In 1972, “See the USA in Your Chevrolet” was still a popular way to go. Nearly 600,000 Impalas were built and sold (though not a record), so it was a good year for the nameplate. But only 6,500 or so were convertibles like the seller’s car, making them hard to come by more than 50 years later. We’re told this one has been sitting since 1991 and was a one-owner automobile. It doesn’t run, though the engine does turn over. It may have traveled only 40,000 miles before entering retirement.
Under the hood of this Chevy resides a 400 cubic inch V8 engine. It should be the “small-block” derivative of the Chevrolet motor that dates back to the Tri-Fives of the mid-1950s. It’s likely fitted with a 2-barrel carburetor and would have been rated at 245 SAE net (the industry had switched rating measures in 1972). It’s paired with an automatic transmission, but would that be a TH-350 or 400? Everything under the hood may be complete except for the A/C compressor which we’re told is in the trunk for safekeeping.
Though a layer of dust is present, the red paint looks okay and is a respray from before the 1990s. We’re told the quarter panels have some issues, but the body is solid overall (photos show a rather crusty undercarriage). The convertible top may be black but could be “Saddle” and has darkened with age. That would match with the bench seat interior which seems to have held up just fine.
No reserve has been set for this Impala, so the winning bidder gets to take it home. $12,400 is the magic number so far here on eBay and in Manahawkin, New Jersey. The car will roll and steer just fine, able to be pushed up onto a flatbed for the trip to its next home. This could be a fun car when you get done with it as there can’t be many ’72 Impala convertibles still on the road these days.
If you are going to try to sell a rusty car cleaning it up might get you an additional $200 or so….
I don’t understand people that don’t take the time to showcase the vehicle they’re selling in it’s best possible light. I sold a early 2000’s Ford Focus a few years back, only a couple thousand dollar car, and I put in an entire weekend detailing the interior, exterior, and engine compartment / trunk. And then the ad write-up for it was informative, so there were little questions left to ask. I don’t know, maybe it’s just me and my non-diagnosed OCD, but I attempt to be as thorough as possible when I sell anything from a car to a part.
Even the tires are dirty. Makes you wonder if the person just wants to get rid of it.
Mike, I am with you, I have sold a few cars on Craigslist (hated by most vocal BFers for some reason) and have had great success.
I clean and detail, take really good photos, post the maximum amount of photos, and do a complete write-up.
I don’t know if that is the reason or not, the scammers and low ballers have stayed away.
72 was a great year to see the USA 🇺🇸 in a Chevrolet, especially the full size. I once owned a 72 Caprice Classic. Frequently referred to as a baby Cadillac. Cadillac looks, similar styling(especially front end), comfort at a much more affordable price. As stated before, I love aspirational names. So I never understood why Caprice was dropped later making Impala the top of the line. But then, aspirational names are gone. Replaced by combination of numbers and letters as mundane as the vehicles wearing them. This Impala looks as though someone has been capricious in caring for it. Sure hope someone has the time, energy, resources, and money to save this throwback to an era unfortunately never to be seen 😕
The 400-2bbl was rated at 170 HP. The 400-4bbl was rated at 210 HP. Both are according to the 1972 Chevrolet brochure.
Another seller who couldn’t be bothered washing it.
How many miles? Why is it so dirty? What’s wrong with the top around the windshield? I’d be hard pressed to pay $1000 due to the ‘unknowns’ and the apparent condition. A Caprice was MUCH better anyway.
A Caprice was not better than an Impala or Super Sport Impala. It was Grandpa’s version with some slight luxury items and a badly done vinyl top design. Impalas were much more sporty.
For the higher side of 12000 so far thankfully it rolls and steers so you can load it on your trailer. Let my statement sink in. Peace!
Crazy money for a rust bucket. They didn’t wash it because more paint would fall off of the rusted part.
Someone liked it well enough to buy it
That was a very solid convertible that you never see any more. It would be nice if they keep it mostly original and clean. New red paint, spruce up the engine bay, a set of 8” Corvette rallies would look great rolling on a set of BF’s. Not a set of 26 inchers with hydraulics!