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1972 Plymouth Valiant

The '72 Valiant: a dependable, unassuming American classic! Part of the muscle car era's tail end, it wasn't flashy, but reliable transport for everyday folks. Think boxy, somewhat understated styling, reflecting its practical nature. A true workhorse of its time, embodying 70s Americana.

1972 Plymouth Valiant: A Classic Among Classics

The 1972 Plymouth Valiant, with its understated design and dependable performance, remains a beloved icon among car enthusiasts. Introduced as part of Chrysler Corporation's lineup, the Valiant combined functionality with modest elegance, capturing the hearts of both everyday drivers and famous personalities alike.

Photo of a 1972 Plymouth Valiant

1972 Plymouth Valiant Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Plymouth Valiant Worth?

Original MSRP :$2,528.00

Outstanding

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$29,000

Clean

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$22,500

Average

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$14,300*

Rough

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$5,700

1972 Plymouth Valiant Specs

Body Maker: Plymouth
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: VH23
Length: 192.1 inches
Width: 69.6 inches
Height: 52.6 inches
Wheelbase: 108 inches
Weight: 2,835lbs
Type: Inline 6, overhead valve, Single downdraft, Unknown at time of publication
Displacement: 198 cu. in.
Cylinders: 6
Bore And Stroke: 3.4 & 3.64 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.4 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 100@4400
Horsepower Rated: 27.74
Torque: 160@2400
Valve Lifters: Mechanical
Engine Number Location: Stamped on joint face at right corner, adjacent to number 1 cylinder bore.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Holley
Type:
6.5 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
9.25 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.95 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.83
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
3.8
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.23 to 1
Front: Independent torsion bar
Rear: Leaf springs
Service Type: Hydraulic, self-adjusting drums
Service Front Size: 9 inches
Service Rear Size: 9 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 9 inches
Type: Regular
Tire Size: 6.45 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 18 Gallons
Oil: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 2 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting VH23B2a100001
Total Digits:13
Digits 1-2:Series
Digits 3-4:Body style
Digits 5:Engine
Digits 6:Model year
Digits 7:Assembly plant
Digits 8-13:Production number
All colors may not be available in all models., Winchester Gray Metallic, Evening Blue Metallic, Charcoal Metallic, Rallye Red, Amber Sherwood Metallic, Coral Turquoise Metallic, Spinnaker White, Formal Black, Honeydew, Tawny Gold Metallic, True Blue Metallic, Sherwood Green Metallic, Tor-Red, Gold Leaf Metallic, Blue Sky, Basin Street Blue, Sahara Beige, Mojave Tan Metallic, Chestnut Metallic, Lemon Twist, Sun Fire Yellow
Hardtop: Opt
Torque Flite Automatic Transmission: Opt
225 Cu. In. Inline 6 Engine: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Radio: Opt
Front Disc Rear Drum Brakes: Opt

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History of the 1972 Plymouth Valiant

The Plymouth Valiant stormed the automotive scene in 1960, responding to a growing market yearning for compact cars. Championing unibody construction, this vehicle quickly became a symbol of American innovation and style.

Key Developments in the 1960s

Expanding its lineup, the Valiant introduced the Signet nameplate in 1962, adding a touch of luxury with features like bucket seats and a robust slant-six engine. This move not only set sales soaring but also anchored the Valiant in the hearts of car aficionados.

The 1970s and Commercial Success

Fast forward to 1972, a golden era for the Valiant, marked by record sales of over 330,000 units. Car enthusiasts note the vehicle's reliable performance and the optional V8 engine, which provided both speed and agility.

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Detailed Specifications of the 1972 Plymouth Valiant

The Valiant was known for its agility and solid build, featuring a top speed that exceeded 100 mph when outfitted with its V8 engine. Its smooth handling and design meant it was less likely to attract unwanted attention from the rubbernecking local cops.

Performance Under the Hood

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    Engine Options: Slant-six, V8

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    Top Speed: Over 100 mph

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    Acceleration: 0-60 mph in under 10 seconds

The reliability of the Valiant was matched by its ability to perform, even bagging the title of America's Fastest Sedan in Car and Driver's roundup of the mid-'70s.

Pop Culture & Media Presence

The Valiant's cultural impact can't be underestimated. From starring in movies like Steven Spielberg's "Duel," to appearing in TV series like "The Doris Day Show," the Valiant has always been front and center, a symbol of the era's zest for freedom and individualism.

Film and Television Features

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    Notable Films: "Duel" by Steven Spielberg

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    Popular Shows: "The Doris Day Show"

These appearances helped cement the Valiant's status as a cultural icon of the 1970s.

Famous Figures Who Own 1972 Plymouth Valiant

Jerry Seinfeld

Jerry, the king of observational comedy, has always had a bit of a thing for cars. His collection boasts numerous classics, but the Valiant holds a special place—perhaps a nod to its image as the quintessential American family car.

Bruce Springsteen

Was there any other car that could represent the sweat, dreams, and grit of Bruce Springsteen's music better than the Valiant? This car resonated with the working-class roots that the Boss often sings about.

Fun Facts about the 1972 Plymouth Valiant

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    Comedic Legacy: Not just owners of cars, Seinfeld and the Valiant share a whimsical, yet substantive accord.

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    Speed Legacy: Despite being a family sedan, the Valiant could outpace many of its contemporaries, earning bragging rights as a compact powerhouse.

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The magic of owning a classic such as the Valiant involves delving deep into its backstory. Prospective buyers and sellers should focus on:

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Explore Plymouth Valiant from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, the '72 Valiant, you know, it's pretty distinctive. Think boxy, kinda like a loaf of bread, but in a cool, retro way! It had that signature 'fuselage' styling, a bit like a jet plane, sleek for its time. You'll notice the smaller, more integrated bumpers compared to some of its beefier muscle car cousins – a real difference from the earlier models. And the grille? Oh, man, that's a beauty. Really sets it apart. Plus, depending on the trim level, you might find some neat details, like different wheel covers or interior upholstery, it's kinda fun to see what goodies came standard.

The '72 Valiant offered a few engine choices, you could say. The most common was a trusty six-cylinder, a real workhorse; perfect for everyday driving, especially for its time. Think of it as your reliable friend — nothing flashy, but always there for you. But if you wanted a bit more oomph, there were also V8 options available, though those were less common; a true powerhouse, if you got the better model. It's like picking your favorite candy bar – some prefer the classic, straightforward chocolate, while others crave that extra bit of caramel and nuts!

Now, this is tricky. The price of a '72 Valiant really depends on its condition – a real cherry will fetch more than one that’s seen better days, you know what I mean? Think of it like a house; location, upgrades, and overall condition make a big difference. A pristine, low-mileage Valiant can be a pretty penny. But you can sometimes find good deals on those needing some TLC. Always, always get a pre-purchase inspection before committing to buying. You really need to make sure everything’s squared away before you even think about driving it off the lot, seriously.

Like any classic car, the '72 Valiant has some potential issues. Rust is a big one, especially if it's spent some time in a less-than-ideal climate (rain, snow, or even just a damp garage), that really takes its toll. The electrical system can be finicky sometimes; things like the wiring can get old and brittle, so it’s often a good idea to check that out. And the carburetor, well… sometimes those can give you a bit of a headache. It’s really just a matter of regular maintenance. Think of it like taking care of your teeth, you've gotta do the brushin' and flossin' or it might get nasty!

Finding parts for a '72 Valiant isn't impossible, thankfully. You've got a few options. Online retailers specialize in classic car parts; they’re a good starting point. Then there are classic car parts shows and swap meets; those are treasure troves, man! Plus, don't forget about local auto parts stores; sometimes, you might get lucky. Your best bet is online, though, really; the internet's a treasure trove. It's like a giant scavenger hunt, but for car parts!