Classics from favorable climates are always attractive to buyers seeking something special to park in their garage. Rust typically isn’t a problem, but the same climate that preserves the steel often destroys the trim. This 1972 Chevrolet Corvette hasn’t suffered that fate and is an extremely tidy driver-grade vehicle. It isn’t numbers-matching, although the GM Crate Motor under the hood should provide impressive performance. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting the Corvette listed here on Craigslist in Reno, Nevada. The seller set their price for this beauty at $28,500.
Chevrolet’s C3 Corvette had cemented its place in the market by the time our feature car rolled off the line in 1972. After a sales slump, volumes climbed in 1972 and continued the trend for the rest of the decade. This ‘Vette is an extremely tidy classic that has spent its life in Nevada. Therefore, the seller’s assertion that it is rust-free is readily believable. Perhaps surprisingly, this beauty has avoided the baked paint and other issues that are often associated with older classics from the region that aren’t sheltered from UV rays. Its original Elkhart Green paint shines richly, and there are no genuine cosmetic flaws beyond a few minor chips. The fiberglass is excellent, showing no evidence of stress cracks or physical damage. The luggage rack is a practical feature, sparkling as impressively as the rest of the bright trim. The glass is clear, but I’m not entirely sold on the Black Rally wheels. I would prefer them in their original color, but that’s a personal preference.
The 1972 model year marked the moment when vehicle manufacturers began quoting engine power and torque figures in Net terms. It meant that the Corvette’s entry-level 350ci produced a claimed 200hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. It seemed to represent a dramatic fall compared to the previous year’s 270hp and 360 ft/lbs, but in reality, only a small percentage of the decrease was due to emissions regulations. The truth was that the ’71 and ’72 motors were almost inseparable on the dyno, but the situation would change dramatically in subsequent years. The seller has rendered that irrelevant by swapping the original V8 for a GM Crate Motor. Its specifications are unclear, but with it exhaling through ceramic-coated headers, it should offer a measurable performance gain. This car also features a four-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The seller replaced the clutch and flywheel during the engine transplant, and while they state that the odometer reading of 52,200 miles is genuine, I tend to view it as relatively insignificant given the engine change. However, it appears this Corvette is a turnkey classic, ready for summer fun.
This Corvette’s paint isn’t its only original feature. The seller claims the same status for its Black vinyl interior. If true, its condition is impressive. The seats exhibit no significant wear, nor does the carpet. The dash and pad are clean, and there is no sign of plastic that has waved the white flag. The seller’s originality claims take a slight beating, courtesy of the retro-style stereo and the aftermarket gauges that occupy the spot above it. However, if considered purely as a driver-grade classic, the condition is comfortably acceptable. At least the buyer could replace the offending items if they prefer originality.
If you trace automotive history, you will find few badges that have enjoyed a life as long as Chevrolet’s Corvette. After a shaky start, the company’s two-seat sports car has cemented its place in folklore, and the C3 holds a special place in many hearts. Our feature car isn’t merely a tidy C3, but is one of the last of the desirable chrome-bumper examples. The seller’s price seems realistic compared to recent successful sales, and although values have fallen slightly during the past year, the situation has stabilized. That could be a sign of an impending upswing, and if that proves to be the case, now could be the ideal time to park this classic in your garage. That is food for thought.
I see controls and dash vents for A/C, but no sign of compressor or hoses. & no extra groove on the fan pulley. Maybe I’m wrong about A/C being removed. Can’t see anything else to complain about…except for the price. $28K seems high, but it’s a lot nicer than most C3s I’ve seen lately. Last of the chrome bumper brigade, I wouldn’t kick it out of my garage!
I’d be willing to bet the A/C compressor was removed when the motor was swapped out. Pricewise it’s in a range that, were I seriously shopping right now, I’d be checking plane tickets to Reno to take a look at the birdcage first hand.
Look at the center stack. No vents at the top. This is a non-A/C car. The ball-type vents at the ends of the dash are “Astro Ventilation”.
It is a nice car as a driver, although I hafta agree with a couple statements from above. No on the black Rallys and I think it has the wrong center caps on it as well. Seems like a lot of $ as well to me.
No A/C subtract 10K . You don’t want to listen the sweetey in passenger seat complaining ……….ya get enough of that at home …..
If it had A/C, restoring it should be straightforward, if expensive. Vintage Air has kits priced from $1400 to $2400, depending on how many original parts are left on the car, and GM originals are always a possibility if all you need are the compressor, condenser coil, receiver dryer and some hoses to reconnect it all back up.
It looks like it has T-Tops, but there’s no mention of T-Tops in the craigslist ad and no pictures of the car with the tops removed. I saw a seam for them in the roof, but that could just be how GM built them back in the day. Comments?
Robert, please refer to the C.L. ad., you will see that #1, this car was not born with a/c and, it has t-tops because it is NOT a convertible. There are a couple pictures that show the tops on the rear deck luggage rack.
Happy viewing. Price is a little strong. By quite a bit.
I saw the pictures, but missed the T-Tops being removed on the first look, the picture was taken from far away or the wrong lens was used, because the picture was tiny. That, combined with my 66-year-old (soon to be 67) eyes, didn’t help matters any! My Bad!
Robert: ALL C-3s were either convertibles or T-Tops. None made were coupes with non-removable roofs.
My first Vet was a 74 gutless wonder. But I was 23 and loved it. Then in my 40s got a 99C5. Night and day difference. The got a 65 C2 Coupe. 327 4 speed. Then 03 50 year anniversary. Beautiful car. Now I have an 09 C6. Best of all of them for performance and driving pleasure. C2 for nostalgia. C3s are beautiful but wouldn’t want another without a big block. I agree $28000 is way high for that car . Unless it had a big block and A/C. My C2 was valued $15000 more by Hagerty with Vintage Air. But this is a very nice car .
I think the radio and new gauges look good.
This is not astronomically overpriced, getting it for $23K would be a good buy.
Hard to imagine a car in Nevada without A/C.
ACZ, obviously you haven’t looked up the location of Reno.
I personally like the black wheels, as I like different in the wheel department. I’m tired of the “same old” Corvette Rally wheels. As to Northern Nevada weather. It is dry! Consequently, if you have shade or moving air (as in 100 MPH across the desert! lol) You are generally comfortable. Many years (over 40) driving my FJ40 with only a “bikini” top for shade from the brutal high desert sun. I’m pretty sure I have seen this car around the Reno area. If it is the same car IT LOOKED GREAT!
Even without A/C in a hot climate, you can still enjoy a vehicle like this. You aren’t going to be driving it all of the time, so you just have to be judicious in when you drive. Avoiding the afternoon hours, you will still get a lot of driving enjoyment in a car like this.
Moving from NH to GA a couple of years ago, I would happily give up a few hours of driving each day for year round enjoyment.
My MGB sees alot of ice cream runs in the evening once the overhead sun is gone. A great time to be cruising with the top down! Cool sunny mornings are great cruising times also.
Wonder how a big-block only hood ended up on an “original paint” 350ci Corvette.