Many enthusiasts believe that the 1972 model year marked the last for the C3 Corvette as a genuine sports car. It was the final year where Chevrolet offered the ‘Vette with chrome bumpers at either end, with 1973 offerings becoming heavier and softer as the company focused on making the car a more comfortable tourer. This ’72 Corvette Convertible looks like it could make a satisfying restoration project and has generated plenty of interest since the owner listed it for sale here on eBay. It is located in Pleasant Hill, California, and twenty-five bids have pushed the price beyond the reserve to $17,600 with time left on the listing.
This Corvette would’ve looked pretty special in its original Bryar Blue in its glory days. The Californian sun has taken a toll on the paint, and a refresh will be on the cards. However, the fiberglass that hides beneath looks like it might be quite sound. There’s no evidence of significant cracks or other problems and no sign of any fatigue. It is a bonus that the car comes with a soft-top and its original factory hardtop. The owner supplies no information on the state of the frame or birdcage, and visible corrosion in other areas of the car suggests that an in-person inspection may be a wise move. It did initially cause me concern, but it seems that potential buyers don’t see rust as an issue in this case. The tinted glass looks in good condition, as is the trim and chrome. The wheels aren’t original, but they suit the character of this car nicely.
The original owner ordered this Corvette trimmed in black leather, and there’s no arguing that it has seen better days. The upholstered surfaces generally look tired, while the console and its trim show some of the wear typical in Corvettes of this vintage. The buyer will almost certainly choose a complete re-trim to return the interior to its former glory, but it is a task that they could potentially undertake in a home workshop. It won’t leave any change from $2,000, but the results should be worth the cost and effort. Somebody has changed the shifter and swapped the original radio for a Kenwood radio/cassette player, but it appears to be otherwise unmolested. Adding to this car’s attraction is the original owner’s decision to order it with air conditioning. It also features a tilt wheel, ensuring that the driving experience should be pleasant and comfortable.
Powering this classic is a 350ci V8 backed by a four-speed manual transmission. This small-block should be producing 200hp, which is enough to launch the Corvette through the ¼ mile in 15.6 seconds. However, we can see that there have been a few changes since this car rolled off the production line. The original exhaust manifolds have made way for a set of aftermarket headers, while it appears that it might also wear a different carburetor and air cleaner. There may be a few more horses on tap for the driver if this is the case. It isn’t clear whether the ‘Vette is numbers-matching, but the owner states that it runs and drives. The buyer will need to lavish some attention on the brakes, so it shouldn’t be considered roadworthy as-is. The engine bay presentation is pretty ordinary, and I won’t be surprised if the next owner pulls the engine to detail everything thoroughly. It would be worth the effort for the sense of pride that person would feel every time they lifted the hood.
The visible corrosion in some of the supplied photos made me initially hesitant about this 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. However, if the car has spent its entire life in California, this may be no significant problem. It seems that the buying public isn’t particularly concerned because it has generated plenty of interest and bids so far. It needs a cosmetic refresh, but there’s nothing obvious in the supplied photos that will provide a significant challenge for the next owner. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the bidding top $20,000 before the hammer falls, and if someone is looking for a DIY project, this could be a strong candidate.
This car screams , ” I’ve been abused ” . Much money will be spent just to make it a doable driver . However this is one of the better looking Vettes made over the years .
How this seller can claim one of 1,500 is beyond me. For the 72 model year, GM built 6,508 convertibles. I don’t care if it’s one of 15 cars, the new owner will quickly be upside down with more money than he ever spent. I have restored two C3s that cost a fortune, not to mention my time. This old rat is nothing more than a $3,000 parts car nobody wants. Good luck to the new fool with more money than brains.
yes I agree I had a 74 454 one part went the rest followed money pit
C’mon George, it’s worth more than $3,000. Maybe 30 years ago, it’s a chrome bumper for crying out loud.
Time to replace your pricing guide.
They probably sold only 1500 in that paint color and/or aux hardtop.
There are cars in a lot better condition & for much less money then this load for sale if you take some time to look, I really feel sorry for who ever buys this, it needs everything . I wonder what the other side of that air cleaner lid looks like if the underside is that rusty looking, that interior looks completely gone, like its been rained on or underwater more than once or twice. Its an A/C car but no compressor, how its been bid up to over $17 K is beyond me, I smell a RAT.
Wow. I didn’t ask enough for mine. Far better in every way. I struggled to get $16K in 2020. I had lots of options, new leather interior, a fairly new rebuilt 350 and AC 4sp. Just needed a new compressor and tires were aging. Damn. It’ll cost me $25K just to get back to where I was.
If i close my eyes , i can see myself driving a topless blue vette with a new LS supercharged engine and 6 speed trans and a nice tanned female passenger but when i open my eyes ; all i see is a big nightmare
What a crab. It will probably bring stupid money.
And the buyer will live to regret it.
Um, no again.
The buyer needs to really inspect this car before plunking his cash down. Water played a significant role, weather left out in the rain or a partial flooding. The rusty ash tray, condition of the interior and what appears to be sediment built up in the engine compartment cause me concern.
Good eye!
Bob, I agree with you on the water intrusion. As a auto insurance adjuster, I believe this car has been partially submerged at some point in its life. the seat bottoms, door cards, console, and engine compartment, certainly indicate this. It may be a life long California car, but floods do occur in California.
Some people read California car and disregard everything else they see
Wow lets burn it to the ground pick-e pick-e I’ve restored a few corvettes over the years and have seen a lot worse at the right price it will be a great project for someone
Definitely a restorable car, but at over $17K currently, it is already overpriced.
I would want a closer look at that rusty frame rail, CA car or not.
Most of the responses were very correct. I have restored a few and own a ’72 currently. Literally incredible cars overall,but open up the checkbook! After 50k invested,I’m done and have no regrets. Performance, handling and looks are the attractions. You must have the knowledge and experience to tackle these cars or huge burdens shut the project down. There are finished C3’s or close to it less demanding than this potential project. However you look at it,17k no way!
Js the saler on dope? I was gonna buy one like this one time. Took a acre to turn it around. Had my brother with me. As we came into this long stretch of highway. I punched it . To see what power it had. I did see the gas gauge go down alot. You had to be a member of OPEC to be able to afford driving it. I like everything about the car–but didn,t buy it. It took too much gas for little action. Rode like a big boat.
As an engineer I grit my teeth when the word ‘either´ is used instead of ‘each’
otherwise the Corvette would only have one bumper…….
Ended:Feb 16, 2022 , 1:52PM
Winning bid:
US $18,700.00
[ 29 bids ]