Fresh 350 Crate Motor: 1972 Chevrolet Corvette

The 1972 model year marked the end of an era for the Corvette. It was the final year that the vehicle retained the delicate and attractive chrome front bumper. It was also the last before the company committed to a development path that would see the Corvette transform into a softer and more civilized daily driver. It is these two factors that make the 1972 Corvette highly-coveted amongst genuine enthusiasts. This example is a tidy driver that seems to have no immediate needs. Actually, that isn’t entirely true. Its most pressing need at present is to find a new home. If you think it could be yours, you will find this classic located in Sparks, Nevada, and listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has recently dropped the price, so this gem could be yours for $30,000. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for spotting this ‘Vette for us.

The chrome-bumper Corvettes are an attractive car, which is emphasized when the vehicle wears a shade like Mille Miglia Red. That is what graces these panels, with the owner admitting that it is a newer repaint in the original shade. It’s hard to find much to criticize with this classic’s appearance. The paint shines beautifully, and both it and the fiberglass that hides beneath appear to be free from flaws or problems. The owner mentions no issues with rust in the frame or birdcage, and if the ‘Vette has spent its life in Nevada, it may be rust-free. He indicates that the soft-top is in excellent condition and that the rear window is crystal clear. The trim and chrome are as spotless as the rest of the exterior, while the same is true of the glass. The only pressing problem that he notes is with the wipers. It seems that most of the system was renewed in 2019, but the solenoid is not operating. That could be something as simple as a faulty solenoid, or the buyer may need to dig deeper to isolate the fault. Still, when you consider this classic’s overall condition, it does provide an opportunity for the buyer to get their hands dirty fixing one of its few faults.

The original owner ordered this Corvette with the LT1 version of the 350ci V8, but that is now a distant memory. The car is no longer numbers-matching, but what resides in the engine bay should offer impressive performance for the new owner. It isn’t clear whether the seller or the previous owner performed the upgrades, but they followed a sensible path using high-quality products. The engine bay is now occupied by an LT1 Crate Motor courtesy of the good people at Summit Racing. This benefits from adding an aluminum Edelbrock intake, Holley carburetor, and a set of headers. The original motor would have punched out 255hp, but it would be fair to assume that this one should significantly improve on that number. Completing the drivetrain are a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Apart from the engine upgrades, the owner has recently treated this Corvette to some further work. The steering benefits from new steering links and rams, while there are also plenty of new suspension components to make this a sure-footed classic. The attention to detail pays dividends when the Corvette is pointed at a stretch of tarmac. The owner says that it runs and drives perfectly, steers straight, and the upgraded brakes feel strong. It all sounds pretty promising to me.

The owner doesn’t supply any interior shots, but he states that it remains trimmed in its original black leather. He has installed red and black slipcovers to protect the seats and suggests that the original covers may be due for replacement. He rightly points out that covers in the correct material and pattern are readily available and that these cost around $900 per set. That gels with the information that I have, although when you consider the age of this classic, I would probably throw in an extra few hundred dollars for new foam as well. It would be worth the cost to maximize the chances of keeping those seats comfortable for many years to come. It seems that the rest of the interior is in good condition and will need very little. The original radio has made way for an updated modern stereo system, and the owner has updated the air conditioning to make it more efficient.

I agree with many enthusiasts who feel a passion for the chrome-bumper C3 Corvettes. I know that the changes that Chevrolet made in the following years were driven by a necessity to comply with safety standards, but the heavier bumpers compromised the purity of the car’s styling. For any enthusiast who feels that way and is searching for a turn-key example to park in their driveway, this could be the car for them. The fact that it is no longer numbers-matching is disappointing, but this is a case where a buyer will be getting what they pay for. The price looks extremely competitive when you consider what it offers, and it’s why I believe that this Corvette will be heading to a new home very soon.