The seller believes that this Convertible would have been one of the most expensive examples of the Chevrolet Corvette sold in 1972. When you start to assess the long list of options selected by the first owner, that claim is plausible. However, its party piece could be their decision to team the LT-1 V8 with factory air conditioning. That makes this one of the most desirable examples of the C3 that money can buy. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this Convertible listed here on eBay in Saint Charles, Missouri. The seller set their BIN at $104,995 with the option to make an offer.
The 1972 model year was a significant one in the production life of the C3 Corvette, as several features that had been available since Day One were in for a last hurrah. This would be the last Corvette produced with chrome bumpers at either end, and it would be the final appearance for the vacuum-operated wiper door and the removable rear window on Coupe variants. The first owner ordered this Convertible in Classic White, a shade which accounted for approximately 10% of total sales. This car also features a color-matched factory hardtop and a Saddle soft-top. The seller doesn’t mention a restoration history, but the lack of visible imperfections could suggest at least a cosmetic refresh. The underside shots reveal no frame rust or other issues, and the fiberglass is free from stress cracks and other problems. With sparkling trim, clear glass, and no issues with the Rally wheels, this Corvette makes a positive first impression.
Lifting the Corvette’s hood reveals where this classic’s story becomes interesting. The first owner wasn’t afraid to splash their cash, equipping the car with the LT-1 version of the 350ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, a 3.55 Posi rear end, and power assistance for the steering and the four-wheel disc brakes. The LT-1 wasn’t a cheap option at $484.45, which explains why only around 6.4% of buyers ticked that box on their Order Form. The 454ci V8 was cheaper and could eclipse the LT-1’s 255hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque. However, the extra weight of the big-block hanging over the front axle made it less nimble than its small-block sibling. It is disappointing that the seller supplies no information regarding this Corvette’s mechanical health, but they do indicate that a significant selection of documentation forms part of the deal. These items include dual tank stickers, dealer paperwork, and other documentation. We may not know how this classic runs or drives, but it would be fair to expect nothing less than perfection from this Convertible.
Okay, it’s time to draw a deep breath as we reel off the list of interior creature comforts selected by this Corvette’s first owner. They include Saddle leather upholstery, custom interior trim, power windows, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM stereo radio. However, the big-ticket item is the air conditioning, because only a small number of buyers chose to combine A/C with the LT-1 engine option. That makes an enormous difference to this car’s potential value, and increases its desirability accordingly. As with the rest of the vehicle, there are no significant flaws or problems inside this Convertible. Driving with the top down won’t cause embarrassment, because the interior carries the hallmarks of a classic treated respectfully that has never been the victim of abuse.
I wouldn’t say that this 1972 Corvette Convertible is a “once-in-a-lifetime” classic, but finding one with this combination of factory options is a rare treat. The fact that it is one of the last of the chrome-bumper C3s increases its desirability. Finding anything justifying criticism is seemingly impossible, although I would expect nothing less from any Corvette of this vintage within this price range. That brings us to the subject of the BIN figure, which is eye-watering. In an ideal world where money was no object, would you willingly hand over a six-figure sum for this classic?
LT1 ✔️
4sp ✔️
Saddle interior ✔️
Luggage rack ✔️
A/C ✔️
3.55s ✔️
👍 🏁
Beautiful car but I’m not sure 100K and C3 go together.
We’ll see.
There are some super rare big block early C3s that could easily pull 100K, but a ’72 C3, not likely. At least, not yet.
Enough Corvettes today!! Gotta be other cars at least as interestong….
Corvette experts estimate only about 240 ‘72 corvettes were built with the LT-1 and AC with less convertibles than coupes so this car is pretty rare. This one seems to be well documented but I’d sure have an NCRS or Bloomington Gold judge look this car over very carefully before making any offers. Their asking price is very optimistic but as they say “Find Another!”
You are totally correct Curvette. They only built 240 LT-1s with a/c and of that it is suspected that 50-55 were convertibles. So yes this is one very rare vehicle. Pricing is difficult to gauge with this low level of production. It is interesting to note that when equipped with a/c the LT-1 tach had a lower redline of 5600 rpm compared to the normal 6500 rpm. This was intentional and was done in an attempt to prevent the throwing of the a/c belt under high rpm. Whether or not it worked is a subject of discussion.
Nice car, but $105k nice? Not with my money. There many other cars I’d rather have for $105k. My L78 Nova was about half that price and passed up on an all original LS5 Chevelle for $90k.
The first time I saw one like this one, I was in the 10 grade. It was Ontario orange with white interior and top.Minimum wage was a dollar and sixty cent an hour 1974. The car was selling for 10k and six hundred. I went to that lot every day for a week just to look at it. I can’t say for sure it was an LT1 but I’d bet my right arm it was. I still remember that Vette all these years later. Beautiful Vette
The history on this one has got to be interesting. Yes, definitely special ordered, with carefully chosen options and colors. Presumably spent its life thus far tucked away at an estate.
The ugliest thing ever put on a Corvette or an Avanti is that K-Mart special luggage rack.
I was glad to have the luggage rack on my ’70 convertible. It was very handy and I used it many times.
It was made of a heavy guage steel and well chromed – nothing “K-Mart” about it.
My rack on the back of my ’77 held my t-tops and also looked great.
Doesn’t say if the AC works
Anyone adjusted Valves recently? Wonder how long it takes
You can have a C8 Z06 for that price. And you can drive the C8 everyday. The LT-1 will never be a daily driver. Each to his/her own.
Such a stunning car, but why add that useless barbeque grille to rear deck. Think about it. First off, this appears to be an investment grade LT-1. That means it will rarely, if ever, get driven. Second, no t tops. No need to store them. Face the facts, hardly any old Corvettes get driven other than a few miles. I drove my 73 to Corvettes at Carlisle 2023. It was a 450 mile trip. All i saw were C6 and C7s on the road. Truly sad.