Changes were minimal for the 1972 Chevrolet Corvette from the previous year’s model, in both the looks and performance departments. The following year did bring about some modifications in the styling department for the car’s front end, as the chrome front bumper was eliminated in favor of urethane material. But in 1972, the engine choices were pretty much carryovers from ’71, with the exception of the LS-6 being eliminated. Two versions of the 350 were available, and unless you lived in California, you could still equip your ‘Vette with a 454, just not of the aluminum head variety. The 1972 Corvette here on Craigslist features the latter powerplant, and it’s a beauty. The car is located in Redwood City, California, with an asking price of $62,000. Thanks go out to Pat L. for bringing this one to our attention!
With its 454 under the hood, this one didn’t start out in California, and we really don’t get a whole lot of information about the car’s history or background. But the seller does say he’s only the second owner, just no word on how long the car has been under his ownership or any info about the previous driver or his whereabouts. The big block is said to be the numbers-matching engine, with the only upgrades listed as a carb and manifold, plus a different exhaust system. The good news here is the removed original pieces come with the sale of the car. A bit of bad news is 1972 was the year some smog equipment became mandatory, but also the same year that GM started measuring horsepower by net ratings instead of gross, so maybe the original buyer got a slight reduction in his insurance premium over buying a ’71 model with a similar drivetrain.
The Mille Miglia Red paint looks to be in really good shape all the way around, although we don’t get any information as to whether or not that’s the original finish or if it’s had a respray at some point in the past. The paint inside the door jambs presents nicely too, as do the chrome and trim pieces outside, and it’s hard to find much fault in the car’s exterior appearance.
Things inside are said to be original, and while perhaps not perfect, the condition seems to be in line with a car that’s claimed to have only traveled 62,000 miles. The Corvette is equipped with T-Tops and the removable back window, all standard for ’72, plus more good news is that the shifter operates a 4-Speed manual transmission, which is also an original component. The seller lists the condition of his Corvette as excellent, and from what we can see I’m tending to agree. For a ’72 model, this one seems to tick the right boxes. What are your thoughts on this 1972 Chevrolet Corvette, and its price tag of $62k?
I agree with your write up, Mike.
The price seems to be in-line with current sales in the market….not withstanding a complete inspection. Confirmed two person ownership and mileage documentation would be a big plus here, too.
Typical questions would be any existence of rust on the frame/cage, etc.
From the door jamb body tag, there seems to be some creep from tape mask.
A really nice 72 rat motor Vette, best to the new owner!!
I I would only give $1500 because I got one just like it for 1600 mine did not smell like catfish
The owner failed to mention the aftermarket radio.
And steering wheel?
I was about to point out those 2 items as well.
Hi Mike!
Hey PRA4SNW! We’re still Vettin’ along here!
Mike Stevens: Keep it up! I hope to be Vettin’ again someday.
Happy Holidays Dennis! Take care!
You too! Hope you are feeling well!
Have a Leinie or 3 on me!
And the door fell off and the transmission only had reverse and a muffler like an 18 wheeler and smells like cat piss
Love the chrome bumper c3’s.
His price is way too high. Here is a much nicer car that is a one owner with 18,800 original miles.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/285091458893
Now, granted, it’s not a 454 with a 4-speed as it’s a 350 automatic. But this car does have factory air. And its credentials are impeccable. It is so impressive. And it’s almost $15k cheaper!
Definitely an apples to oranges comparison.
with the blue plates was prior to 1986 when it was registered in cal. i believe.
I think the farther-from-the-chest, smaller, & fatter steering wheel is a good idea here & should have been offered by Chevy, since the similar sized formula wheel was avail from Pontiac as early as ’69.
Odd that the redline of this motor is slightly less than that on a ’74 pontiac “station wagon” 400 with cast rods!
I loved the feel of the stock ’70 thin wheel with the notches for your fingers. It felt vintage.
A wheel like the one on this car would feel just like any wheel you can get now.
Only worth what someone is willing to pay. Too many kiddie mods on this for the NCRS crowd. 72 454 is nothing but a gas hog. I know. Had one in 1976. Way above market price. I can find a driver 1967 convertible for $62,000.
No mention of which 454, which would determine its real value?
@David Rothgeb
No sir. There was only one 454 engine available in ’72. It was RPO LS5 and it had 270 HP. It cost $294.90 extra and 3913 cars were equipped with it.
The year before in 1971, there were two 454s available, the LS-5 and LS-6. The LS-6 was a serious performance engine and cost $1221 extra. As a result, only 188 cars were ordered with it.
Ok, then this car has a lazy 454, that loves only gasoline. Over priced.
You are correct, and that is the sad news for most all, if not all muscle cars after 1970. The 1970 454 LS6 was the most powerful with 450 hp at @ only 4800 rpm, which obviously wasn’t where it peaked. In1971 the LS6 lost some horse power due to some government pollution restrictions. And by1972 only a watered down LS5 was offered with only 270 hp, that in1970 had been 360 hp.
An era had ended, the day the music died, and when the music’s over, turn out the lights.
And oddly, the 73 LS4 engine was rated at 275 nhp with 395 net bhp.
Gary, but not at Pontiac with Firebirds with the ’73-74 SD-455.
I like Corvettes, especially the early models like 68 to 70 something like that. Somewhere around May want to try and buy one.
@Gary Wilson
Remember though NET conversion from gross. 270 net is about 330 gross hp. So loss of about 30 hp as compared to 1970. 1971 and 1972 ratings pretty much the same +/- 5-10 hp.
Agreed. Not enough people remember this fact or understand it. I have owned several of these years. A 70 is more powerful but not 390 vs 270. It is more subtle than that. These are great cars especially when equipped with the 4 speed and dialed in. A big block in one of these, while nose heavy, is still fun to drive.
DONUTS specifically urethane submember bushings
What made the 454 model extra special was the superior ride to the 350 which had lighter bushings – Torque rate had to be factored to the submounts.
HP wasn’t huge but 454s pull like a mule.
Literally ZERO reason to keep it factory stock when all you do is swap out parts.
BTW it’s not hard to upgrade a old Vette w/those Donuts – most guys never think of it.
Mechanic at my shop took an old 72 vette did that & few small.part swaps told me it was the best car he ever owned.
The 1970 LS5 was rated at 390 gross hp. In 71, the lower compression necessary to run on unleaded fuel dropped it to 365 hp. I had one, and it was no slouch. 13.9 quarter mile at 101 mph. Anyway the 72 LS5 was identical except for the hp being NET vs GROSS. So, the 72 LS 5 was not a slug. Fuel mileage was t much different from a small block if you kept your foot out of the carb.