This 1972 Chevrolet Corvette retains its numbers-matching small-block. However, it has undergone one very significant change that might not appeal to purists. The buyer could reverse this change during the cosmetic refresh the seller appears to recommend. What is apparent is that the ‘Vette is a turnkey proposition that is ready for action with a new owner behind the wheel. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting this classic listed here on Craigslist in Lindenhurst, New York. The buyer only has to hand the seller $16,000 before pointing this Corvette towards the horizon.
With so many changes awaiting Corvette buyers in 1973, Chevrolet chose to leave well enough alone in 1972. It would mark the end of the line for the chrome front bumper and the Coupe’s removable back window, while few were going to lament the loss of the often troublesome vacuum-operated wiper door at year’s end. This 1972 ‘Vette is a mystery machine. The seller doesn’t provide an image of the Trim Tag in their listing, which is disappointing. Unless the vehicle is a Special Order, it has definitely undergone a color change. The company didn’t offer Black during this model year, and with the seller providing a harsh assessment of the paint, there is a good chance that the buyer will perform a cosmetic refresh. Their biggest choice will be whether to follow a faithful approach or retain the existing color. The good news is that the process should be relatively straightforward, because there are no fiberglass issues. Equally positive is the news that the frame and birdcage are rust-free, allowing the buyer to treat the exterior to the required TLC at their leisure. The trim generally looks acceptable for a survivor-grade classic, and the tinted glass appears free from major problems.
One aspect of this Corvette that seems to need little is the interior. Trimmed in Saddle, the seatcovers have wrinkles that add character to aging leather, but they still look supple and free from significant wear. The carpet looks good, with no major fading or other problems. The plastic is in good condition, as is the wheel. The first owner didn’t splurge on factory options, but if the new owner lives in a hotter region, they will undoubtedly welcome the air conditioning. The interior isn’t perfect, but its condition isn’t embarrassing either.
Although purists won’t appreciate the exterior color change, they will welcome the news that this Corvette is numbers-matching. Tilting the hood forward reveals its 350ci V8. As the entry-level ZQ3 small-block, it delivers 200hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. Add power steering and power brakes to the equation, and wielding this weapon won’t be hard work. It is worth noting that although the engine’s power figure might appear considerably lower than the ZQ3 delivered the previous year, most of the difference was due to manufacturers transitioning to quoting output figures in Net terms rather than the more impressive Gross numbers. The reality is that there is little to separate the 1971 and 1972 Corvettes in the all-important performance stakes. Potential buyers can consider the Corvette a turnkey proposition, with the seller describing it as a well-sorted daily driver.
It will be interesting to gauge reader response to this 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. It looks fairly presentable in its current form, though the seller describes the paint as “poor.” That suggests that a cosmetic refresh may occur in the near future, but the question is what path the buyer should follow. Given that Chevrolet didn’t offer Corvette buyers Black in 1972, a fresh coat of that shade on the exterior would stand out. However, it could also provide an ideal opportunity to restore the vehicle to its factory form. Which option would you choose, and what path do you believe the new owner will follow?
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