By 1972, C3 Corvette buyers faced fewer engine options for their new purchase. However, those available still allowed the C3 to be a potent performer. While many focus on the big-block vehicles, others believe the LT1 version of the iconic 350 offered the best compromise. That is what lurks under the hood of this ’72 ‘Vette, and it is part of the package that allows this classic to remain an original survivor. Although a meticulous owner may see a cosmetic restoration in this car’s future, it is a turnkey proposition with no immediate needs. It is listed for sale here on Craigslist in West Palm Beach, Florida. The seller has set their price at a negotiable $44,500, and I must thank Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this classic.
While Chevrolet offered ten paint shades for the 1972 Corvette buyer, the most popular was Ontario Orange, with a total of 4,891 cars. That is the shade gracing this ‘Vette’s flanks, and while it looks good from a distance, a closer inspection reveals flaws and imperfections such as those visible in this photo. The car isn’t horrendous, and many would consider it acceptable for an original survivor. That will leave potential buyers to choose between retaining the vehicle as a survivor or treating it to a cosmetic refresh. Either approach is valid and will come down to a question of personal preference. If I found it in my garage, the overall condition of the rest of the vehicle would see me choose a repaint that would return the car to its former glory. That is because the trim is in excellent condition, as is the glass. If we delve below the surface, the frame is rust-free, which is probably helped by a history split between California and Florida.The Corvette rolls on a set of Rally wheels wearing almost new tires from the good people at BF Goodrich. Factor those positive attributes into the equation, and you can see why a repaint is justifiable.
The originality of this Corvette continues when we examine its interior. The Black upholstered surfaces exhibit no wear, even on the more prone outer seat edges. The dash is excellent, and the carpet doesn’t show the type of fading common in Corvettes of this vintage. Probably the highlight is the console, which has avoided the typical marks and imperfections. It isn’t loaded with optional extras, suggesting the original owner was firmly focused on performance when ordering this classic. However, the factory AM/FM radio should relieve boredom on long journeys.
If a buyer didn’t tick any additional boxes on their Order Form, their new Corvette came to them featuring the ZQ3 version of the 350ci V8 producing a healthy 200hp. They could choose from two engine options, with most of them selecting the LS5 version of the 454ci big-block. It represented excellent value for money at $294.90 over the sticker price. Those seeking a “complete package” approach could bite the bullet and spend $483.45 on the legendary LT-1 small-block. While it “only” produced 255hp versus the big-block’s 270hp, it didn’t come with the weight penalty of an additional 190lbs hanging over the front wheels of a 454-equipped vehicle. However, the extra cost meant that only 1,741 buyers chose the LT-1, while 3,913 ticked the box beside the LS5. This Corvette’s original owner selected the LT-1, backed by a four-speed manual transmission. That allowed the car to storm the ¼ mile in 14.8 seconds before winding its way beyond 130mph. The seller indicates that not only is this classic numbers-matching, but it is in excellent mechanical health. They say it runs and drives perfectly, tracking straight and true. It is ready to be enjoyed immediately by its lucky new owner.
The overall originality of this 1972 Corvette should attract plenty of interest among enthusiasts, but some will question the asking price when confronted by what appears to be significant paint deterioration. That is easy to understand since the market is flooded with extremely tidy ZQ3-equipped ’72 ‘Vettes for around $35,000. That would typically make me question the price, but there is a further factor to consider. If you compare two cars of similar condition, one featuring the entry-level ZQ3 and the other the mighty LT-1, the more powerful vehicle will command a premium of more than 15% in today’s market. That still makes me believe that the price is slightly optimistic, but with the seller appearing willing to negotiate, there is scope for a lower figure. Does that idea motivate you to pursue it further?
The smog pump and air tubes are still there, wow. Yeah needs some luv but at that price doesn’t leave a lot of room for paint and replacing worn parts. Have to admit that was one of my favorite colors then.
The coolest color for sure and looks to be in good overall condition. I have no idea what it would cost to paint it, but it’s probably a good thing the Seller is negotiable on the price.
Wow, only SOME of the ignition shielding is missing. Remarkable!
Nice clean car. Some mismatched paint on the sides but if you go fast enough nobody will know.
Yea! That is really a great example of the last of the great C3’s
Have birdcage?
What is a birdcage?
Overall this looks like a pretty honest and unmolested LT-1 Corvette. It’s missing the lower shielding, the plug wire routing and other wiring’s a little messy, and the fuel line is scary. I can’t believe someone ran a rubber fuel hose from the pump to the carb….right past the exhaust manifold! A complete pre-bent steel line set runs about $70, so why chance using a rubber hose???? It’s also a shame the stamp pad was cleaned using something abrasive, removing the original broach marks, hurting the ability to authenticate the stamping.
Why is it that Barnfinds writers all seemed convinced that the Corvette’s engine is “hanging over the front wheels”? The Corvette has always had it’s engine mounted low in the frame, BEHIND the front crossmember, and aft of the axle center line. This gives the Corvette a near perfect front to rear weight balance, which is not effected in any way by the slightly heavier big block. And the base 350 RPO in 72 was L-48, not ZQ3.
For someone interested in an LT-1, this car would be worth investigating, but I think the seller’s going to have to move some.
“Why is it that Barnfinds writers all seemed convinced that the Corvette’s engine is “hanging over the front wheels”? The Corvette has always had it’s engine mounted low in the frame, BEHIND the front crossmember, and aft of the axle center line. This gives the Corvette a near perfect front to rear weight balance, which is not effected in any way by the slightly heavier big block. And the base 350 RPO in 72 was L-48, not ZQ3.”
gbvette62- Your comment bears repeating. One BF writer needs to do more research prior to writing or pay attention to folks who have more experience with a certain marque.
Thanks Frank and gb for trying to educate the writers. It must just sound good to them to slam the BB.
Wondering why? In 1972 there were NO passenger side mirrors. The passenger side photo shows no passenger side mirror (which would be correct) but the interior shot shows show a body colored aerodynamic for much later cars. There an entire history for the changes in C3 mirrors.
I’m impressed. Good eye! Seems as if there should have been an option for a passenger-side mirror. Hmmm.
The small head chrome mirror was used through 1972. In 1973 the small head chrome driver side mirror continued but with an optional passenger side small head offered. However one had to know about the option as it was not listed as an option until spring. In 1974 the mirrors were changed over to a chrome large head mirror and available for both sides. In 1977 or 1979 depending on the publication the exterior mirrors changed to body color aerodynamic mirrors.
Interestingly this car (same VIN) shows up on the C3 Registry as (at one time) being in Henderson, NV with a driving video dated July, 2015 and the photos show that at the time it had 2 non-original racing style body-colored side mirrors and aftermarket wheels. So – guessing at some point the passenger-side door mirror mount holes were filled and refinished and the driver-side mirror replaced with something that looks more date appropriate. The C3 Registry also shows (incorrectly) that it has a saddle interior and PS. FWIW.
It appears that the drivers side door mirror is also an orange aerodynamic mirror. (Image 13 in the Craigslist ad.)
The pics are inconsistent. Yes, Craigslist pic #13 does show an aerodynamic mirror viewed through the driver side window. But every other exterior photo of the car in the Craigslist ad shows the more traditional chrome mirror (driver side only) more appropriate for that model year. The video from 2015 in Henderson Nevada on the C3 registry shows aerodynamic mirrors on both sides of the car. It looks as though the seller is using a bunch of different photos both new and old in the craigslist ad. And unless it was glued in place, the aerodynamic passenger side mirror is now gone and the screw holes must’ve gotten covered in some way.
The photographs are inconsistent. Yes, craigslist photo number 13 does show an aerodynamic mirror viewed through the driver side window. But every other exterior photo of the car in the craigslist ad shows the more traditional Chrome mirror, driver side only, that is more appropriate for that model year. Year. The video from the C3 registry shows aerodynamic mirrors on both sides of the car. It looks as though the seller is using a bunch of different photos, both new and old in the craigslist ad. There definitely appears to be a lot of originality in this car, especially what looks to be an intact smog pump, but the different pictures from seemingly different eras raise a lot of questions that any interested prospective buyer ought to look into carefully.
The last solid lifter small block. Yes, they run as well as the 70 LT-1. However, today you would need VP gas pr similar high octane to actually drive the car. Some minor glitches here, but ignition shielding is easily found. I have a 73 coupe and found a complete set on CL for $150. An hour with steel wool and chrome polish. Like new. The original chrome was cheap. Replace fuel line. Drive. New paint stupid waste of money. Enjoy the car and use it what it was intended for. Price a tad optimistic, but when all the hoopla about 435s is over, these are the next big money cars. At least in 1972, GM finally put engine code in the VIN.