There are few experiences in life that can test your resolve more than finding your beloved classic car sporting accident damage. Surveying the damage can be heartbreaking, especially when the owner must admit it was self-inflicted. Such is the case with this 1972 Corvette Convertible, although its problem appears entirely cosmetic. Returning it to its former glory should not be difficult, and with the growing popularity and values of chrome-bumper ‘Vettes, it should be worth the expense. If you feel up to that challenge, the Convertible is listed here on eBay in Brookline, Massachusetts. Bidding has passed the reserve to sit at $15,000.
The 1972 sales figures for the Corvette make fascinating reading. Sales of the Convertible variant were dropping dramatically. While around 33% of buyers in 1971 elected to own a drop-top, that number fell to 24% in 1972. This was despite overall sales volumes rising by more than 5,000 cars, reflecting the move away from open-air motoring. This Corvette is 1-of-2,346 produced wearing Steel Cities Gray, which is my favorite shade from that year. It shines impressively for what was a good driver-quality car. Most of the panels look excellent, but this photo graphically shows the extent of the accident damage. The seller admits that it is self-inflicted. They backed into a stone wall, which must rate as embarrassing. With the estimated impact speed of 5mph, the frame should not be any the worse for the experience. The rear quarter panel may be beyond repair, although consulting a fiberglass specialist might be a wise first move. New reproduction quarters sell for around $600 each if they deem replacement as the best option. The passenger side rear bumper may be damaged, but if it is salvageable, returning the exterior to a pristine state could prove straightforward. The remaining exterior trim, the wheels, and the glass all look above average for a vehicle of this age. The seller doesn’t mention rust issues with the frame or birdcage, but the lack of surface corrosion across the entire car looks encouraging.
The interior presentation of this Corvette is tidy, and lifting it to a higher level should not prove difficult or expensive. The upholstered surfaces, dash, and pad are in great condition for their age. The console sports a few minor scratches, but the ready availability of matching plastic paints could see the new owner address those without spending a fortune. The carpet shows wear in a few spots, and I think spending $350 on a new carpet set would be a worthwhile and satisfying investment. The factory radio has disappeared in favor of a radio/cassette player, but I can spot no further additions. It isn’t loaded with optional extras, and while the original owner ordered the car with air conditioning, it no longer blows cold. It requires investigation, but the fix could be as simple as a system recharge.
Lifting the hood reveals this Corvette’s 350ci V8. The seller doesn’t indicate which version of the small-block this is, but the driver would have at least 200hp at their disposal. The remaining mechanical components include a four-speed manual transmission and power steering. Regardless of which version of the 350 resides in the engine bay, it should produce a sub-16-second ¼ mile ET without raising a sweat. For enthusiasts leaning towards originality, the car’s numbers-matching status would be welcome news. It runs and drives, and the impression is that once the panel damage is repaired, the buyer can hit the road for a spot of wind-in-the-hair classic motoring.
I am surprised that, given its potential value, the owner has elected to sell this 1972 Corvette Convertible rather than performing the required repairs. If the damage is as superficial as the photos suggest, it represents a straightforward process. The popularity of chrome-bumper C3 Corvettes means that this one should command a value beyond $30,000 once the work is complete. If the bidding stays within the current level, it could represent an excellent buy for the right person. Are you tempted?
I don’t think a base motor ’72 ready to go would pull $30K.
Adam, I love your writing, but there is no such thing as a ‘simple’ repair on a crashed Vette. This car’s gonna need not only a new quarter, but a taillight panel & probably a deck. Bonding strips, possibly a bumperette, certainly a check on the ol’ frame machine. My first and last was damage quite similar to this car. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt, never doing it again.
You’re 100% correct. I don’t know what I found funnier, the writer claiming this was an “easy repair”, or the seller saying it just “needs a quarter panel”. That’s a lot of damage for 5 mph too. I had a Corvette rear ended years ago by someone doing 25, and I don’t remember there being that much damage.
Besides the parts you mention, I’m guessing maybe a muffler and pipe, exhaust tip and bezel, bumper brackets, probably a lamp housing, maybe a #4 body mount, and more, plus the whole rear clip will need to be painted. I wouldn’t be surprised if the repair estimate is $10K or more.
I have to agree with the comments on the amount of damage from the “5 mph” incident. I also had a C3 that was rear-ended by a 1985 Riviera. The Riv left the scene on a flatbed. I drove home.
$10K is for the paint job alone. Lots of items are not stock like the speedometer, air filter, missing shielding, aftermarket coil and intake. So unless you can fix this yourself and it would not hurt to have a rear clip available, I think it would be wiser to buy a really nice one for $30K done. Just my opinion after owning lots of them for more than 30 years.
Gawd, we worked on that thing over a month. Just when we thought we had it, there’s another crack. Fiberglass dust everywhere, 2 quarts of REN, lots of Bondo. Eckler’s was our best friend. But hey, when it was done, you loved that car.
My experience with collision repairs has always revealed more damage and expense than initially apparent. Then there is always the “while you’re at-it” stuff that also adds up. This car Will be expensive to repair properly.
The other reality is that, even properly repaired, this car will always have that as part of its history. A previous accident with significant damage does affect value. Most educated buyers will completely avoid, or won’t pay full price for a car that had this level of damage.
Frankly, I would not be surprised if this car is an insurance write-off. Insurers like Hagerty offer optional “Cherished Salvage” coverage whereby owners get to keep their car if it is written off.
Another possible scenario is, the car wasn’t insured ,or was involved in a situation where coverage was denied, and the damage was too expensive to fix.
The only way cars with this much damage are worthwhile is if they are really cheap. If you really want one, they are commonly available through insurance salvage auctions.
I am no mean an expert but, that doesn’t look like 5 mph backed into a stonewall, more like i punched it taking a turn , and it fishtailed into a pole or hydrant.
Yea Cam W, I bet the guy got paid by the ins co and is trying to make some more simoleons by selling it. I know less than nothing about corvettes, but What the guys are thinking on repair costs is assuming the frame is good and solid; if its rusty anywhere all bets are off. Parts car or a candidate for a new frame. On a car that doesnt have the original mill. BTW high bidder looks like a scammer. Good luck and think this one over after you look at it.
Cheers
GPC
Bidding has already gone too high to be realistic. If the damage was really an easy fix, there would be undercarriage photos supporting that claim.
5mph? Seriously?
O G lets burn it the ground guys looks like a good rebuild, title is clean the rest of the car look fine pull the tank, bumper etc start grinding
After he hit the wall at 5mph, did he floor the gas?
The speedometer has kilometres per hour inside the miles per hour. This would make the car a Canadian variant, like a 454 convertible “73 I used to own. Mine was from southern British Columbia, where it is mild and rust usually isn’t a problem…but if this is an eastern Canadian car….hm… I would suggest that any potential serious buyers ask the owner (“they”??) about the brown stuff, and be sure to undertake an in-person inspection.
Cosmetic, I don’t think so, I’m pretty good with fiberglass, but this needs a whole rear and that won’t be easy either! Good luck to who ever buys it.
I agree, but I would be concerned about frame damage too.
10k? May as well have said, “That’ll buff right out.”
30k to ante-in at this poker game…
15k for paint alone
This only makes sense for a shop to buy where they can fix/paint at greatly reduced cost. Even done, not in anyone’s wildest dreams will this be a $30k car. Just sold mine in better shape, no crash and it struggled to get $19k 2 yrs back.
5 mph? By the time that car slowed to 5 mph whatever it hit had already done the damage we see.
Ended:Jul 16, 2022 , 3:55PM
Winning bid:
US $19,650.00
[ 27 bids ]