BY DAVID WELLS

Chaparral was definitely riding high heading into 1972 . One of the more technically advanced sled brands of the day , the upstart from Colorado was beginning to be recognized as a builder of quality product that offered serious performance combined with above-average reliability .

After winning the 1970 Soo I-500 enduro race , “ red bird ” production had doubled to 6,000 machines for ’ 71 , and it increased again to about 10,000 sleds for ’ 72 . That had Chaparral knocking on the door of the industry ’ s 10 top brands .

Chaparral Industries liked to evaluate its products right in its own backyard , the Rocky Mountains . So , it had a quartet of non-professional riders take four 1972 early production models up to 12,500 feet . The successful safari resulted in the 1972 marketing theme “ the snowmobile that conquered the Rockies .”

Choices Galore

For 1972 , Chaparral offered 21 distinct models that fell into four series : the Firebird SS trail performance models ; Firebird trail sport sleds ; Thunderbird wide track machines ; and price-leader Skylark snowmobiles .

The brand ’ s sled choices seemed almost endless , and most of them looked alike .

For enthusiasts , though , the Firebird SS series was easily identified by an off-center black racing stripe on the hood that led back to an air scoop that lacked the signature chromed T-bar grille of other ’ 72 Chappies .

SS variants also got a little more power from a twin-pipe exhaust system that was unique to these models for this one

model year . Other added performance equipment included ski shocks , speedometer , low windshield and a small rear bumper behind a wedge “ racing ” seat instead of the standard seat with butt pocket and storage underneath .

Passenger handholds , standard on all other ’ 72 Chaparrals , were deleted .

Refinements for 1972 Firebird SS models included a new console , stronger bumpers , improved spindles for greater reliability and better handling , and reworked steering geometry that produced a tight 8-foot turning radius .

Easily the best handling mid-engine sleds that I ever rode , Chaparrals had a wide handlebar for good leverage , a wide ski stance and a low center of gravity gained in part by positioning the gas tank low in the chassis .

Like many brands , Chaparral ’ s 1972 power choices were overwhelming due to the rolling transition from multiple suppliers to brand-exclusive Fuji Light Industries engines . That transition would not be completed until the following model year . Firebird SS engine options included 292- , 340- , 400- , 440- and 650-class Hirth twins , 400 and 440 Fuji twins , and a 440 Sachs twin . And CCW engines were still available in Firebird and Skylark models , too .

A massive list of options included the torsion spring “ Touch Bar ” hybrid rear suspension . It features a two-piece slide rail on each side and eight wheels fixed to the rack .

Ice runners were steel plates to be bolted to the inside of the skis similar to the “ pizza cutters ” often seen on race sleds of the early vintage era . A tachometer , an ampere meter and a temperature gauge were available . Convenience options included electric start , cigarette lighter and passenger backrest . And a primer kit , high-altitude kit and “ Rocky Mountain skis ” were offered for high-country use .

ImpreSSive Performer

Snow Goer tested a ’ 72 Firebird SS 438 Hirth in the Rockies , and our riders at the time piled on the praise .

“ Not only is the Chaparral lighter than most snowmobiles , it ’ s also rugged ,” our editors reported . “ We expected performance out of Chaparral in the mountains , and we got it .”

The sled ’ s ergonomics were more controversial .

“ We liked the leg room , and the ride was like sitting in a rocking chair ,” our testers reported , although room for improvement was noted . “ Like most performance snowmobiles , the windshield was inadequate and we had the feeling we had to reach too far for the handlebars ,” our editors complained .

My touring buddy Ted Perkins echoed that handlebar reach gripe . And

12 / NOVEMBER 2024 / SNOWGOER . COM