Volkswagen made a few minor improvements to its popular Beetle (over 15 million sold!) for 1972. The smog control system was upgraded, for instance, and a new steering column with a collapsible safety feature was added.

But the biggest news was the introduction of the limited-edition Baja Bug, which came with a  dealer-installed package that included walnut dash trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, exterior side stripes, Bosch halogen driving lights, alloy wheels, and special exhaust pipes. The Super Beetle was also available for 1972.

The standard Beetle came with the 1600 four-cylinder, air-cooled engine that generated 60 horsepower, as well as a dual braking system, four-wheel independent suspension, and a flow-through ventilation system. In addition, standard features included seat belts for the driver and passengers, two-speed windshield wipers with a pneumatic washer system, swiveling sun visors, coat hooks, assist straps, folding rear seats, and luggage space under the front hood and in a three-foot carpeted compartment behind the rear seats. A convertible top was optional.