Cadillac History 1972 - Amazing Classic Cars

Cadillac Models & History 1972

For 1972, there were five models offered: Calais (two-door hardtop coupe and four-door hardtop sedan), deVille (two-door coupe and four-door sedan), Fleetwood Sixty-Special (four-door brougham), Fleetwood Seventy-five (four-door sedan, four-door limousine, and commercial chassis used in hearses and ambulances, etc.), and Fleetwood Eldorado (two-door hardtop coupe and two-door convertible)

1972 Cadillac

In 1972, Cadillac marked its 70th anniversary with a refined line of cars that would set sales records. Cadillac built 267,787 cars which included a black Eldorado that President Nixon gave to the Soviet leader, Leonid Brezhnev. Introductions of the 1972 line took place in September, 1971 with production continuing until July 7, 1972. Calendar year production peaked at 266,780 cars and model year output hit 267,787 units. It was a record breaking year.

I.D. NUMBERS

Character	Type	Indication
First	number	“6” to indicate production by Cadillac
Second	letter	indicates the series as follows: C=Calais D=DeVille B=Brougham L=Eldorado F=Fleetwood 75
Third & fourth	numbers	indicates the body type: 47=Coupe 49=Sedan 67=Convertible 69=Brougham 23=6 pass Limo 33=9 pass Limo
Fifth	letter	Engine: R=472 cid S=500 cid
Sixth	number	Model year. 2= 1972
Seventh	letter	Manufacturing point. Q=Detroit, MI E=Linden, NJ
Eighth – thirteenth	numbers	The sequential production code

The GM serial numbering system changed slightly this year to incorporate an alphabetical series code and a new alphabetical code designating engine type. The serial number was again located on top of the instrument panel where it was visible through the windshield.

STYLE

Model Name	Model No.	Body/ Style No.	Body Type	Seating	Factory price	Shipping weight	Production total
Calais	682/C	C49-N	4-dr HT Sedan	6 pass.	$5938	4698 lb	3875
Calais	682/C	C47-G	2-dr HT Coupe	6 pass.	$5771	4642 lb	3900
DeVille	683/D	D49-B	4-dr HT Sedan	6 pass.	$6390	4762 lb	99,531
DeVille	683/D	D47-J	2-dr HT Coupe	6 pass.	$6168	4682 lb	95,280
Fleetwood Sixty-Special	681/B	B69-P	4-dr Brougham	6 pass.	$7637	4858 lb	20,750
Fleetwood Seventy-Five	697/F	F23-R	4-dr Sedan	6 pass.	$11,948	5620 lb	995
Fleetwood Seventy-Five	697/F	F33-S	4-dr Limousine	9 pass.	$12,080	5742 lb	960
Fleetwood Seventy-Five	698/Z	69890Z	Commercial chassis	–	$-	– lb	2462
Fleetwood Eldorado	693/L	L67-E	2-dr Conv. Coupe	6 pass.	$7681	4966 lb	7975
Fleetwood Eldorado	693/L	L47-H	2-dr HT Sport Coupe	6 pass.	$7360	4880 lb	32,099

ENGINE

Engine type	Overhead valves. Cast iron block
Main bearings	Five
Valve lifters	Hydraulic
Displacement	472 cubic inches (7.7 litres)
Bore and stroke	4.300 x 4.060 inches (109 mm x 103 mm)
Compression ratio	8.5:1
Brake horsepower (net SAE)	220 at 4400 rpm
Brake horsepower (gross SAE)	345 at 4400 rpm
Torque	365 ft. lbs @2400 rpm
Oil pressure	35 psi
Carburetor	Rochester four-barrel Quadrajet Model 4MV

CHASSIS

Model	Wheelbase	Overall length	Tires
Commercial chassis	157.5 in	–	L-78 x 15
Seventy-Five	151.5 in	250 in
Sixty-special	133 in	232 in
Eldorado	126.3	223 in
All others	130 in	229 in

DRIVETRAIN OPTIONS

Cruise control	$92
Controlled differential (except Eldorado)	$56
Eighty-Amp generator	$41
Heavy-duty cooling system	$56
Exhaust emission system, required on all cars built for California sale	$15
Trailer Towing package (Eldorado)	$62
Trailer Towing package (all other models)	$92
Trackmaster	$205

CONVENIENCE OPTIONS

Automatic Climate Control	$523
Automatic Level Control	$77
Rear window defogger (Eldorado)	$36
Rear window defogger (other models)	$31
Eldorado grid type rear window defogger	$62
Door edge guards in 2-door	$6
Door edge guards in 4-door	$9
Power door locks for 75s	$115
Power door locks for others	$69
Power door locks with electric seat back release in coupes and convertibles	$69
Dual Comfort seat in DeVille & Eldorado	$103
Front and rear floor mats twin type in 75s	$10
One piece front and rear floor mats for Eldorado	$19
Twin type floor mats in other models	$16
Soft Ray tinted glass	$57
Convertible hard boot	$40
Bumper impact strips	$24
License frame(s)	$6/1; $11/2
Remote control right mirror (standard on 75s)	$26
Brougham and 75 opera lamps	$51
Firemist paint	$128
AM/FM pushbutton Radio	$183
AM/FM signal-seeking stereo Radio	$320
AM/FM radio with tape	$406
AM/FM stereo signal-seeking with rear control in 75s	$410
Full vinyl padded top for DeVille, including “halo” on Coupe DeVille	$152
Custom Cabriolet Eldorado Coupe roof	$360
Full vinyl Eldorado padded top	$157
Power seat options	$89-115
Shoulder belts in convertible front seat or rear seat all models	$31
Tilt and Telescope steering wheel	$92
DeVille/Eldorado/Brougham sun roof with vinyl or padded roof mandatory	$610
Sunroof with Eldorado Coupe Custom Cabriolet treatment	$1005
Remote control trunk lock	$56
Trunk mat	$8
Twilight Sentinel	$40
Expanded vinyl Calais upholstery	$41
Expanded leather upholstery in DeVille/Brougham	$169
Expanded leather upholstery in Eldorado coupe	$179
White sidewall L78-15 tires in 75s	$47
White sidewall L78-15 tires in other models	$41

SPECIFICATIONS

FLUID CAPACITIES

Engine	V8 472cc (7.7L)	V8 500cc (8.2L)
Crankcase	4 qt	5 qt
Crankcase with new filter	5 or 6 qt	6 qt
AutomaticTransmission after draining	8 pt	11.9 pt
Drive Axle	5 pt	4 pt
Fuel tank	27.5 gal(US)	27.5 gal(US)
Cooling with heater	21.3 qt	21.3 qt
Cooling with A/C	21.3 qt	21.3 qt
Heavy duty Cooling	21.8 qt	21.8 qt

GASOLINE ENGINE TUNE-UP SPECS

Engine V.I.N Code	R	S
Engine type	V8-472cc(7.7L)	V8-500cc(8.2L)
Fuel delivery	4 bbl	4 bbl
Manufacturer	Cadillac	Cadillac
Original Spark plug	R46N	R46N
Gap	0.035 in.	0.035 in
Distributor Point Dwell	30°	30°
Distributor Point Gap	0.016″	0.016″
Ignition timing (BTDC)	8°	8°
Intake valve opens (BTDC)	34	34
Fuel pump pressure	5¼ – 6½ psi	5¼ – 6½ psi
Idle speed	600/400 rpm	600/400 rpm

ALTERNATOR AND REGULATOR SPECS

Part #	1100940	1100558	1100937	1100557	1101015	1117144
Field current @ 12 V	2.8 – 3.2	2.8 – 3.2	4.0 – 4.5	4.0 – 4.5	4.0 – 4.5	4.0 – 4.5
Output	42 amps	42 amps	63 amps	63 amps	80 amps	145 amps
Regulator Field-Relay: Air Gap	0.015″	0.015″	Solid State	Solid State	Solid State	Solid State
Regulator Field-Relay: Point Gap	0.030″	0.030″
Regulator Field-Relay: Volts to Close	1.5 – 3.2	1.5 – 3.2
Regulator Air Gap	0.060″	0.060″
Regulator Point Gap	0.014″	0.014″
Regulator Volts @ 75°	13.5 – 14.4	13.5 – 14.4	13.8 – 14.8	13.5 – 14.4	13.8 – 14.8	13.5 – 14.4

BATTERY AND STARTER SPECS

Engine	V8-472cc (7.7L)	V8-500cc (8.2L)
Battery Ampere Hour Capacity	74	74
Battery Volts	12	12
Battery Terminal Grounded	Neg.	Neg.
Starter, Lock Test, Amps	Not Recommended	Not Recommended
Starter, Lock Test, Volts
Starter, Lock Test, Torque
Starter, No-Lead Test, Amps	65 – 95	65 – 95
Starter, No-Lead Test, Volts	9	9
Starter, No-Lead Test, RPM	7000 – 10500	7000 – 10500
Starter, Brush Spring Tension	35 oz. min.	35 oz. min.

GENERAL ENGINE SPECS

Engine V.I.N Code	R	S
Engine type	V8-472cc(7.7L)	V8-500cc(8.2L)
Manufacturer	Cadillac	Cadillac
Fuel delivery	4 bbl	4 bbl
Horsepower	220@4000	235@3800
Torque	365@2400	385@2400
Bore x Stoke	4.300 x 4.060	4.300 x 4.304
Compression Ratio	8.5:1	8.5:1
Oil pressure	35 psi	35 psi

CRANKSHAFT SPECS

Engine type	V8-472cc(7.7L)	V8-500cc(8.2L)
Main Brg Journal Dia.	3.250	3.250
Main Brg Oil Clearance	0.0003 – 0.0026	0.0003 – 0.0026
Shaft End-play	0.002 – 0.012	0.002 – 0.012
Thrust on No.	3	3

CONNECTING ROD SPECS

Engine type	V8-472cc(7.7L)	V8-500cc(8.2L)
Journal Dia.	2.5000	2.5000
Oil Clearance	0.0005 – 0.0028	0.0005 – 0.0028
Side Clearance	0.008 – 0.016	0.008 – 0.016

PISTON AND RING SPECS

Engine type	V8-472cc(7.7L)	V8-500cc(8.2L)
Piston-Bore Clearance	0.0006 – 0.0010	0.0006 – 0.0010
Ring Side Clearance: Top Compression	0.0017 – 0.0040	0.0017 – 0.0040
Ring Side Clearance: Bottom Compression	0.0017 – 0.0040	0.0017 – 0.0040
Ring Side Clearance: Oil Control	None (side sealing)	None (side sealing)
Ring Gap: Top Compression	0.013 – 0.025	0.013 – 0.025
Ring Gap: Bottom Compression	0.013 – 0.025	0.013 – 0.025
Ring Gap: Oil Control	0.015 – 0.055	0.015 – 0.055

VALVE SPECS

Engine type	V8-472cc(7.7L)	V8-500cc(8.2L)
Seat Angle	45°	44°
Face Angle	45°	44°
Spring Test Pressure	160 lb @ 1.50 in.	168 lb @ 1.50 in.
Spring Installed Height	1¹⁵⁄₁₆ in. (1.671875″)	1¹⁵⁄₁₆ in. (1.9375″)
Stem-to-Guide Clearance: Intake	0.0010 – 0.0027	0.0010 – 0.0027
Stem-to-Guide Clearance: Exhaust	0.0012 – 0.0027	0.0012 – 0.0027
Stem Diameter: Intake	0.3420	0.3418
Stem Diameter: Exhaust	0.3418	0.3416

TORQUE SPECS

Engine type	V8-472cc(7.7L)	V8-500cc(8.2L)
Cyl. Head Bolts	115 ft.lb	115 ft. lb
Rod Brg Bolts	40 ft.lb	40 ft. lb
Main Brg Bolts	90 ft.lb	90 ft. lb
Crankshaft Damper or Pulley Bolt	Press fit	Press fit
Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolts	75 ft.lb	75 ft. lb
Intake Manifold	30 ft.lb	30 ft. lb
Exhaust Manifold	35 ft.lb	35 ft. lb

CARBURETOR SPECS

Carb ID	7047231 (4MV)	7047232 (4MV)
Float Level	15/64 in	23/64 in
Air Valve Spring	1/2 turn	1/2 turn
Pump Rod	¹¹⁄₃₂ in.	¹¹⁄₃₂ in.
Primary Vacuum Break	0.140 in	0.205 in
Choke Rod	0.090 in	0.090 in
Choke Unloader	0.312 in	0.015 in
Fast Idle Speed	1925 rpm	1925 rpm

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECS

Feature	Eldorado	Full size
Caster Range	½°N – 1½°N	1½°N – ½°N
Caster Pref.	1°N	1°N
Camber LH wheel Range	³⁄₈°N – ³⁄₈°P	³⁄₈°P – ³⁄₈°N
Camber LH wheel Pref.	0°	0°
Camber RH wheel Range	³⁄₈°N – ³⁄₈°P	1/8°P – 5/8°N
Camber RH wheel Pref.	0°	¼°N
Toe-In	0″	¹⁄₈ in. – ¹⁄₄ in.
Steering Axis Inclination	11°	6°

HISTORICAL NOTES

1972 Cadillac Notes

George R. Elges was general manager
Carl A. Rasmussen was chief engineer
Stanley Wilen was chief designer (Cadillac Studio)
F. T. Hopkins was general sales manager
Cadillac production figures

Calais7,775 (increased 846)

Sedan de Ville99,531 (increased 30,186)

Coupe de Ville95,280 (increased 29,199)

Eldorado40,074 (increased 12,706)

Series 6020,750 (increased 5,550)

Series 754,377 (increased 763)

1972 Automotive Notes

Sales for 1972 topped 8.6 million cars
US Congress revokes the price freeze and auto excise tax
Buzzers and warning lights remind occupants to fasten seatbelts
Almost all engines run on low-lead regular gasoline
Advertized horsepower and torque are published as “net” instead of “gross.” Although the much lower figure is a more accurate measurement, most people erroneously suppose that pollution equipment attributed to the lower figures.
As convertible sales declines, most automakers offer a powered or manually operated sunroof
The Automobile Manufacturers Association (AMA) in Detroit changes its name to the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association (MVMA)
Eaton Corp. tests air bags with human passengers
Prestolite introduces a maintenance-free battery
Fiberglass radial-ply tires are big sellers
GM news:
- Edward N. Cole was president of GM
- Richard C. Gerstenberg was chairman of the board at GM
- GM cars get energy-absorbing bumpers — a year ahead of government requirements
- Chevrolet takes back the lead over Ford by 174,000 units
- Chevelle and Monte Carlo still offer the big 454 V-8, but the Monte Carlo SS departs
- Last year for Chevelle SS option
- Last year for Camaro SS and big block engine
- Two Corvette show cars — the GT 2-Rotor and the Aero-Vette 4-Rotor — carry experimental Wankel rotary engines
- Pontiac offers solid-state ignition systems to replace breaker points
- Pontiac’s GTO is now a Le Mans option package
- Firebird and Camaro sales continue to drop and GM worries about the future of performance cars
- Oldsmobile moves from fifth to third followed by Plymouth and Pontiac
- Last year for the Cutlass convertible, the 4-4-2 is just an appearance and handling option
- Buick Skylark hardtop offered an optional sliding fabric sunroof
- Buick GS455 returns, but the GSX is only an appearance package
- GM tests an OBD (on-board diagnostic) system which will later become common
- GM plans to install a Wankel rotary engine in the Vega for 1975, but it doesn’t materialize
Ford news:
- Ford is the only automaker to offer new models: Torino/Montego, Thunderbird, and Continental Mark IV
- 200 Mercurys with air bags go to Allstate Insurance as part of a pilot project
- Ford adds a 3-door wagon to Pintos with a woody-look Squire option
- The larger Torino gets body-on-frame construction
- Ford sells nearly half a million Pintos
- The Cobra muscle car is dropped
- Mustang loses the big-block V-8s and discontinues the Boss 351
- Thunderbird shares the structure with Continental Mark IV, but there is no sedan
- Thunderbird has four-wheel disc brakes available with “Sure-Track” anti-lock braking
- The White House gets an armor-plated 34-inch stretch Lincoln Continental
- Ford signs an agreement to develop a Sterling external-combustion engine, but it doesn’t materialize
Chrysler news:
- Chrysler offers solid-state ignition systems to replace breaker points
- An electronic digital clock is standard on Imperials and optional on other Chryslers
- Chrysler replaces the 383-cid (6.3 litre) with a 400-cid (6.6 litre)
- Dodge and Plymouth replace the 426-cid with the 400-cid (6.6 litre), but keeps the 440-cid (7.2 litre)
- Charger R/T and Super Bee are dropped
- There are no more Plymouth convertibles or the GTX or big-block Barracudas
AMC news:
- Ambassador offered only the SST and Brougham
Top American Automobile Corporations for 1972