Can anyone tell me date when the last 396 SS came out of the Norwood factory or if possible the build number?? before the plant shut down, I own a 72 SS and according to the plate it was built in the second week of November 1972, so it would appear to be one of the last one's built. Any info would be great, thanks.

 

A quick search comes back with 72 being the last year for them. Again, it was just a cursory search so it could be wrong.

 

Ok, thanks anyway, I'll keep digging.

 

Put 1972 in a trash can and bury it. Chevy continued to refine the Camaro but due to a 174 day strike beginning on April 7, no cars left Norwood Ohio, which was the only plant producing the F-body. When the strike ended, 1100 partially completed cars were scrapped or donated to vocational schools since it would be too expensive to modify them to conform to stricker '73 bumper & emission regulations. It is estimated that 39,000 camaros and firebirds weren't built, worth an estimated $125 Million to dealers. The Nova line was moved from Norwood to protect it from future "labor problems". The position of the F-body was precarious with serious talk about axing the whole model, shutting down the Norwood plant and writting it off. Pony car sales were down, the federal (emissions & safety) boot was coming down, the price of gas was up, insurance was up, the SS was zapped. IT WAS DUE TO PEOPLE LIKE US - powerful owner loyalty groups which helped sway GM to keep producing the F-body. IMO: If it came down to business economics the Camaro/Firebird would have died in 1972. Alas, it didn't... and the '72's got:






[ul][*]Coarser grille mesh.[*]Z21 NOT INCLUDED with Z22 (notice price drop on Z22 option)[*]3 point shoulder harness debuted in mid year.[*]Door panels restyled, include map pockets & change holder.[*]Speedometer reads 130 max, down from 150[*]Hurst Shifter no longer used[*]Last year for Super Sport Model[*]Last year for Big Block engine[*]First year specific engine type is coded in VIN
[/ul]This is just a quick skim of the net........

 

Go to Nastyz28.com and follow the link to 1972 models. There is a lot of history there. I have a 72 also and found a lot of info for mine.