This website is dedicated to my 1972 Pontiac Firebird Esprit. My parents purchased the car brand new – I remember riding around in the back seats as a child. I repainted the car when I was in high school, and enjoyed driving around Santa Cruz during my college years. I still maintain the Firebird today . . . at almost 40 years old, the car is still running strong.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: Monday, August 30, 1971

 

1972 PONTIAC LINE-UP

For 1972 the Pontiac model line-up ranges from the Grand Ville, the flagship of the division’s fleet, to the Ventura II, Pontiac’s mini full-sized car. All told, Pontiac offers a total of 32 models.

FIREBIRDS

Distinctive styling that includes a new grille protected by the energy-absorbing Endura bumper, a choice of suspensions, easy handling and top performance are blended into each of the four firebird models. Available as a two-door hardtop, the Standard, Esprit, Formula and Trans Am are built on a 108-inch wheelbase and measure 191.6 inches long, 73.4 inches wide and 50.4 inches high.

ESPRIT

The Luxury Esprit is equipped with the same soft-ride suspension system as the Standard model and includes the following: all decor moldings . . . consisting of bright roof drips, belt reveal and hood rear edge molding and wheel opening moldings . . . full-width aluminum rocker panel moldings, hidden windshield wipers, body colored outside mirrors, custom interior trim, custom cushion steering wheel, dual horns and the Esprit nameplate on the sail panels.

My Firebird is one of 11,415 other Esprit models built during 1972 at GM’s plant in Norwood, Ohio.

Total List Price (1/17/72): $4496.85

         Dealer: Doten Pontiac, Inc. (Oakland, Ca)

         Date Shipped: 1/6/72

         Standard Equipment (Esprit):

         350 cu.in., 2-bbl. Engine

         Front Disc, Rear Drum Brakes

         Ashtray Lamp

         Custom Trim Interior

         Morrokide Bucket Seats

         Instrument Panel Assist Strap

         Trunk Mat

         Nylon-blend, Loop-Pile Carpet

         Upper-Level Ventilation

         Concealed Windshield Wipers

         Dual Horns

         Endura Front Bumper

         Body Colored Outside Mirrors

         Left-Hand Mirror Remote Controlled

         Roof Drip Moldings

         Wheel Opening Moldings

         Wide Rocker Panel Moldings

         Windowsill Moldings and Hood Rear Edge Moldings

         Original Options:

         Cardinal Red w/ Black Interior (N/C)

         Turbo-Hydramatic ($215)

         Radio-Stereo ($233)

         Moldings, Vinyl Body Side ($31)

         Soft Ray Glass, All Windows ($37)

         California Test ($15)

         F78X14 WW FG ($44)

         Air Conditioner ($397)

         Floor Mats ($13)

         Mirror, Visor ($3),

         Steering, Power, Variable-ratio ($113)

         Rear Bumpergaurds ($15)

         After-market Additions:

         14" Rally II Wheels w/Trim Rings

         (available as ’72 esprit option)

         Trans Am Spoiler

         (available on ’72 trans am)

         Repainted w/Stripes

Vehicle specifications:

         Width: 73.4"

         Length: 191.6"

         Height: 50.4"

         Curb Weight: 3490 lbs

         Usable Luggage Capacity (cubic): 7.24'

         Engine Displacement (cubic): 350"

         Carb: 2-bbl

         Compression Ratio: 8.0

         Net RPM (HHP/Torque):

         160@4400 175@4400 / 270@2000 275@2000

         Axle Ratio: 3.42:1

The vehicle is stock except for the Camaro-style rally stripes and the Trans-Am spoiler. I added Pontiac Rally 2 wheels when it was re-feathered in 1987 — they were an original option back in 1972.