedly weighed cancelling both the Camaro and Firebird.

1972 was also the last year for the SS 396 (actually a 402) and the last year any Camaro could be factory-ordered with a big block — only 970 SS 396s were built.

Why it matters

1972 was also the last year for the SS 396 (actually a 402) and the last year any Camaro could be factory-ordered with a big block — only 970 SS 396s were built.

Engines

Inline-6 and small-block V8s
LT-1 350 (Z28) — now 255 hp net
396/402 big block — final year

Identification

1972–73 grilles: larger, fewer rectangles than 1970–71

Open questions

Still unresolved:

Whether GM's cancellation consideration was a formal decision or press shorthand

Research basis

Sources are linked at the page level so the model-year claims can be checked against their research foundation.

1972 Chevrolet Camaro Vehicle Information Kit GM Heritage factory archive

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