By 1972, the noose was tightening around the neck of America’s beloved V8. Sadly, buyers were only beginning to grasp the scope of the misery that would define The Malaise Era. However, there were still performance options available during this model year, as demonstrated by this 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. It is a low-mile survivor, but many will view its LT-1 V8 as the star of the show. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this beauty listed here on eBay in Lisle, Illinois. The seller set their price at $49,988 OBO.

The 1972 model year was a transitional one for the C3 Corvette. It would be the last year buyers could order a Coupe with a removable rear window, and it would mark the end of an era as the chrome front bumper disappeared at year’s end. Sales began rebounding after a two-year slump and would continue climbing for the rest of the decade. The first owner ordered this ’72 Convertible in Mille Miglia Red, a paint shade selected by 2,478 buyers. It was far from the most popular color, but it has become more desirable with age. The seller states that apart from the new Black soft-top, this Corvette is a genuine survivor wearing its original paint. Close inspection reveals swirls in the paint that accumulate with age, but I believe that careful work with a product like Liquid Ebony would virtually eliminate these imperfections. Otherwise, any cosmetic shortcomings are limited to small chips. The fiberglass is sound, there is no evidence or mention of rust, and the trim is acceptable for a survivor-grade classic.

Aaargh! This Corvette is a classic where the seller fails to supply any engine bay images. This is unforgivable because the 350ci V8 hiding under the hood would be considered by many as its strongest attribute. The 1972 model year was one of transition, as mentioned earlier, and was the last allowing Corvette buyers to tick the box beside the LT-1 option on their Order Form. It added $483.45 to a Corvette’s sticker price, which might be why only 1,741 buyers selected it. Did the extra performance justify the cost? A ZQ3 version of the 350ci V8, the badge’s entry-level engine, produced 200hp. Selecting the 350ci LT-1 boosted that figure to 255hp, unleashing a considerable performance gain. This car also features a four-speed manual transmission, but it is unclear whether the steering or brakes have power assistance. The seller provides background on this classic’s history, making the claimed odometer reading of 39,311 genuine miles seem plausible. They confirm that the Corvette is a turnkey proposition, running and driving as it should.

If I were a betting man, I would wager that the first owner focused on performance when ordering this Corvette. It doesn’t feature air conditioning, power windows, or any other desirable creature comforts. There may have been a factory radio, but a retro-style stereo occupies its space. The Red vinyl trim’s condition is consistent with a survivor of this vintage. There is wear and discoloring, and the driver’s seat has a couple of splits. A new set of seatcovers would eliminate the problem, and the new owner may have to follow the same path with the carpet if deep cleaning doesn’t remove the stains. Otherwise, this interior has no pressing needs.

It might not be perfect, but the seller confirms that this 1972 Corvette Convertible is a genuine low-mile survivor. It features one of the most desirable paint shades offered that model year, and the first owner splashed out on the LT-1 small-block to give the car performance credentials. I believe the seller’s price is slightly optimistic because, while values have climbed dramatically in 2025, the market has stabilized. That means buying this Corvette as an investment is a roll of the dice. However, classic car ownership is often about far more than future financial returns. It is about slipping behind the wheel of the car of your dreams and enjoying all it has to offer. Can we really place a price on those feelings? I don’t think so.