Engine Upgrades: 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Originality can be crucial to the potential value of some classics, especially if a new owner views its long-term investment potential. This 1972 Corvette Convertible ticks the right boxes in most areas, although there have been mechanical changes that will unleash performance improvements. It has a couple of cosmetic shortcomings, but nothing prevents it from providing a new owner with immediate motoring pleasure. The Convertible is listed here on eBay in Mesa, Colorado. The seller set their auction to open at $18,000 but has received no bids.

War Bonnet Yellow is fascinating because its appearance changes significantly under various light conditions. That is demonstrated by this Corvette, which the seller states wears most of its original paint. It has received minor touch-ups and a small fiberglass repair, but there is no evidence of significant accident damage. That doesn’t mean it is perfect. There is the usual assortment of small chips you would rightly expect on a vehicle of this vintage. There are also a couple of spots of fiberglass damage. One looks pretty minor, but the area in this shot might require specialist attention if a high-quality repair is desired. The seller doesn’t mention rust problems with the frame or birdcage, with the listing indicating the car has spent its life in dry climates. Therefore, I would expect the vehicle to be structurally sound. The chrome and glass look clean and free from major issues, and the original owner splashed $63.20 to equip this ‘Vette with Deluxe wheel covers.

Lifting the hood reveals this Corvette’s 350ci V8, with the original owner ticking the boxes beside a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. It is unclear which version of the small-block originally called the engine bay home, but it is long gone. The non-original powerplant is claimed to produce 330hp and only found its way into this Corvette in 2001. The car has clocked around 5,000 miles since the change, and the seller includes many receipts and invoices documenting the Corvette’s history. They supply no specific information on how the car runs and drives, but the impressions are positive.

The “tidy but imperfect” theme continues inside this Convertible. No issues require urgent attention, but the Saddle vinyl seatcover on the driver’s seat has a couple of splits that are beyond repair. It may hold up in the short-term, but spending cash on a pair of new covers will eventually be unavoidable. The remaining upholstered surfaces look good, but the steering column paint wears significant scratches from hanging keys. The factory radio made way for an aftermarket radio/cassette player with “box” speakers in the back. Examing the photos confirms the original owner ordered this classic with air conditioning, power windows, and a tilt/telescopic wheel. The A/C is incomplete, but the other items work as they should.

The lack of bids on this 1972 Corvette Convertible is surprising because there are no glaring problems that would have people heading for the hills. It isn’t perfect, and it isn’t numbers-matching. Neither issue is the end of the world. However, some potential buyers might look at the fiberglass repairs and other cosmetic shortcomings and struggle to justify the repair costs when tidy examples regularly sell for under $25,000. The lack of information on its mechanical health may have hindered the auction process because it opens at a fairly high figure for a car with such question marks hanging over its head. Do you agree, or am I missing the blatantly obvious?