This 1972 Chevrolet Corvette seems to tick many of the “right” boxes enthusiasts prefer when seeking a classic. Its presentation is first-rate, it features a big-block under the hood, and this beauty is numbers-matching. So, what’s not to like? Well, scrutinizing the listing images confirms that this Corvette isn’t as original as the seller contends. However, I must still say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P. for spotting a classic that is bound to command respect. The ‘Vette is listed here on Craigslist in Carlsbad, California. The seller set their price at $36,000, and it seems they are approachable for those with questions about this beast.
The 1972 model year marked the end of an era for Chevrolet’s C3 Corvette. It would be the last where cars wore chrome bumpers at either end, while the vacuum-operated wiper door and the removable rear window on Coupe variants would disappear at year’s end. The seller states they are this Corvette’s third owner, emphasizing its originality. That would be fine if they hadn’t included a shot of the Trim Tag in their listing. It shows a paint code of 972, equating to Classic White. In fact, Black didn’t make that year’s color palette. Therefore, it is fair to assume that one of the previous owners treated this beauty to a color change. The results justified the effort, because it looks stunning. The depth of color and shine give the impression that you could almost walk into the paint, and there are no obvious fiberglass issues. The car’s geographic location and the lack of corrosion in areas like the engine bay suggest this beauty is rust-free. The trim sparkles against the dark paint, and the glass is clear.
This Corvette may have undergone a color change, but the images confirm its numbers-matching status. It features a 454ci V8, teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. As the LS5 version of the big-block, it churned out 270hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque from the factory, providing exhilarating performance. That is unsurprising, because that was one of the hallmarks of the C3 before emission regulations did their worst. The listing images reveal that the buyer will receive a large collection of documentation, including the Window Sticker. The seller states that this beauty runs and drives extremely well and is ready to provide its new owner with immediate classic motoring pleasure.
The first owner didn’t focus exclusively on performance when ordering this Corvette. The interior equipment hints at a comfortable motoring experience. It includes air conditioning, power windows, leather trim, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio. The overall appearance is impressive, with the black leather seatcovers free from wear. The console is a highlight and is almost completely devoid of typical scratches on the ashtray. The dash is excellent, and there are no obvious aftermarket additions.
You know, I actually don’t mind the fact that this 1972 Corvette no longer wears its original paint shade. I am also not a fan of Black cars, but I think that with its combination of aggressive styling and sparkling trim, this beauty carries that shade exceptionally well. It appears to have no genuine needs, allowing the new owner to fly in, enjoy a Californian vacation, and head home behind the wheel of this gem. I will understand if you find that prospect irresistible, because I share that feeling.
I cannot deny my heritage forever- the siren song of a freshly ironed pair of jorts and a crisp new pair of New Balance 623s beckons me. Sooner or later I will break down and pick up a ’68 – ’72 Vette.
I’m not even mad about the repaint. It looks great and could be a great cruising classic optioned as it is, for the price. I’d have to see closeup pics of the birdcage and the underside on a rack though…
1972. The last year for a great looking Corvette. 1963-1972.
The rubber nose took over . Nice car! and it’s a handful to drive
Dave is on the money concerning these things being a handful to drive. But relatively simple bolt on pieces plus modern tires will transform these into fun to drive, and controllable at the limit cars that can safely stay with anything on a mountain road.
Every time I see a ’72 Corvette I think of the movie “Walking Tall” with Joe Don Baker, though that one was yellow in color, I believe, and may have been a different year C3. This one is beautiful and, I agree with Joe, the 1963-1972s were my favorite.
Big block, 4sp. And it’s gone 👋
Black over black is a good look regardless of originality. The big block only makes it that much better. The steering wheel appears to be a smaller diameter or a thicker section. Maybe it’s just me.
Well boys, the owner either changed their minds or it’s gone to a new care taker.
I would have liked the white much better.
Nothing prettier than black and chrome.
Comments here about being a handful to drive. Probably because your fat, out of shape abd drive a Lexus to work. I have owned a 71 454 4 sp coupe andca 73 4 sp coupe. Both ALL stock including suspension with no stupid poly budhings, total garbage BTW. Both cars rode very well. In fact, my wife and I took the 73 on a 400 plus mile trip 3 years ago. After an hour or so on Rt. 80, she asks, how old ia this car? I proudly answered 50 years. She said it rode better than her Toyota. I can tell you this 72 here is a total gas hog.
This is wading into the details that most people here don’t care about, but here is an opinion from somebody that had a lot of experience with pony cars and C2/C3 and C4 Corvettes. I was a suspension engineer with the Herb Adams Pontiac group, I worked with Jerry Thompson and Don Yenko on an IMSA GTO C3 Corvette, and I worked with several C3 autocrossers, and drove my own C4 Corvette autocrossing. New stock suspension bushings are better than the aftermarket polyurethane ones. The polyurethane bushings are cheap to manufacture, but they bind up. Even if lubricated, they can distort under cornering and eventually they get stretched out and distort worse than good stock replacement ones. But stock bushings and modern tires don’t mix. Modern high-performance tires are grippy enough that the side loads in a corner will distort the bushings that worked fine on 1970 tires. At the limit, the cars just let go. The camber angles are off because of bushing compression which screws up the tire contact patch. Once the tire is unloaded, the bushing returns to its natural shape, and the grip starts to increase, and the whole cycle repeats. A skilled driver can make the steeringcorrections to keep up, but the car doesn’t feel happy. Either spherical bearings, or Delrin bushings or the nylon Nyliner bearing Herb Adams used are way better. I drove 50,000 miles on the street in my Corvette with spherical bearings in the rear lateral struts, and Nyliner bearings in the front A-Arms. Yes, impact harshness was higher than with stock bushings, but you could drive at the limit without making constant steering corrections, and the car was easy to catch when it broke loose.
GONE.