Classic Auto Mall

6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown, PA 19543
4.7
4.7 out of 5 stars

Used 1972 Chevrolet Suburban

53,015 miles

This vehicle was sold 6 months agoListed Price $16,000

  • Wagon
  • Condition
    Used
  • Mileage
    53,015miles
  • Generation
    6(1967 - 1972)
  • Transmission
    3 Speed Automatic
  • Exterior Color
    Grapefruit
  • Interior Color
    Parchment
  • VIN
    -

Engine

402 ci V8

Message from the seller

1972 Chevrolet C20 Suburban By 1967, the Suburban or carryall was in its sixth generation and the recreational vehicle market was steadily increasing.  During the six years of the 6th generation of production, build numbers more than quadrupled and Suburban's were seen as an adventurous and roomier alternative to station wagons.  Chevrolet could not have anticipated these early Suburbans would become classic ancestors to the ubiquitous presence of SUVs on the road today, now used more for parking lot adventures than mountain treks.   For consignment, a 1972 Chevrolet C20 Suburban that remains very original and comes with its window sticker, order form and Protect-O-Plate for this 53,015 non verifiable mile heavy duty hauler.  The original 402ci V8 and classic good looks with two tone paint.  Per our consignor, it just needs some tlc on the heating and cooling system and would be perfect towing your vintage trailer. Exterior Grapefruit yellow, the factory correct color, floats the expansive white roof that was common and popular on trucks in the late'60's and early '70's.  Beyond the paint, what you notice about this vehicle is its sheer size, nearly 216 inches long with a wheelbase of 127 inches.  Based on the C/K line with 8 foot beds, the rear quarter stretches well past the rear axle and long windows resemble the sneeze guards at Shady Maple, (PA's largest buffet restaurant), it's a lot of glass to take in the sights of national parks.  Much like early minivans that came later, back seat occupants had an access door on one side only and while eventually deemed inconvenient, it sure is a cool design feature to have asymmetrical doors.  While the design is epic and now rare to see, she's not without some patina and imperfections.  Notable invasive rust is seen on the rocker panels and plenty of bubbling is numerous other places, and some surface rust issues along with pitting in some of the metal.   Interior Sheridan design occupies the upper panel of the door panels which are molded Parchment plastic between body colored steel and all three doors are in good shape but do show with soiling that should easily clean up.  The scroll design continues in the center of the front vinyl and cloth bench which also presents in lightly soiled but tear free condition.  Tubular metal frames hold the second row bench which mirrors the vinyl pattern and manages to include an ashtray in the armrests and everyone has very good leg room.  The brown plastic steering wheel remains crack free and shares the brown column with the shifter and indicator window.  There's a little bit of patina on the black plastic gauge cluster panel and gauges which include a 100 mph speedometer and the very basic information needed to operate this big rig.  In the center of the Grapefruit painted metal dash is an aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette unit, the standard A/C levers along with an added clock, thermometer and the chrome air vent.  The flat glove box completes the rather utilitarian design of the dash.  Clean brown loop carpet on the floors appears to be newer and it looks good along with the white perforated headliner and overhead vent system which helps distribute air to the back of the bus.  Way on the back there is expansive room, and the carpet is lined by an all weather mat showing some dirt, soiling, and a bit of usage.   Drivetrain All just the way it left the factory when we open the hood, we see a drivetrain that continues the original and slightly patined theme.  It's a 402ci V8, the factory correct unit and is topped with a 4-barrel carburetor and set into motion with a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission which sends power back to the Dana 60 axle with 3.54 gearing.  Power brakes have a newer master cylinder and consist of discs up front and drums out back with new brakes and wheel cylinders.   Undercarriage Plenty of patina in the form of surface rust, and some of it pitted, underneath.  One cross

1972 Chevrolet Suburban: The Ultimate Family Wagon of its Era

The 1972 Chevrolet Suburban stands as a testament to American automotive ingenuity, offering unparalleled space, rugged capability, and a surprising degree of comfort for its time. As a full-size, body-on-frame SUV, it was a direct descendant of the original Carryall Suburban, a vehicle that essentially invented the segment. For 1972, the Suburban continued its lineage as a versatile workhorse and a practical, albeit large, family transporter.

Design and Styling:

The 1972 Suburban belonged to the third generation of Chevrolet's C/K truck platform, which underwent a significant redesign in 1967 and saw further refinements through the years. This iteration of the Suburban maintained the classic, utilitarian truck-like appearance, but with a focus on interior spaciousness and passenger comfort.

  • Exterior: The styling was characterized by its clean lines, a prominent grille featuring the iconic Chevrolet bowtie emblem, and large, expansive windows. The body was robust, built to withstand the rigors of daily use and potential off-road adventures. Chrome accents adorned the bumpers, grille, window surrounds, and door handles, adding a touch of period flair. Available in both two-door and (more commonly) three-door configurations, the three-door offered a more convenient passenger-side access to the rear seating. A significant feature was its sheer size – the Suburban was a commanding presence on the road.
  • Interior: Inside, the Suburban was all about utility and passenger capacity. The dashboard retained a functional, truck-inspired design with a straightforward layout of gauges and controls. Seating was typically configured for multiple rows, accommodating up to nine passengers in relative comfort. Materials were durable, focusing on vinyl and cloth upholstery designed for longevity. While not luxurious by modern standards, the ample legroom and headroom made it a viable option for long family trips. The vast cargo area behind the rear seats was a key selling point, easily swallowing luggage, camping gear, or even construction materials.

Powertrain and Performance:

Underneath its rugged exterior, the 1972 Suburban was powered by Chevrolet's robust V8 engines, designed for hauling and towing.

  • Engines: Buyers had a choice of reliable and torquey V8s, including the 350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8 and the larger 400 cubic inch (6.6L) V8. These engines provided ample power for moving the substantial weight of the Suburban and any cargo it carried.
  • Transmission: The primary transmission option was a three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission, known for its smooth shifting and durability. A four-speed manual transmission was also available for those seeking a more direct connection to the road and potentially better fuel economy.
  • Drivetrain: The Suburban was available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The 4WD option, utilizing Chevrolet's proven transfer case and solid axles, made the Suburban a formidable off-road vehicle and a confident performer in inclement weather conditions.

Features and Capabilities:

The 1972 Chevrolet Suburban was more than just a large station wagon; it was a capable tool for a variety of purposes.

  • Towing and Hauling: Its strong frame and powerful V8 engines made it an excellent towing vehicle. Whether it was a boat, trailer, or camper, the Suburban could handle it with ease. The spacious cargo area further enhanced its utility for hauling.
  • Family Transport: The sheer size and seating capacity made it ideal for larger families or for transporting groups of people. Its robust construction offered a sense of security for passengers.
  • Off-Road Capability: With the 4WD option, the Suburban could venture beyond paved roads. Its relatively high ground clearance and sturdy suspension allowed it to tackle dirt roads, gravel paths, and mild off-road terrain.

Legacy:

The 1972 Chevrolet Suburban solidified the vehicle's reputation as a dependable and versatile choice. It represented a significant step in the evolution of the modern SUV, offering a blend of passenger-carrying capacity, cargo versatility, and robust performance. While its fuel economy might be a concern by today's standards, and its handling characteristics are undeniably truck-like, the 1972 Suburban remains a cherished classic for its practicality, durability, and its ability to fulfill the diverse needs of American families and individuals. It's a prime example of a vehicle that truly lived up to the "Suburban" name – a spacious, capable wagon for the modern world.

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Listed on February 23, 2025 (a year ago)
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