Generation 5 · 1967–1972
1972 Ford F-100: Final Bumpside Year, 302 V8 Specs & Values
- Top Engine
- 390 FE V8 · 201 hp
- Wheelbase
- 115 in (short bed) / 131 in (long bed)
- Original MSRP
- $2,521
- Production
- 197,950
fordf100s.com · Updated
Factory Spec Sheet
MODEL YEAR 1972
| Wheelbase | 115 in (short bed) / 131 in (long bed) |
|---|---|
| Curb Weight | 3,625 lbs |
| Body Styles | pickup, styleside, flareside |
| Original MSRP | $2,521 |
| Production Numbers | 197,950 |
| Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 240 Six | 240 ci | 121 hp | inline-6 |
| 300 Six | 300 ci | 165 hp | inline-6 |
| 302 Windsor V8 | 302 ci | 154 hp | v8 |
| 360 FE V8 | 360 ci | 196 hp | v8 |
| 390 FE V8 | 390 ci | 201 hp | v8 |
Available Transmissions
- 3-speed manual
- 4-speed manual
- C6 automatic
The 1972 Ford F-100 marked the final year of the Bumpside generation, closing out a six-year production run that had fundamentally changed how Americans thought about pickup trucks. As a transition year leading into the all-new 1973 Dentside redesign, the 1972 model carried forward the proven Bumpside design with minimal changes while the industry underwent a significant shift in how engine power was measured and reported.
The most notable change for 1972 was the industry’s move from SAE gross to SAE net horsepower reporting. The audited F-100 data lists 121 net horsepower for the 240 Six, 165 for the 300 Six, 154 for the 302 V8, 196 for the 360 FE, and 201 for the 390 FE. Gross and net figures are not directly comparable because the test conditions differ.
The 390 FE appears in the audited 1972 F-100 engine-code data as a 2WD application. The 302 Windsor remained a common V8 choice, while the inline sixes continued to serve buyers who prioritized simpler maintenance and lower operating costs.
The trim hierarchy remained intact with the Custom, Sport Custom, Ranger, and Ranger XLT levels all carrying over. The Ranger XLT continued to be the most popular option for personal-use buyers, and its combination of wood-tone dash accents, upgraded upholstery, carpeting, and chrome trim represented the peak of Bumpside-era interior refinement. Factory air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, and an AM/FM radio were all commonly ordered options that further elevated the truck’s comfort level.
Exterior styling was essentially unchanged from the 1970-1971 models. The grille, body panels, and trim details were carryovers, and Ford invested its engineering resources in the upcoming 1973 redesign rather than freshening the outgoing design. The Bumpside body had aged gracefully, however, and the truck’s clean lines and substantial proportions still looked competitive on dealer lots.
Production for the final Bumpside year reached approximately 197,950 units, a solid finish for a generation that had transformed the F-100 from a work truck with some comfort options into a genuine personal-use vehicle. The Bumpside trucks established many of the expectations that modern truck buyers take for granted: spacious cabs, multiple trim levels, a wide range of powertrains, and comfort features that rival passenger cars. Today, the 1967-1972 Bumpsides are among the most collectible F-100s, prized for their clean styling, straightforward mechanicals, and the wide availability of parts that makes them practical restoration and restomod candidates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What changed in the 1972 Ford F-100?
For the 1972 model year, notable changes included: Last year of Bumpside generation, 302 V8 standard on many models, switch to SAE net horsepower ratings, 390 FE V8 absent from 1972 F-100 As the final year of the fifth-generation F-100 (Bumpside), the 1972 Ford F100 built on the prior year while setting up what came next in the 1967-1972 run.
What makes the 1972 Ford F100 the last year of its generation?
The 1972 Ford F-100 closed out the fifth-generation F-100 (Bumpside) (1967-1972). Final-year trucks represent the most fully developed version of the generation, with 6 years of refinement. The 1972 specifically is marked by Last year of Bumpside generation, 302 V8 standard on many models, switch to SAE net horsepower ratings, 390 FE V8 absent from 1972 F-100 After 1972, Ford moved to an entirely new design for the following generation.
What are the key dimensions of the 1972 Ford F-100?
The 1972 Ford F-100 had a wheelbase of 115 in (short bed) / 131 in (long bed) and a curb weight of 3,625 lbs. Factory body styles included pickup, styleside and flareside. It was part of the fifth-generation F-100 (Bumpside) (1967-1972), a generation defined by the Bumpside body and the 360/390 FE V8s.
How many 1972 Ford F100 trucks were built?
Ford produced approximately 197,950 units of the 1972 Ford F100. The original MSRP started at $2,521, which put it at the accessible end of the light-duty truck market for 1972. For 1972 production, volumes were modest, which affects collector availability today. Condition, originality, and trim level matter more than raw production numbers when valuing a specific truck.
What should I look for when buying a 1972 Ford F100?
Focus your inspection on the 1972-specific items: Last year of Bumpside generation, 302 V8 standard on many models, switch to SAE net horsepower ratings, 390 FE V8 absent from 1972 F-100 With 5 factory engine options spanning 121 to 201 horsepower, verifying that a specific 1972 truck has its original engine matters more for value than for most years before or after. Production of only 197,950 makes a clean 1972 Ford F100 genuinely uncommon today. Prioritize trucks with documented history over cosmetic presentation — a clean 1972 with receipts beats a repainted example with an unknown past.