No Reserve: 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

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Sometimes, a classic appears on our desks at Barn Finds that ticks so many of the right boxes for potential buyers that the auction action is inevitably intense. Such is the case with this 1972 Corvette Convertible. It is an extremely tidy driver-grade vehicle with no apparent needs. People seem to agree with my assessment because it has attracted seventy-seven bids since the seller listed this classic here on eBay in Miami, Florida. This has pushed the price to $20,741 in a No Reserve auction.

Chevrolet offered buyers ten shades in the 1972 Corvette color palette, with 2,478 selecting the Mille Miglia Red gracing this car’s panels. The original owner teamed this with a White soft-top to create a classy look. Finding anything to criticize is challenging for those seeking a driver-grade classic. The paint shines beautifully, and if there are any imperfections, they are too minor to show in the supplied photos. The soft-top looks okay, and any wrinkles from storage should disappear if the new owner leaves it sitting in the sun for a few hours. The fiberglass shows no signs of cracks or other damage, and the seller doesn’t mention rust in the frame or birdcage. The lack of visible corrosion across other areas suggests the ‘Vette should be structurally sound. This was the final year where buyers received chrome bumpers at both ends of their new Corvette, and the ones on this car look excellent. The remaining trim continues that theme, and the glass and Rally wheels look flawless.

The original owner didn’t wield their pen with wild abandon when ordering this Corvette because it doesn’t feature such luxuries as air conditioning or power windows. Still, who needs A/C when you can enjoy what Mother Nature provides for free by dropping the top? The console has typical minor scratches on the ashtray lid, but that is one of the few faults worth noting. However, I hesitate to call it a genuine fault because it falls under the umbrella of fair wear and tear. There might be minor wheel wear, although it could also be an optical illusion created by bright sunlight. The Black vinyl seatcovers are free from wear, and the carpet’s condition suggests it may have been recently replaced. The door trims and dash are excellent, and there is no broken or cracked plastic. It may not be loaded with luxury touches, but those who like tunes on the move will welcome the aftermarket CD player with a remote control.

This Corvette retains its numbers-matching drivetrain, and while it isn’t the most potent combination, it should still provide acceptable performance. The 350ci small-block will send 200hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Interestingly, the original owner didn’t tick the box beside power brakes on their Order Form. However, this is 1-of-23,794 cars produced with power steering. Although the engine bay presentation is acceptable, it is missing its ignition shield, and the V8 has some cosmetic enhancements. The car should run cool because I can spot what appears to be a relatively new aluminum radiator. The seller indicates potential buyers can consider this Convertible a turnkey proposition. The engine feels strong, the clutch and transmission are smooth, and this classic drives extremely well.

The bidding action on this 1972 Corvette Convertible is understandable because chrome-bumper C3s inevitably generate interest. This one is a tidy driver needing nothing, and the No Reserve factor will help the car take the step from desirable to irresistible to some. The action will probably intensify as the end draws near, but what would you pay to park this beauty in your garage?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Beauwayne5000

    Adding power brakes isn’t hard & replacing the suspension bushings is a must esp the big urethane donut in the front suspension sub-frame connector.
    It’ll ride like brand new even better – higher quality urethane & you can tune the suspension by different bushing density via kits.
    Upgrade engine w/hotter cam & dump the carb for EFI & bolt on tuned port intake.
    Upgrade the clutch.
    Swap rear gears.
    It’s a keeper for less than 5k in parts & labor & retromods are bringing better prices than OG cuz they made so many vettes.
    After modded ship it to Europe & gain an extra 50%+ in price by their rarity in Europe.
    Japan China even more Huge status symbol in China.

    Like 3
    • Cooter CooterMember

      Check the numbers! Corvette’s high water mark was 53,000 in 79 and was matched by almost the same amount in 2023, short about 20 cars. Mustang hit a high water of over 600,000 in 66 and was in 6 figures almost every year afterwards.

      The Corvette was very expensive compared to most, and when your average Joe husband wanted one, he was quickly redirected to a vehicle that could accommodate the family. Most Corvettes were kept behind garage doors also, which gives many people these days that they were mass produced.

      Like 4
      • JoeNYWF64

        Looks to me also like almost all modern – approx 2008 & later Camaros, Mustangs, & Chally’s are stored in garages, unlike in the ’60s & early ’70s.
        Back then you could spot them driving & parked all over the place all the time. I dont get it.

        Like 0
  2. Claudio

    Yup
    I
    Also
    Remember that guy !

    Like 2
  3. Claudio

    Yup
    I
    Also
    Remember that guy !

    Like 0
  4. Matthew Dyer

    I wanted one of these but fortunately/unfortunately that ship has sailed. Throwing it into the intersection sideways and dumping the clutch in 2nd with the go pedal pasted to the floor would send me to jail these days. Besides, every time I see one there’s a grey hair driving it like a baby.

    Like 2
  5. Dan

    A very acceptable driver. Enjoy now, and it won’t need much to restore because it looks like everything’s there and the numbers match. A matching-numbers, chrome-bumpered C3 ragtop, even with a standard drivetrain, will always draw the respect of collectors and NCRS more than if this is modified, so keep it the way it is.

    Like 1
  6. ALKY

    A nice presentable driver as it is, but for that kind of money you could find another with more options I would think. Good looking Corvette with a great color combo though.

    Like 0
  7. Ron

    It’s amazing just how many of their cars “sell” multiple times.

    Like 1
    • Claudio

      Yup, what are the odds of that happening ?

      Like 1
  8. George Mattar

    Nice Chinese air cleaner. Otherwise, something you can actually drive instead of worrying about your $5,000 NOS tires.

    Like 0
  9. Eddie Tucker

    What does that mean?

    Like 0

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