Many Bow-Tie enthusiasts will find this 1972 Chevrolet Corvette irresistible. It is the last of the desirable chrome-bumper models, it sports a relatively rare and stunning paint shade, and its engine bay houses a big-block backed by a four-speed manual transmission. It isn’t perfect, but a solid driver-quality car that can turn heads. Barn Finder Pat L. has a finely-tuned classic radar, so I must say a big thank you for spotting this stunning ‘Vette. The seller has listed it here on Craigslist in Dallas, Texas. They set their price at $37,500, so let’s take a closer look to see if that figure is justified.

Chevrolet offered 1972 Corvette buyers a choice of ten paint shades on the color palette for that year, and this is 1-of-1,617 ordered in Bryar Blue. That represents a take-up rate of 6%, which is only slightly better than Sunfire Yellow (5.7%) and Pewter Silver (5.1%). Its presentation appears stunning, although the low-quality shots provided by the seller make it impossible to make a definitive call on its condition. Classing it as a genuine survivor could be a stretch because it wears a reproduction VIN Tag. The seller, the Corvette’s third owner, believes the original tag may have disappeared when the car underwent what they feel may have been a partial birdcage replacement. The vehicle is rock-solid, with no apparent issues or problems. The chrome and glass show no evidence of significant flaws and the ‘Vette rolls on its original Rally wheels.

The Corvette’s interior is above average for an unrestored classic, with its original owner splashing an additional $158 on Black leather seatcovers. There is no appreciable wear on the seats or other upholstered surfaces. Most of the plastic is in good order, although the damage-prone rear console section is cracked. With replacements retailing for approximately $105, that is one of the few items the buyer must source to lift the overall presentation. Someone has added a retro stereo and Hurst shifter, but the seller includes the original shifter for those craving a more stock appearance. The original owner didn’t tick the boxes on many optional areas, but the tilt/telescopic wheel will be welcomed by drivers wishing to tailor their seating position.

Now we get to the business end of proceedings because this Corvette features the LS5 version of the 454ci V8. Its 270hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque reach the road via a four-speed manual transmission and a 3.55 Posi rear end. The car also features power assistance for the steering and brakes for those seeking an effortless driving experience. Power figures may have started declining when this gem rolled off the line, but it could still storm the ¼-mile in 14.6 seconds. The seller claims the ‘Vette is numbers-matching and is in excellent mechanical health. The big-block runs perfectly, and the transmission shifts smoothly. This is a classic where the buyer could fly in and drive it home.

It is said that what goes up must come down, which has recently been the fate of the 1972 Corvette. Values have softened during the past year, but not dramatically. Determining whether the trend will change soon is impossible, although I’d be surprised if they don’t begin climbing again. If that proves the case, buying one now could be wise if investment potential is a guiding factor. There is always risk involved, and that is a calculated one that any buyer must consider. It is worth noting that even with declining values, the price of this one is highly competitive. Even if they don’t increase, the new owner can climb behind the wheel of a classic that offers stunning looks and impressive performance. I can’t think of anything negative about that scenario. Can you?