While the 1971 Mustang had "MUSTANG" in block letters across the width of the decklid, the 1972 model had a small "Mustang" script on the right side of the decklid. Government regulations required changes in the way engines were rated, and while the output remained the same from 1971, the horsepower ratings dropped damaging the image of the Mustang as a muscle car.

Mustang celebrated the 1972 Olympics iwith the Mustang Sprint. Sprints were white with blue rocker panel paint, hood stripes, and seat inserts and a USA shield on the rear quarter panel. All of the cars came with the standard "dog dish" hubcaps, but most owners have replaced them with Magnum 500 wheels. Ford made 800 Sprint fastbacks, and 50 convertibles were made for the Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival. It was recently learned that 6247 Sprint coupes were also offered.  Ford also offered Sprint models of their smaller Mavericks and Pintos. Visit Daniel Russell's 1972 Sprint Registry for more info.

Very few 1972 Shelbys were created for distribution in Europe. Visit this site for more info.