Returning this 1972 Corvette Convertible to its rightful place on our roads will take more than some rapid spanner twirling over a single weekend. The seller admits it requires a total restoration, but buying it now could allow some planning. That way, when the weather turns cold, the new owner can have their strategies devised, allowing them to tackle it as a winter project. When the weather turns warm again, they can open their workshop doors and hit the road behind the wheel of a spotless classic that should attract envious looks and positive comments. If that sounds like a winning plan, you will find the Corvette listed here on eBay in Miami, Florida. Bidding has reached $5,955 in a No Reserve auction.
Chevrolet offered buyers ten color choices when ordering their new 1972 Corvette. One of my favorites is Steel Cities Gray, a shade chosen by 2,346 buyers. When polished to a high gloss, it gives the Corvette a classy appearance that is hard to beat. Our feature car wore that when it rolled off the line, although time has taken a toll on it. The buyer will face a complete repaint as part of their project build, but the finished product should be worth the effort. They will apply the fresh paint to panels that look good for their age. The supplied photos show no evidence of significant fiberglass issues like cracks, and with the chrome and trim polished to a mirror shine, it would undoubtedly turn heads. The seller doesn’t mention any rust issues with the frame or birdcage, but the presence of surface corrosion across various areas would make an in-person inspection a wise first move. The seller is open to that approach, suggesting they have nothing to hide. The glass looks good, and while the frame for the soft-top is intact, the buyer may need to invest around $400 in a new top to ensure a high level of presentation and that the car is weatherproof.
Another aspect of the Corvette requiring plenty of TLC is its interior. Apart from an aftermarket radio/cassette player, it is unmolested. However, there are many trim pieces requiring restoration or replacement. Items like the door trims are beyond repair, while the carpet is toast. A wise first move would be to thoroughly clean everything so the new owner can assemble a shopping list. It looks like it hasn’t received that type of attention for years and would be the best strategy to ensure the buyer doesn’t spend money on unrequired parts. It will take time but will help ensure this build stays within a reasonable budget.
The Corvette rolled off the line equipped with the LT-1 version of Chevrolet’s 350ci V8. That small-block produced 255hp, and when coupled to a four-speed transmission as we find here, would have allowed the car to storm the ¼ mile in 14.8 seconds. Unfortunately, the original engine is long gone, and the specifications and condition of the motor occupying the engine bay are unclear. It is missing some peripheral parts, but they remain readily available. If the buyer isn’t concerned about a faithful refurbishment, extracting extra ponies from that sweet little V8 would be easy and worth the effort.
Enthusiasts will argue that the 1972 model year was the last where the C3 Corvette retained its original purity. In the subsequent years, the company struggled to meet tightening emission and safety requirements. Those needs meant that the Corvette became softer and heavier, and sacrificed power and performance to comply with the new laws. That evolution cemented the chrome-bumper Corvette as a firm favorite among collectors, helping explain why values continue to soar. This one shows promise but will require a committed owner to return it to its former glory. If you feel up to that challenge, it could be worth watching this No Reserve auction. If it sells for the right price, it could prove to be an affordable project.
I love this ’72 LT-1 Corvette, but I would not touch a car out of Miami for two reasons, rust or what might be stashed somewhere in it that someone comes looking for later at my residence.
That happened to me once, back when I lived in California. Bought a bicycle off someone, a few days later he called me back asking about some “personal belongings” he may have left attached to it. Turns out he’d left a baggie of his “cali herb blend” taped inside the seat column. No drama or hard feelings and he was perfectly happy to stop by to take it off my hands!
Not a ridiculous asking price, but you will spend 10 times that just in parts. A friend and I are still restoring a 70 coupe 350/350 hp and he is $35,000 over the $6,000 he paid for the car. A legit 72 LT-1 will be bring decent money. If it were an air conditioned car, big money. Last solid lifter engine ever by GM. On high idle, these cars sound like what a real Corvette sounds like.
Didn’t take long for this to make it to Miami for a quick flip:
https://barnfinds.com/3fer-1972-chevrolet-corvette-lt1-1985-buick-grand-national-1970-plymouth-barracuda/
Close…but not the same car…
Same Futura SS tires and tired nom motor as the CL ad pics had in Seffner, Fl. Just a pressure wash, vac and some touch up paint. Same car, different day…
And looks like the hardtop has been separated from the car – probably selling it as well to get maximum profit!
Corvette Ben to the rescue!
“One of my favorites is Steel Cities Gray, a shade chosen by 2,346 buyers.”
Where does one find the quantities produced with such and such an option on old American cars? Thanks!
I recently bought a 1970 LT1, T top with a tremec five speed transmission. I’d like any comments as to how much that transmission has devalued the car from a collectors standpoint or made it more desirable for my drivers perspective. Appreciate any comments.
If no rust in the birdcage, 454 is in order here, and some power window doors, and A/C, just forget it, not the rite car for me
My brother has one of these, a 1972
non a/c car, and it is restored to perfection. Marine blue, or whatever they called it then. The sound of those solid lifters brings back memories of days gone by!!
This car is being sold by the same seller who had the red ’54 Corvette that was on BF last week. They both are in similar condition so it’s almost like he got both of them from the same person.