Chevrolet has been an integral and indelible part of American automotive history over its 111-year-old existence. GM's subsidiary brand has given us gems like the Corvette, the Camaro, the Colorado, and many other muscle cars, trucks, SUVs, and sedans to remember. One thing that can't be denied is that we are in the age of SUVs and crossovers, and sedans are certainly a dying breed, looking at market trends. This is also what brought forth the death of the famed and iconic Chevy Impala in 2020.

The Impala ran over ten generations, but it had been clear for a while now that the market was losing interest in the sedan. Thus, the one thing left to do is to look back on the greatest years of the legendary nameplate, and what better model to think of other than the 1972 Impala? In its fifth generation, the MY1972 Chevrolet Impala came a couple of years before the Malaise Era, which means it was one of the best cars of its time.

To this day, gearheads look back fondly at the '72 Impala, and for all the right reasons. Thus, if you're on the lookout for a classic Chevrolet to bring home today, here are 8 reasons why a 1972 Chevrolet Impala should be at the top of your list.

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8 The 1972 Chevrolet Impala Rode On The Car's Longest Wheelbase Ever

The 1972 Chevrolet Impala on the street.
Via: Wikimedia Commons/Calreyn88

The wheelbase of the Chevy Impala certainly kept increasing as the years went by. In its very first generation, Chevy equipped the Impala with a longer wheelbase than lower-priced models. Subsequently, the Impala in its second generation also received a longer wheelbase by another 1-1/2 inches.

The 1972 Chevrolet Impala on sale.
Via: Mecum Auctions

In the fifth generation, starting from the '71 model year, the Chevrolet Impala had the longest wheelbase ever. The fifth generation rode on the B-Body and featured a revised front and rear end as well. Subsequent generations of the Impala actually cut down the wheelbase length from the fifth gen's highest 121.5-inch number.

7 The '72 Chevy Impala Remains A Head-Turner Even Today

A side view of the 1972 Chevrolet Impala.
Via: Mecum Auctions

Classic cars really are their own breed today, and who can deny the swag they roam the streets with? The '72 Impala takes that swagger up a few notches, being an incredibly beautiful car to look at. Not only is it one of the longest things on the road, but it also cuts a striking figure wherever it goes.

1972 Chevrolet Impala
via Wikipedia

Over at the front, Chevrolet put the Impala's grille lower than the bumper, making for an intimidating front fascia. The car also received revised taillights, and the imposing hood is one we wish we were behind.

6 1972 Also Saw The Last Convertible Impala Chevrolet Ever Made

1972 Chevrolet Impala convertible
 via Hemmings

If you're a gearhead who wants a classic convertible, the Impala had plenty of model years to choose from. However, what makes the '72 model year Chevrolet Impala special is that it was the last year when Chevy made an open-top Impala.

1972 Chevrolet Impala convertible
via MecumAuctions

So, why wouldn't you want the very best, most refined version of the convertible Impala? For anyone who wants the wind in their hair as they revel in the glory of the classic 1972 Chevrolet Impala, there's nothing quite like the '72 Convertible.

RELATED: Here’s Why A 2020 Chevrolet Impala Is A Short-Cut To Bankruptcy

5 Chevrolet Packed The 1972 Impala With Impressive Engines In 1972

1972 Chevrolet Impala
via ClassicAndCollectorCars

The 1972 Chevrolet Impala had plenty of impressive engines in the lineup, starting with a standard 250-cubic-inch 5.7-liter engine. This was made standard for the model year.

1972 Chevrolet Impala convertible engine
via Hemmings

Other options included a 400 cubic-inch 6.6-liter unit, and a 6.6-liter 402-cubic-inch engine as well. Moreover, this was also the year when Chevrolet designed all their engines to run on unleaded gasoline, from the standard power mill all the way up to the top 454-cubic-inch unit.

4 The Classic 1972 Chevy Impala Boasts Handsome Interiors

The interior of the 1972 Chevrolet Impala.
Via: Mecum Auctions

If you're considering bringing home a '72 Chevy Impala, you'd be spending most of your time inside the cabin, behind the wheel of the classic Chevy. This is what makes the whole deal sweeter, considering just how handsome the interiors are on the car.

1972 Chevrolet Impala Interior Front Row
 via Premier Auction Group

For the '72 model year, Chevrolet improved the car's power ventilation system, moving the exit vents from all the way over in the trunk lid to the door pillars. The upholstery holds up even today, and if you can find one with an intact cabin that has been looked after well, the '72 Impala would treat you incredibly well with its comfortable bench seats both in the front and the rear row.

RELATED: These Classic Sports Car Interiors Are Still Gorgeous Today

3 The 454 Engine Gave The '72 Chevy Impala Unbeatable Power

1972 Chevrolet Impala 454 engine
via GuysWithRides

While all the engine options on the 1972 Chevrolet Impala were plenty impressive, there is simply no denying the power (and bragging rights) that came with the top-of-the-line 7.4-liter 454-cubic-inch V8 unit.

1972 Chevrolet Impala
via BarnFinds

An optional engine with the '72 Impala, this engine churned out a massive 365 horsepower, which took the car from 0 to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. For a massive car like the '72 Impala, that was pretty quick. Plus, the industry was just about to enter the years of the oil crisis, which is why the fifth generation of the Impala did receive a power decrease. However, behind the wheel of the 454 Impala, one would forget that was ever a thing.

2 GM's Turbo-Hydramatic Transmission Came Standard On The 1972 Chevrolet Impala

1972 Chevrolet Impala Front Row
via MecumAuctions

As the Impala entered its fifth generation in 1971, it still came with a three-speed manual transmission as standard across the lineup. However, right before the 1972 model of the Chevy Impala arrived, all full-sized GM cars that rode on a V8 engine now came with the brand's proprietary Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission as standard equipment.

1972 Chevrole Impala Parked
via ClassicCars

Anyone looking for a classic car that is still easy to drive daily today prefers going for one with an automatic transmission, even though those models are a little harder to find. However, with a '72 Impala on your list, the Turbo Hydra-Matic auto transmission would be available on all models, making your search, and subsequent driving around, a whole lot easier.

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1 You Can Still Get A '72 Impala For Pretty Cheap

1972 Chevrolet Impala
via MecumAuctions

One of the biggest reasons to prefer the 1972 Chevrolet Impala is the car's current value. Despite its classic heritage, the car usually doesn't top $50,000. Final costs on whichever model you find, however, depend on the condition, mileage, and other factors.

1972 Chevrolet Impala 2dr Hardtop
 via Barrett-Jackson

However, the '72 model does come with some great history behind the production year, with plenty to love about the design and specifications that Chevy launched it with. The average retail for this classic Chevy icon is around the $15,000 mark, which is pretty acceptable for a car that is now a half-century old and still manages to turn heads and get gearheads' attention wherever it drives by.

Sources: JD Power, Hemmings