Original Survivor: 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

The 1972 model year marked the end of an era for the mighty Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. This was the final C3 Corvette that Chevrolet would offer with the chrome front bumper. It was also the year when we would say goodbye to the pop-up wiper door and the coupe’s removable rear window. This 1972 Corvette is a tidy example that has managed to remain unmolested and original. It presents well and is a classic that its new owner could drive with a great deal of pride. It needs a new home, so the owner has listed it for sale here on Craigslist. It is located in Hayward, California, and all you need to do is hand the owner $44,950, and you could be driving away in a car that is the last of its kind. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder MattR for referring the Corvette to us.

The seller says that while the Corvette is no trailer queen, it has been garaged and pampered for its entire life. When you combine those two factors with a life spent in California, it’s no real surprise to learn that there are no rust problems with the frame or birdcage. This sort of life also means that the Blue paint presents superbly. However, the seller refers to the color as Bryar Blue, but I’m not convinced. To me, this Corvette looks like it is wearing the much darker Targa Blue shade. It holds a magnificent shine and has a depth of color that shows no fading or checking. The fiberglass that hides beneath that paint is also in excellent condition, with no signs of fatigue cracks or chips. The bumpers and other chrome pieces appear to be in good condition and would certainly look acceptable for a driver-grade car. The luggage rack isn’t to my liking, but it is in good condition and is a practical addition to this car. The Rally wheels show no evidence of damage or staining, and the glass appears to be flawless.

By 1972, the writing was on the wall for the mighty 454ci V8 that called the Corvette’s engine bay home. This big-block would soldier on until the end of 1974 before it disappeared from the range entirely. The 454 in this Corvette is numbers-matching and would be producing 270hp. Those horses find their way to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission, while the original owner chose to order the Stingray with power steering and power brakes. Emission requirements were beginning to make themselves felt across the American V8 range, but this classic should still be capable of galloping through the ¼ mile in 14.6 seconds. The seller says that the odometer shows 58,450 miles, and while he has no evidence, he believes that this is genuine. The vehicle has recently been serviced and is said to start easily. It is also claimed to be very dependable and that it could serve as a daily driver.

The Corvette’s interior is trimmed in Black, and while it isn’t explicitly mentioned, I believe that the seat upholstery is leather. The seats themselves appear to be free from any wear issues, and the only flaws that I can spot are some tiny marks on some of the plastic pieces. There is no appreciable wear on the wheel, and the dash looks close to perfect. It is nice to find a Corvette from this era where the interior has remained unmolested. The original AM/FM radio hasn’t been swapped for an aftermarket stereo, and there have been no other changes.  It isn’t weighed down with luxury features, although power windows and a tilt/telescopic wheel are nice touches.

There’s something to be said for buying a classic car that marks the end of an era. The C3 Corvette would soldier on until 1982, but many enthusiasts would argue that the vehicle’s character changed after 1972. It wasn’t just the cosmetic and safety requirements that changed, but from 1973, the Corvette was engineered to be a softer and more refined vehicle. That makes the 1972 model the last of the raw-boned Corvettes, and it is why they are a firm favorite amongst enthusiasts and collectors. The condition and originality of this Corvette are impressive, and it shows no evidence of having been neglected, abused, or driven hard. It is a classic that is ready to be driven and enjoyed, and if that is what you are searching for today, this is a Corvette that deserves a closer look.