It is often said there is no substitute for cubic inches, and this 1972 Corvette perfectly demonstrates that. Its engine bay houses its original 454ci V8 with a few upgrades that should unlock improved performance. It presents well and would suit someone seeking a tidy driver that isn’t 100% original. We always appreciate input from our readers, so I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this classic that is listed here on Craigslist in Wenatchee, Washington. The seller set their price at $25,000, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home fairly quickly.
I’ve always felt that anyone photographing a C3 Corvette should take the time and effort to secure a few shots lying on the ground. There is no better angle to capture these classics’ low and aggressive styling, and the seller has gone to that trouble with our feature car. It is 1-of-2,478 Corvettes ordered in Mille Miglia Red in 1972 and looks stunning. The seller loads their listing with lots of colorful prose, and you must cut through that to gain insight into what it offers. The car presents well, with no significant issues with the paint or fiberglass. There is no information regarding the state of the frame or birdcage, although the lack of visible corrosion across other aspects of the vehicle bodes well. The T-Top shows no signs of leaks, and the glass is spotless. With sparkling chrome and immaculate 15″ Rally wheels, this Corvette makes a positive impression.
The Corvette’s interior reveals the first signs of customization. The seats wear aftermarket covers in Black leather with contrasting Red piping, and the door trims are cut to house speakers for the retro-style stereo. The positive impression made by the exterior continues inside this classic because there is nothing warranting genuine criticism. The upholstered surfaces are free from wear or other issues, the dash is spotless, and there are no signs of cracked, crumbling, or damaged plastic. The car originally featured air conditioning, but a previous owner removed significant parts of the system. Reinstating the system is possible, and the new owner will need to weigh the cost versus benefits before committing the funds to such an undertaking. It isn’t loaded with other factory features, but the tilt/telescopic wheel will help the driver tailor a comfortable seating position before hitting the road.
Chevrolet’s big-block V8s have attained legendary status, offering excellent horsepower and mountains of torque. We find the original 454ci version hiding under the hood of this Corvette. It would have produced 270hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque when new, which feeds to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. The combination would have provided an effortless driving experience. This impression is heightened by the original owner’s decision to equip the car with power assistance for the steering and brakes. Emission regulations were biting into performance by 1972, but this Corvette’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 14.8 seconds confirmed it was no automotive slug. The engine might be original in this classic, but the seller indicates it carries a few tasteful upgrades that would unlock improved performance. They don’t get down to the nuts and bolts of most changes but mention a new Petronix-style electronic ignition system. They recently installed a new brake booster and master cylinder and treated the car to a complete fluid change. It runs and drives well, and potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition.
C3 Corvettes are a consistent performer in the classic market, with many enthusiasts focusing on the chrome-bumper models. This is understandable because the styling of those vehicles was pure, and later upgrades required due to safety regulations added “weight” to the appearance that some people don’t appreciate. I sometimes criticize sellers for providing little to no information in their listing, and while the Craigslist ad for this car isn’t short of words, it lacks some of the specific information potential buyers might seek. However, it shows promise as a classic that would provide years of motoring enjoyment, with the engine acting as the icing on the cake. It has only been on the market a short time, but do you think the seller will be waiting long before it heads to a new home?
Nice car. Can’t ask for more than a bright red early C3 with a 454 engine. I’d guess there are plenty of shops that can source AC parts and plenty of folks who know how to put them in the car. I used to be one of them but I’m retired. One of my favorite “Vettes”.
This is a part of real American muscle history, seem like a pretty low price that is almost hard to believe…
I’m puzzled by the choice to gut the AC system. Definitely worth reassembling that, especially now
It’s not like the A/C system was robbing outright performance of that Rat! Probably just wasn’t high on the list of things to do but trust me here down south that A/C is coveted & very important to personal well being . Yes I do wish I was in the position to be a buyer of this car as it doesn’t get much better or cheaper than this Rat !
Ya know, I kinda remember all the vettes that we had on our lot all had high end valve covers. Chrome or aluminum. Plus they had the chrome wire shields. I don’t know. I did a full Craigslist search for the same car plus 1971 vintage and their are some really nice ones out there for the same money. Approximately. I do like the C3 body. This is about all I can say about this one. Good luck!
Add the a/c 🥶, add the luggage 🧳 rack on the trunk, and head for the hwy. 😎
Few years back I had a little low end auto dealership in Olympia WA. If I’m not mistaken those are dealers plates on this little two-seater that shows no under carriage photos for us inquiring minds.
You certainly wouldn’t have a problem getting noticed. Check out the Craigslist photos if you’re in the market for a steroidal, prostratium boosting erectile adventure.
Note; We had a couple of these Vettes back in ’81-’82 and they both had to have the rear suspension seriously serviced. They seemed to acquire a “saggy butt syndrome” that required extensive bushing replacement. If you were lucky you would catch the problem before it needed all the u-joints replaced. Love the look tho. Nice hood.
Another thing I just remembered. Tell tale sign about true mileage is the drivers door push down outside door release. Unless of course everything else is copastetic OR it’s been replaced. If so look for other signs. ie, heel wear next to the throttle pedal on the carpet. AND, of course wear on the rubber pedal covers themselves.
All of the driver’s door push downs sagged after awhile. They make a cheap bent steel springy thing that fixes it.
Missing A/C & automatic trans. Pass! Not at that price.
This barn find has given me faith you can still find a reasonable priced C2 turn key. Now if the bidders don’t over bid the asking price.
Cancel frist reply. Thanks
This barn find has given me faith you can still find a reasonable priced C2 turn key. Now if the bidders don’t over bid the asking price. I stand corrected l meant C3 Vette .
Isn’t the price that is posted the asking price. So I would think that whoever pays it first gets the car, right? Correct me if I misunderstood.
Here’s a seller that a buyer should be comfortable handing 25K for a BB chrome bumper Vette.
Let’s see more of these and less from the Miami rip-off artist.
The actual phrase is “There’s no replacement for displacement”
Couldn’t agree more John. Sure, a person can pull that 454 rat out of it’s hole, put $6-7k into it and really impress those friends with ED. Stimulating thought uh! I’m in!