This is the last of the steel bumper Corvettes (OK, ’73 was half there) and my favorite version of the C3. And anytime one is discovered that appears to be in clean, original condition, it’s definitely worth a closer look. This discovery is a perfect example of a clean, and seemingly original, 1972 coupe. It is located in Miami, Florida and available here on eBay with a current high bid of $11,100 and no reserve!
Some will tell you that 1972 was signaling the beginning of the end for the Corvette. Pretty much unchanged in appearance since the C3’s introduction in ’68, the times were-a-changin’ under the hood and not in a positive way. And when your image is cemented on performance, the engine room is not where you want to have things come off the rails. The recently enacted federal Clean Air Act was in full swing in ’72 and manufacturers all agreed to start using SAE “net” or as installed horsepower ratings. What it meant is that an engine rated at 390 gross HP in ’70 was now rated at 270 net HP as a result of the above two actions. Not as deleterious in reality as it seemed on paper but power was starting to dissipate.
This example shows beautifully in its Ontario Orange finish. Orange isn’t my favorite color but this ‘Vette wears it beautifully. The body panels and headlight doors are aligned and the bonding strips are invisible, exactly how they are supposed to be. There is some controversy among Corvette fans regarding the chrome-plated deck mounted, luggage rack. While I think the car looks better without the rack, the steel bumpered version of the C3 seems to wear it better than the bulbous, plastic tail-piece versions (’74-’77). And Chevrolet rally wheels, found on so many different ’60s and ’70s Chevy models, originated with the ‘Vette and just make the car. It’s nice to see that the owner has decided to stay with them. The only unknown is the condition of the “birdcage”. The seller claims this to be a rust-free ‘Vette, obviously the parts that will rust on a Corvette, of course, the birdcage being consequential in that matter. There is no reason, however, to suspect a problem.
Nice exterior and a nice interior! Standard black fabric adorns the seats and door cards and is in great nick. The carpet would appear to be a replacement, it’s in too good a condition for a 48-year-old car that shows 74K miles on its odometer. The instrument panel is intact including the original Delco radio, something frequently not found in ’60s and ’70s vintage cars, regardless of the marque. The seller does say that “most” gauges work but fails to mention which one(s) don’t. This ‘Vette is equipped with “modern” A/C, “which may need a charge to be “ice cold”. That’s easy to accomplish, why not just charge it and allay any fears that it doesn’t work properly? The seller also mentions that while the windshield wipers work, the vacuum operated scuffle does not and has to be raised manually. That’s a problem in a sudden downpour.
Well, this ‘Vette has a domed, big-block hood, “454” badges on the dome, a “W” code via its VIN, denoting a 454 CI engine, but surprise, it’s gone! In its place is an era-correct 350 CI V8. What happened? Who knows, no word from the seller on that front. The ’72 454 motor generated 270 net HP while the base 350, which appears to be under the hood now, is a 200 net HP engine. Beyond the 70 net HP difference, the torque reduction is substantial. The engine conversion appears to have been well done. I would assume a higher ride height with the lighter engine but that doesn’t appear to be the case, though the seller does mention that this Chevy is in need of a front-end alignment. The aforementioned “modern” A/C is accomplished via a Sanden-style compressor as opposed to the usual Frigidaire A6 unit. The only statement that the seller makes about the motivational capability of this Corvette is that it is “strong”. Maybe so, but it’s not as “strong” as it once was. This Chevy does possess a four-speed manual transmission and the seller uses the descriptor “strong” to apply to the transmission and clutch too.
This is a nice C3, engine swap or not. If I were a betting person, I would imagine the big-block got blown-up, which they do when abused, and an era-correct 350 was sitting around and available and thus the swap. Does it affect the value? You bet your-you-know-what it does. But does it matter? As long as you know what you’re buying, you’re OK with that and the value reflects the swap, then no, it would not. So tell me, would this engine change be acceptable to you if you were interested in this Corvette?
So, the title and presmise for the wntire story is gone? What a terrible disappointment (the car and the article).
Quite simply the headline is a lie and should be corrected. Pure clickbait boys. Shame. I know you have a business to run, and we know you work hard, but don’t mess with your very loyal readers!
The original engine is gone, but it’s still a factory 454/4-speed car! We just listed a Chevelle SS 454 with no engine and no one complained about the 454 in the title. We weren’t trying to deceive anyone. This is a special car even if the engine has been swapped.
Weak.I don’t know if anyone accused you of deceit, but it is not a 454 car. That’s like the cliche about grandpa’s axe. The handle and the head have been replaced many times over the years but it’s still our dear grandpa’s axe.
OK, so here’s the picture: yes, the original motor is gone, that’s why it will sell for a less-than-stratospheric price. Once it’s in your driveway, you can either enjoy it as is, whip out your credit card for a nice crate Rat motor, or go searching for the Holy Grail of a date correct 454.
The headline, in this case, isn’t misleading, it accurately reflects what the seller is selling. It’d be different if they provided zero drivetrain info, you bought the car, drive 500 miles to seal the deal, lift the hood and go WTF?!
You’re getting a 72 corvette with AC, 350, and 4 speed for less than $15000.
It’s a shame the original engine’s gone, and even though I’m a big fan of Chevy small blocks, I would have preferred to see another 454 under the hood. Besides the engine swap, the nose on this car would be an issue for me too. The fit of the hood, headlights and left side of the front bumper, are all way off, leading me to believe that this car has had some sub par front fiberglass repairs done to it.
Unlike the author, I am a big fan of Ontario Orange. Of course, it may partly be because I own a 71 El Camino painted the same color (but called Burnt Orange Metallic on A-Bodies).
Birdcage and frame also. I don’t understand why the guy wouldn’t just haul it off to an alignment shop, unless the front end is shot and cant be aligned with loose parts. Best to look it over. If it stays where it Is price wise might be a nice cruiser once the creeping crud is under control. Better days are coming.
Stay safe and wash your hands
Cheers
GPC
I echo all the comments. I had a 72 this color 350 auto and moved up to a Blue/Blue 72 454 M21 car.
Only value is the 68-72 body style and the 4 speed and IF the car is solid.
Car is WORTH-LESS as a Corvette missing the original motor ESPECIALLY a BB car.
At least put in a 350 4 bolt main and build the SH- – out of it with some HP. The original 72 454 as mentioned was only 270 HP. Built a 350 to LT1 specs of 1970 and push 400HP out of it…..now at least you have SOMETHING.. But 200 hp. Only upside is you don’t have all the HEAT from that 454 BUT with the AC (which mine had) it overcomes most of the heat issue.
It’s not worthless! This car is worth finding a correct engine for and making it right.
It’s not worthless, but it certainly isn’t what the headline promised. I love BF, but this type of bait and switch article is beneath you.
Is that better?
The people have spoken, and BF has listened! Thank you.
Wow…the quarantine has certainly got folks picking nits!
IMHO, this is about a $15k car IF the frame and mechanicals check out. The front has suffered a serious bump and poor quality repair.
It could be a good weekend cruiser and street show car.
I agree, it is worthless! With that in mind if the current owner would just like to dispose of it in my driveway I will make it good enough to drive. Shame on Jesse for making us read the whole posting.😉
If you put a new LSX 454 engine in it will that make everybody happy here on Barn Finds ? The original 454 is long gone you may as well enjoy the next generation of Chevy power.
383 Stroker will give you all the power you’ll ever need…
BF author Jim states that the 70 390 hp equals the 72 270 hp version only with different hp ratings because of the change to “net” hp vs gross. Maybe Jimbo fails to recall that 70 was the last year of the higher compression … the 71 & later were low compression … so it is NOT just the rating system
I know it is difficult to know everything, but …
al8apex:
I am very aware of the difference and know that it was more than the gross to net drop rating. I was merely using an example to help explain the difference in numbers. I worked for a Chevrolet dealership in 1972 and was up on the specific model changes that went into effect that year. I didn’t know everything but I did know that.
Jimbo
On eBay, when I see a car seller with 98% or less, I take a look. Here are comments from buyers of three Corvettes from this guy in the last 6 mo., first two in the last month.
1982 Vette:
“RUN! FRAUD! EVERYTHING IS A LIE! GUY RUNS CHOP SHOP IN MIAMI. VIN#s DONT MATCH”
1964 Vette:
“it went very bad car was not as described need to put 10,000 dollars into car”
1975 Vette:
“ABSOLUTE JUNK Lied About EVERYTHING Water Bottle Holding Headlight Up NO REVERSE”
Probably want to be real careful with this guy, just say’n… YMMV.
Just saw this ad and anyone interested in this car should go see it it looks like my car that was totaled on November 2
Car was never a big block was hit hard from drivers side headlight to drivers door had frame damage the engine picture shows my heater shut off valve and the rear picture has the Holler Emblem and my car was bought by a salvage place in Miami for 4500.00
To much coincidence here be careful
And my car also was built in February to muc
Hey hey – very loyal readers can become MEMBERS so easily. The few dollars a month add to the credibility of automotive bluster in a very big way!!
Of all the cars I have owned and loved in 46 years – MGs, Austins, GTOs and now a ’57 Bel Air, I have long admired the Corvettes of 1956, 1960 and 1972.
Will someone please explain to this novice student of Stingray lingo what in blue blazes (or red blazes for us Republicans) a “bird cage” is?
Steve:
Check this out please:
https://www.c3vr.com/vrforums/what-is-the-birdcage_message320142.html
I do believe the corvette is well worth the money they are asking there is a lot of cars sold that has had the motor changed for one reason or another. If it had a 454 in it then u put a v6 or something like that yes it would be crap but it has a 350 which MIT not quit have the power u want but there’s a lot of 350 vettes out there. That’s like a Plymouth GTX and Roadrunner if the GTX had a 383 put in it I see nothing wrong with it unless u totally just wanted it for drag racing then u would want the 440 it’s all up to the buyer if the 350 is ok it would be for me anyway
Did any Corvette owners actually use the luggage rack?
From what I hear they were used for the T-Tops,
My ’89 convertible had a factory rack that was used often on overnight trips. “Trunk space” is minimal in converts.
Of course we do / did!
As mentioned several times, I used mine to stow gear so that we could camping with the top down. This was back in the 80’s, when thee were “just cars”
It looks like we found something that will make commenters forget about the luggage rack: throw a 350 in a 454. LOL!
This is funny, Most of the mouth pieces here will not be buying this car , even if it had the correct motor. I agree, it left the factory with a 454, four speed and air–perfect so all you guys who feel your dreams have been shattered, get a life. It is still a pretty good car and a very good price. Has anyone who looks at this site ever owned a car, let alone bought one from this site. What a bunch of fifth graders. Enjoy this site for what it is, and stop whining .
Go wash your hands and your face, blow your nose and stop crying like a bunch of little girls. Boo who the guy got rid of the boat anchor. Good for him. And if you don.t know how to make the small block that’s in it produce more h.p. you best have someone show you. 11K and its worthless ? This matching # stuff is completely out of hand. Go spend 40k on one with the boat anchor still in it but please stop crying, your making me sick. There…..Later……………………..JIMMY.
Hold on there Jim-boy, BBC boat anchor? Never ever heard a BBC called that.(them fighting words around most parts) I don’t who you been hangout with but in my experience a big block always trumps a small block when it comes to hp. Do what you want to a sbc and the do the same mods on the big block, the bbc will smoke the mouse ever time.
pig blocks have always been referred to as boat anchors where I grew up … the Detroit area … and “back in the day” too. Maybe the sbc guys were more creative … ;-)
I’m a die hard Chevy guy, small block, big block, makes no difference to me. What always made me wonder about a small block was how was Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins able to share a national record (11.66 @ 118 mph) in a ’66 L79 Nova, 327 C.I. 350 horsepower with Jere Stahl in his ’66 Belvedere, 426 C.I. 425 horsepower street hemi ? One hundred cubic inches less and fifty horsepower less. It kinda gives you a sense of respect for the small block Chevy.
Call me a “different thinker”, but I would like to get ahold of a ’74 454, which you can still get cheaply, and work it up a bit to make it a bit of a better performer.
Better than a small block? I don’t have an opinion, but the feeling of having a bigger engine under your left foot is a great feeling.
BTW the ad say’s former 454.
They changed the headline after a bunch of people complained.
Anyone interested in this car be careful 99% sure this was my car that was totaled in November hit hard drivers headlight to drivers door had frame damage was purchased by salvage yard in Miami
Was never a big block car
If anyone wants more details contact me
One of the negative feedbacks says its a chop shop… so you’re probably correct.
Hey Pat i bought the car on saturday via ebay.
Just saw your comment.
Would be happy for every information about your former corvette.
Mail: mopar@justmail.de
DT, congratulations, good luck, and please let us know how you make out with this seller.
Lots of negative information about them, so would be interested in hearing if anything ever goes right with sellers like this.
The seller has FOUR very negative Corvette sale feedbacks in the last 12 months… buying from this guy is at your own peril.
and the seller blames the buyer each time … RUN away from this one / seller … I wouldn’t be surprised that the seller did a VIN swap too …