The 1972 Pontiac GTO was actually an option package on the Le Mans that could be purchased for $350 over the car’s base price.  Production dropped nearly in half from the previous year, down to under 6,000 in 1972.  The car came equipped with a 400 cubic-inch V8 that produced 250 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.  An optional engine, the 455 cubic-inch HO V8 produced 300 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.  The horsepower ratings for both engines were down from the previous year.

Auction values for the ’72 GTO have been steadily rising since 2002, when the average sale price for just over $4,000.  By 2006, the average auction sale was up to more than $50,000.  Although it might appear as though this is one of the great short-term automotive investments, a jump in the average price by more than $45,000 in a period of five years is a little suspicious, especially when considering that these cars only rate a “C” on the Sports Car Market Collectability Scale.  Our experts appraised this car at $18,000, more in line with what one should expect to pay for a ’72 GTO.