We’re no strangers to low-mile classics at Barn Finds, but some deserve greater recognition than others. This 1972 Corvette is a perfect example because the seller recently purchased it from the previous owner, who clocked a mere 258 miles in the last twenty-five years. It is a genuine survivor with minor cosmetic upgrades, leaving the new owner to choose between preservation and restoration. Either approach is valid, and hitting the road for summer fun is a realistic short-term goal. The Corvette is listed here on eBay in El Cerrito, California. The seller set their BIN at $19,000 with the option to make an offer.

Many enthusiasts view the 1972 model as the last of the “true” C3 Corvettes. Change was in the air for 1973, with the chrome front bumper being the first victim, as Chevrolet ensured the car would comply with tighter legislative requirements. This ‘Vette may have spent most of the last twenty-five years in a garage, but it wasn’t left to gather dust. After purchasing it from the previous owner, the seller wheeled the car into the light of day, discovering the light rain rolled effortlessly off the heavily waxed Targa Blue paint. It is far from perfect, but preserving the car in its current form would command respect. Close inspection reveals chips and scratches, while the fiberglass has a few accumulated cracks. That makes it a prime candidate for those preferring restoration, and the lack of rust in the frame and birdcage should make the process straightforward. The chrome and glass are acceptable for a driver-grade classic, and the color-coded Rally wheels are an interesting touch that I quite like.

The first owner focused heavily on an effortless driving experience when ordering this Corvette. They combined the ZQ3 version of the 350ci V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. Chevrolet followed the industry standard in 1972, declaring power and torque outputs in Net terms rather than the previous practice of quoting Gross figures. Therefore, the 200hp and 300 ft/lbs delivered in 1972 appear to be a substantial drop on paper, but it wasn’t as dramatic as the numbers suggest. The ¼-mile journey of 15.9 seconds was slightly slower than that achieved by an identical car in the previous years, but there was little to separate the pair on the stopwatch. The listing indicates this Corvette has a genuine 65,400 miles on its odometer, and if it really has only covered 258 miles in the past twenty-five years, the mileage is plausible. The seller worked through the revival process, stating the car now runs and drives well. The engine feels strong, and the transmission is smooth. The brakes are low and will require attention before the new owner can consider the ‘Vette genuinely roadworthy. However, it appears it won’t take much work to achieve that goal.

Examining the Corvette’s interior further emphasizes the first owner’s focus on comfort. They equipped this classic with air conditioning, power windows, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio. The last item is missing, but the interior is otherwise complete. The carpet might benefit from professional cleaning because it is surprisingly free from the typical fading issues. The Black vinyl trim is in generally good order, and there are no signs of cracked or broken plastic. This interior won’t score many trophies at a car show, but its condition is comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic.

Some enthusiasts search for a classic to park in their garage, focusing heavily on ultra-desirable cars. Others prefer vehicles with a fascinating backstory. This 1972 Corvette provides the best of both worlds and returning it to active service for some extended summer touring is a realistic expectation. That begs the question about what the next step would be. Do you think preservation is appropriate, or would you find restoration irresistible? There are no right or wrong answers, but it will be fascinating to gauge your feedback to see what percentage of our readers would select either path. So, over to you.