Ordering a new 1972 Corvette with a big-block under the hood provided enough power and performance to satisfy most people. Admittedly, the ‘Vette was slower than it had been two years earlier, but it was still one of the benchmarks of the American scene at that time. However, who can’t use more power? The owner of this Corvette felt that way because the engine that calls this classic home is a fire-breather. After sinking a fortune into this classic, they feel it needs a new home. Therefore, they have listed it here on eBay in Winnetka, California. Bidding sits above the reserve at $25,100, with time remaining for potential buyers to stake their claim on this potent beauty.

Chevrolet offered 1972 Corvette buyers a choice of ten paint shades, with this car being 1-of-2,550 ordered in War Bonnet Yellow. Its presentation is almost impossible to fault, with the paint shining beautifully and no evidence of significant flaws in it or the fiberglass panels. The seller indicates the paint is original, and its preservation level is astounding if this is accurate. There is no information on the state of the frame or birdcage, but there should be no issues if the car has spent its life in California. The chrome is as stunning as the rest of the exterior, as are the original Rally wheels wrapped in new BF Goodrich tires. I can’t spot any glass issues, but it is worth noting that this ‘Vette is more than just a pretty face. Its drivetrain delivers on the promise provided by its exterior.

We must draw a deep breath before we delve into this Corvette’s mechanical configuration because there is much to digest. It rolled off the line powered by a 454ci V8 that would have sent 270hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed close-ratio manual transmission. The journey down the ¼-mile would have taken 14.6 seconds, and while this wasn’t as fast as owners experienced a mere two years earlier, it still stacked up pretty well. However, this owner wanted more…a lot more. Therefore, the original motor made way for a 509ci monster filled with desirable components designed to maximize its power output. The engine block features a hydraulic roller camshaft and forged internals. The owner bolted on a set of Brodix aluminum cylinder heads with roller rockers. With a 10:1 compression ratio, this big-block will run well on pump fuel that feeds in via an LS6 intake and a Holley 850 Double-Pumper. Spent gasses exit via a set of Hooker Super Comp headers and a 2½” Flowmaster exhaust. There’s no point having mountains of power and torque if it can’t get to the road effectively. Those bases are covered by the M21 transmission and a 3.70 Posi rear end. The spending didn’t stop there, with the front end receiving a complete rebuild with Polygraphite bushes. The entire braking system is new, with KYB shocks on all corners. The seller says the car runs and drives exceptionally well and includes an embedded video in their listing. That big-block sounds as tough as you would expect, but there is one last ace up this ‘Vette’s sleeve. The removed and complete numbers-matching 454 hasn’t disappeared, with the seller including that in the deal. That leaves the winning bidder with the option of returning this car to its original form.

Enthusiasts seeking a high-end driver-quality classic will undoubtedly find this Corvette’s interior almost irresistible. It has no aftermarket additions, and most of the trim is original. The only items the seller identifies as new are the seatcovers, with the door trims, dash, carpet, and console genuine Chevrolet items fitted on the production line. The presentation isn’t faultless, with some visible rub marks on the console and a couple of other minor flaws. However, it should still receive positive comments wherever this classic goes. It isn’t loaded with optional extras, although the power windows and factory AM/FM radio are welcome features.

This 1972 Corvette might not be original, but it offers performance many enthusiasts only dreamed of when it rolled off the line. Purists will appreciate the inclusion of the numbers-matching big-block, allowing the opportunity to return the car to its factory form. Its condition would be considered a high-end driver-quality classic, which opens a tempting possibility for potential buyers to contemplate. They could enjoy this car and all it offers in its current form, but they could slot in the original motor if they chose to part with it in the future. That could maximize the return on their investment while selling the 509 separately would be some icing on the cake. Is that a strategy that you might consider?