What can I say? It is a 1972 Corvette Convertible that presents superbly. It would be fair to think that those words describe this classic perfectly. However, the ace up its sleeve is that its spotless appearance is due to having covered a claimed 9,100 miles over the past fifty-three years. That makes this Corvette a genuinely special classic needing nothing but a new home. The seller has listed this remarkable survivor here on eBay in Atlanta, Georgia. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting a gem that could be yours, with a BIN of $56,000 and the option to make an offer.
Chevrolet continued to offer ten paint shades on the 1972 Corvette palette. Ontario Orange, as found on this Convertible, proved the most popular color. It was selected by 4,891 buyers, accounting for more than 18% of total sales during that model year. The seller’s listing is short on solid facts, although it seems to suggest that this ‘Vette is a genuine survivor. Its condition is remarkable if true, because there are no significant paint or fiberglass flaws. The Black soft-top fits as tight as a drum, and if you are looking for a clean surface from which to eat your lunch, the underside shots confirm that the floors and frame wouldn’t be a bad place to start! The desirable chrome bumpers and remaining trim pieces look perfect, as does the glass.
The 1972 model year was one of change for the American automotive industry. The Dealer Specifications Sheet for that year’s Corvette quotes power and torque figures of 200hp and 300 ft/lbs for the entry-level 350ci V8 found in this Convertible. That sounds like a dramatic drop from the previous year’s 270hp and 360 ft/lbs produced by the small-block, but it must be put into perspective. Manufacturers transitioned from quoting engine output in Gross to Net terms for this model year, and even with stricter emission regulations, the actual power loss was only 10hp in real terms. The first owner teamed the 350 with a three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. The seller recently installed new mufflers, new tires, and a new battery. They don’t mention documentation for the car, although the engine bay presentation makes the mileage figure plausible. They state that this numbers-matching classic runs and drives smoothly, making it a turnkey proposition for potential buyers.
It appears that the first owner may have been on a budget when ordering this Corvette. The only visible factory option is the AM/FM radio, and this car misses out on desirable features like air conditioning, power windows, and a tilt/telescopic wheel. It is trimmed in Black vinyl that presents as impressively as you should rightly expect from any classic within this price range. There is no evidence of wear, the carpet hasn’t faded, and the dash is spotless. However, the most noteworthy feature could be the console. The area around the ashtray and vent controls is prone to scratches, but there are none on this car. Overall, the interior is clean and tidy and should receive its share of positive comments at shows or a Cars & Coffee.
There is no doubt that this 1972 Corvette Convertible presents superbly, with its overall condition consistent with the mileage claim. However, that may be the sticking point for some readers. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence, which is crucial to confirm the odometer reading and justify their price. Without it, this is just another Corvette, albeit an extremely nice one. It hasn’t generated the level of interest that you might expect, raising the possibility that some potential buyers have placed a question mark over the claim. Do you find it plausible, and would the BIN figure be justified if confirmed?
If he has documentation to prove the mileage claim it’s worth the price. The problem with super low mileage cars is that you can’t drive them if you want to maintain their value. It’s just garage art. I had a 19k original mile 72 corvette coupe with an NCRS Duntov award until 5 years ago that was the same way. I sold it and bought a 73 454 restored convertible that I could drive and don’t regret it.
100% about “garage art”, Curvette. If this car has truly been driven only 9,100 in 53 years, it’s just sad that the owners have denied themselves the joy of driving such a fine machine. To each his own, but to me it seems like a Christmas present that’s never been opened.
But does the clock work
pretty stiff coin. need to see proof of miles and maybe some history on the car
Without paperwork for the mileage claim it might as well be 70k well kept miles. I do believe its super low miles though. The white stripe tires look original but the TAs look new. The exhaust manifolds have been painted recently with some black surfaces underbody. It’s crazy to not see bonding strips etc. under the original claimed paint. Maybe the pics need to be clearer?
I wish I had bought one when I thought the C3 would never be as valuable as the C1 and C2.
Totally agree about the garage trophy. Why own one if you don’t drive her? When I sold my ‘71 stingray, she had 85000 on her. numbers matching, rag top, stick shift. Ran great! Original paint which meant there was some minor glass work to be done….repaint? Anyway, $14000 cash within 24 hours. I thought it was a fair deal.
Although it doesn’t have the LT1 engine if this car can be authenticated I’d say it’s well worth the ask. Yes you will have to sort the car out to have it perform like it should but it’s worth it in my opinion. I’ve seen this car before years ago. but it had a different color convertible top.
My 71 that I owned in 76 was identical to this. Except this one is in much better condition.
Nice find, Curvette, and not on the west coast for once. Actually, just down the road from me, but much further away than that, financially.