1972 Imperial Spotter's Guide

For 1972, Imperial introduced a completely new exterior that was a tasteful revision of the original Fuselage design. The sides of the Imperial were somewhat less rounded, new side trim was added, and a strip of chrome trim was added along the top of the front fenders. Major revisions were made at the front, including new bumper and grille designs. At the rear, Imperial received a new bumper and the first vertical taillights in Imperial history.

Imperial continued with the 440 cubic inch (7.2 litre) V-8 engine, the only major addition to which was the introduction of electronic ignition. Advertised as providing better spark, improved fuel economy, and dramatically longer life, electronic ignition was a vast improvement over the longstanding points system. Compression was down to 8.20:1 ('71 had seen 8.80:1) and horsepower was listed at 225. The drop in power was not as drastic as it might seem, since 1972 was the first year that hp was listed in SAE Net rather than BHP. In actuality, there was virtually no loss of performance from '71.


The new grill and bumper design made the front of the '72 Imperial quite imposing. Manifestly luxurious, it looks quite at home in both town and country.


The above shots illustrate the major design components for the '72 Imperial. While the basic lines of the Fuselage style are still evident, the '72 Imperial makes a fresh presentation of the overall concept.	Most noticeable at the front are the freshly updated grille, bumper, and front turn signals. The "IMPERIAL" name once again appears on the left headlight cover, but with a different script than had been used in '69 and '70.


Moving to the rear of the car, the alterations in style are equally obvious. The '72 design includes steeper side panels with a more pronounced bulge at the beltline. Details include a new, tasteful rear sidemarker light/badge with the Imperial eagle.	At the rear of the '71 Imperial, new vertical taillights make their debut above a completely restyled bumper. The "IMPERIAL" script appears just below the trunklid, along with the tiny "BY Chrysler" badge.


The '72 redesign included a new rear window treatment and trim. The "LeBaron" badge remains on the rear C panel.	And nowhere is the magnificent luxury more manifest than to the occupant enjoying the comfort of the rear seating compartment. "LeBaron" is a name that bespeaks tasteful luxury.


Tasteful chrome, lustrous paint, and a fresh interpretation of the Fuselage design are the ultimate compliments of luxury for 1972.


Seating options are generous for '72. The four door models have the option of full leather seats. '72 was the first year for the "floating cushion" seats, quite possibly among the most comfortable seats ever placed in an American automobile.	The standard cloth upholstery for the '72 Imperial continued the pattern introduced for '71. The rosewood trim accents found throughout the car were also of a new design for '72.


The door panel design remained unchanged for '72, including the useful storage compartments beneath the armrests on all doors. Freshly designed rosewood accents add to the feel of luxury.	In the rear, Lavaliere straps, pillowed cushions on the C pillars, and individual reading lamps provide the passenger with total comfort and convenience.