Let \(C\) represent the car's cost price. The selling price is ₹72,000, with a 20% profit.
The selling price calculation:
\[
\text{Selling Price} = \text{Cost Price} + 20% \text{ of Cost Price}
\]
\[
72,000 = C + 0.20C = 1.20C
\]
Solving for \(C\):
\[
C = \frac{72,000}{1.20} = 60,000
\]
Therefore, the cost price is ₹60,000.