Extraordinary mileage claims are nothing new to us at Barn Finds, with some more plausible than others. That brings us to this 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. It is a striking car that presents superbly, and its big-block V8 promises exhilarating performance. However, the seller claims that it has 4,000 miles showing on its odometer, which helps it stand out. It may accumulate a few more as the winning bidder slips behind the wheel to drive this classic home. The seller has listed the Corvette here on eBay in Flushing, New York. Bidding has passed the reserve to reach $21,150, with two days remaining in this auction.
The 1972 model year was a landmark for the C3 Corvette, as it was the last where the car would feature chrome bumpers at both ends. The following year would see the introduction of the urethane front bumper, leading many enthusiasts to class this as the last “real” C3. It presents beautifully in Mille Miglia Red, with no visible flaws in the paint or fiberglass. The exterior retains a mirror shine, complemented by trim that is equally impressive. The seller supplies underside shots confirming the ‘Vette is rust-free. The glass is flawless, and the Rally wheels are free from stains and physical damage. The seller claims this classic has 4,000 miles on the clock, an extraordinary figure for a vehicle of this age. Its overall condition is consistent with a car that has led a sheltered life for over five decades, but they don’t mention evidence verifying the mileage claim as genuine.
Powering the Corvette is a 454ci V8, with the car also featuring a four-speed manual transmission and power steering. The LS5 was the most potent powerplant available in 1972, with the big-block producing 270hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque. That was enough to launch the Corvette through the ¼-mile in 14.6 seconds, which was considered respectable in 1972. Buyers didn’t know at the time, but the big-block was living on borrowed time. It would remain available until 1974 before disappearing permanently from the C3’s Option List. The mystery deepens with this classic as we examine the engine bay. Its presentation is consistent with the mileage claim and retains crucial items like the ignition shield. However, it is unclear whether the vehicle is numbers-matching. The air cleaner decal quotes a power output of 425hp, but that figure was the preserve of the LS6 that disappeared at the end of 1971. There are undoubtedly questions worth asking about this Corvette’s history and specifications, so potential bidders must hope the seller is approachable.
Buyers ordering a 1972 Corvette in Mille Miglia Red could choose from an interior trimmed in Red, Black, or Saddle. This car features Red vinyl, and its condition is as impressive as every other aspect of this classic. There are no signs of wear or physical damage to the upholstered surfaces, and the carpet is spotless. The dash and pad are excellent, and there is no wheel wear or evidence of aftermarket additions. The original owner ticked the box on their Order Form for air conditioning, with the AM/FM radio providing entertainment on the move.
This 1972 Corvette raises more questions than it answers. The mileage claim is extraordinary, although I harbor doubts about its authenticity. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence or documentation, which is surprising. A vehicle of this caliber would traditionally have a high auction reserve, but that isn’t the case. The air cleaner decal adds to the confusion, and one further factor “muddies” the water. This isn’t the only online auction for this Corvette. It features on another site where the bidding sits at $24,500. However, that auction is scheduled to end after the eBay listing, meaning they are compelled to sell to the winning bidder of this listing. Would you join the party for this classic, or are there too many doubts in your mind?
The right side photo tells you everything about the design of this car. Beautiful, unanswered questions not withstanding.
New York has annual inspections where the mileage gets recorded. Should be able to verify the mileage unless it only went to NY recently.
Wow, absolutely gorgeous
After owning a super mint SS/RS Convertible 69 Camaro, M22 Rock Crushing 396, with power windows (I believe less than 2200 with P/W) extremely rare? I will never own another sports car with a big block in the front of it. Too much push !! I couldn’t drive that camaro around a corner. I played with the front end, put radials on it and it still wouldn’t go around a corner. My 76 C3 with the 350 small block could corner and all that camaro needed to be a good driver was a small block. I am buying probably as good as I can find 72 C3 and it will be a small block.
The heavy 5 mph front bumper on ’73 & ’74s, & heavy optional a/c with 454 only makes matters even worse.
This car is absolutely gorgeous and worth twice the current price. So much more power than any outrageously priced Datsun 240Z. I sure know what car I prefer!
Great looking car for sure, but with the low reserve and questions about provenance, I’m suspicious of a scam…
Nice car,pretty clean, hopefully mostly original, looks to be numbers matching, hmmmm, is that a original owners manual in the glove box 📦, unfortunately not a side/pipe,optioned,car,red,on red,interior, that probably original, hmmmm, hard to say paint, and interior look pretty fresh matching, was this recently painted, and or touched up,hmmmm, maybe, looks like 👍 Flowmaster Mufflers, that’s okay 👍, but l would put that back more stock, looking and original, big/block 4/speed, stopped in 72,so this may be kinda rare, but not ultra rare it all these are out there 20-40,seems alittle high to me though.
I’m fairly confident this is a scam. I went to the seller’s website to check out other cars they have listed with unbelievably low reserves like this Corvette. I found a 1971 Mustang Mach 1 Cobra Jet they have listed for $39,500 so I did a VIN search and found the car had been sold on Bring a Trailer back in 2022 for $75,000 using the exact same photos as they posted on their website. This is a common scam to take photos from someone else’s listing/sale. Note that this Corvette does not list the VIN to do a similar search. Always request an inspection before buying on Ebay.
Right on oatman, the listing is gone!
How could anyone own a car like this and only drive it 4000 miles?
I know right? Cars like this were meant to be driven.
It’s an average of 77 miles a year. Thst’d s couple of trips to the gas station each year to get 94 octane gas.
I can smell the moth balls from here!
Very simple Steve …he didn’t
This is an obvious scam !!
A 4,000 mile 454Vette is worth 3 times the reserve here !!!
A small block weighs 575 lb. A big block weighs 685 lb. 110 lb. That’s not much difference, but if it bothers you, replace the cast iron intake and the cast iron exhaust manifolds on the big block; they weigh almost the same. If you don’t want to do that, add the F-41 rear suspension components, and I’ll bet you won’t be able to tell the difference in handling.
I believe an, oops, all alum LS weighs about 300 lbs.
& there was this in ’63! …
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/1901-1963-all-aluminum-377-small-block-chevy
& later the all alum 427 motor.
Tim, i know the 1st gen camaro with all iron strait 6(eng weight 440 lb) was peppy with 3:07 rear & turbo muffler & nimble & handled decently & was the one to take out in the snow, espec if it had few options under the hood.
You mean a “STRAIGHT ” 6???
You’re right Beach Guy, my ’74 roadster has a 502, aluminum heads and intake. With front and rear sway bars, I feel no “plowing” in the corners on mountain roads. It handles like a big fat Go-Kart.
No claim about the actual mileage, just a statement that the odometer shows 4,000 miles. Purposely vague; please fill in the blanks with the story you would like to hear. Beautiful car, but the selling dealer is not being upfront about its history.
Wrong valve covers, wrong air cleaner, no paint around shift pattern. Black out at back of engine compartment appears straight line, not original. I’m going with restored and not NCRS quality.
4,000 miles? Why has the master cylinder lid been replaced? Incorrect air cleaner and no Corvette had chrome rocker covers in 1972. All were Chevy Orange stamped steel, except LT-1. Ok, enough nit picking. Beautiful car here worth far more than the current bid. I am a 73 owner and used to the bashing, so I can take it. For you uninformed youngsters, I am pushing 70, I owned a 1971 454 air coupe 4 speed 48 years ago. It was a decent car, but had no nowhere the ride as my current 73, which rattles less than my 71 did when it was just 5 years old. The 73 is quieter, something I like as the years pass, but at high idle, still has quite a rumble. Love red on red.
There is an odor of deceit emanating from here
My frame off total restoration numbers matching 71 Corvette has 114,000 miles and proud of it. Have been offered 3x’s more than the current bid on the 4k corvette up for bid.
And, am not at all interested in selling.
Gorgeous car, no doubt, super clean and fresh. Most of the boxes were checked, Big Block, 4 speed, A/C, AM/FM/, P/S etc. Original car? I doubt it. The seller would have a clear photo of the block stamp with the numbers showing if it were a numbers matching car. What’s up with that shift plate? A new plate is only $30. Again, it is a stunner, but probably not the investment that it first appears to be. That being said, I’d be happy to drive this car anywhere.
The 73’ Vette was the last year for the chrome bumper in the rear. You know what lol I wouldn’t have the nerve to say this car had 4,000 original miles. If this car had those miles verified it would sell for a whole lot more than the number starting with a 2. But I’m digging the heck out of the red interior.
i was told that 69 or 70 was last year for chrome frt an rear bumpers
1972 was the last year for front and rear chrome bumpers.