Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

1972 Chevrolet Corvette 4-Speed Convertible

We see our share of C3 Corvettes at Barn Finds, and their condition varies wildly. Some are beautifully restored trailer queens, while others are project cars requiring major work. This 1972 Convertible fits between the two. It is a tidy driver-grade classic with a recently rebuilt engine and transmission. However, the ace up its sleeve could be the seller’s decision to list it here on eBay with No Reserve. It is located in Miami, Florida, and bidding sits at $13,533. With No Reserve in play, someone is days away from driving off into the sunset behind the wheel of this beauty.

The Convertible presents well as a driver-quality vehicle, but it is worth noting that someone performed a color change. Chevrolet offered ten shades on the Corvette color palette for that model year, but Black wasn’t one of them. Potential buyers would need to check the Tag to confirm the original shade, but only those considering returning the car to its factory appearance are likely to be worried. The paint has a few chips and marks, but the rich shine makes a positive impression. Addressing the imperfections would not be difficult, but it isn’t essential. The fiberglass is free from visible cracks or other problems, and the seller doesn’t mention any rust issues in the frame or birdcage. The sparkling chrome contrasts the dark paint, and the car comes with a Black soft-top. It is pretty wrinkled, suggesting it has spent most of its life stowed away. Leaving it raised with the ‘Vette in the sun should improve things, while there is also a hardtop for those considering all-weather motoring.

If we assess this Corvette purely as a driver-grade classic, its interior is very acceptable. The Black vinyl upholstery exhibits no significant flaws or wear, while the same is true of the carpet. The dash and console look excellent, and there is only some minor wear in areas like the wheel center that a meticulous buyer may wish to address. The factory radio is gone, and a modern retro-style stereo occupies its rightful spot. I can’t see any further additions, but potential buyers will probably appreciate the original owner’s decision to equip the Convertible with air conditioning and a tilt/telescopic wheel. The seller indicates the A/C doesn’t blow cold, but the fix may be as simple as a system recharge.

It can sometimes be difficult to determine a classic’s strongest attribute, but that honor may fall to this Corvette’s drivetrain. The VIN indicates it rolled off the line equipped with the entry-level 350ci V8 pumping out 200hp. The ponies from that small-block feed to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, allowing this Convertible to cover the ¼ mile in 15.6 seconds. Okay, maybe that doesn’t make it a fire-breathing monster, but there are still plenty of positive points worth considering. The seller claims the car has covered a mere 20,000 miles since the previous owner treated the engine and transmission to a complete rebuild. They say it drives well, but as a fifty-year-old car, it still requires some TLC. They don’t elaborate on what this might be, but the relatively fresh drivetrain means it should offer its new owner many years of reliable and enjoyable classic motoring.

Many enthusiasts find themselves drawn irresistibly to the 1972 Corvette, and it is easy to understand why. The following year brought styling changes that transformed the frontal appearance, and those people don’t believe it was a change for the better. If you ever doubted the popularity of the ’72, you need only look at the bidding history for this one to gain insight. It has attracted twenty-nine bids, and plenty of time remains on the auction. It may not be perfect or 100% original, but it has drawn potential buyers like a moth to a flame. Are you tempted to join the party, hoping to park it in your garage?

Comments

  1. Claudio

    As always , buying a car online is always a gamble , i ve had great experiences and awful ones !
    If you cannot see for yourself, pay someone to do it

    Like 1
  2. Al camino

    Why does this have a duel pulley on the alternator?

    Like 0
    • JoeNYWF64

      Maybe for missing air pump? Or it’s an alternator from ’68 chevy with 6 cylinder?

      Like 0
  3. George Mattar

    Someone put vinyl seat covers or was too cheap to put leather on. Based on the woodgrain applique on door panels and wood around shifter, this car had custom interior. Since no.paint code revealed, we don’t know the original color. Black not available in 72.

    Like 0
  4. Brian

    Black was a special order color in 1972. My cousin has a 1972 454 4-speed in triple black. It was available but is indicated as Special Order.

    Like 1
  5. Dave

    I had a 73. 350 4 speed.
    Rebuilt motor put out about 350hp
    So it’d be interesting to know if it was built, or rebuilt.
    If you’ve never driven this vehicle, be prepared to have a very large left quadricep muscle after a year. The clutch is heavy as hell

    Like 0
  6. Lowell Peterson

    I hope someone jumps in with a legit true value bid and sorts out the predators. 29 snipers..uhh..bidder @ $13k?? Sickening.

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.

Barn Finds