Last inspected in 2002, this 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray in Monongehela, Pennsylvania (south of Pittsburgh) almost certainly got a makeover in the late ’70s or ’80s. Crank up Deep Purple’s Highway Star as you behold this tricked out ‘Vette and its rocker extensions, Cragar S/S wheels with raised white letter tires, pin stripes, and big block hood. It’s like the wish list from every car-struck would-be street racer’s study hall daydreams. “Turbo Action” tires promised the performance of tire brands that used actual science and testing to improve their products… at half the price.
Before recoiling from that ratchet shifter, don’t forget that Corvettes have been blistering drag strips since the ’50s. The low-slung cockpit is just part of the allure of “America’s Sportscar,” and the C3 (third-generation) makes the most affordable entry-point to Corvette ownership. Before I could legally drive, I always checked the amazing console data plate to learn the car’s horsepower and other specifications. They might not be for everyone, but Corvettes are special cars.
The claimed original 350 cid (5.7L) may have gained a dress-up kit along with an Eledbrock intake manifold and Accel ignition, and the accompanying stickers for each. Though not in running condition, one of the world’s cheapest V8s will be easy to revive or replace. Thanks to reader Tony P. for spotting this long-parked ‘Vette.
Credit the seller with listing the mileage as 160,000 instead of 60,000, and well-done by whoever enjoyed this Corvette for so many miles! In one of life’s great ironies, by the time many owners can afford their dream Corvette, they have reached an age where the vehicle can be fully enjoyed without pressing its highly capable limits. Considering the C3’s status as the least-collectible Corvette, maybe this chrome-bumpered ’72 could keep its period mods. Does the world need another factory-correct C3? Check out more details in the listing here on Craigslist. A few days after I told someone you can buy a decent C3 for $10,000, this one comes in with a $10,000 asking price. Would you change this Corvette or fly its ’70s flag high?
Another jacked up rear Corvette with positive camber that you probably can’t drive straight down the road and sure don’t want to slam into a high speed turn. On the other hand it looks good enough to take home and fix up everything right, especially at the asking price. This one won’t last long. It’s one of the iconic Corvettes in my mind.
Nailed it, bobhess.
I have to disagree on your comment Todd. ‘ Considering the C3’s status as the least-collectible Corvette ‘. Not the most collectible but certainly not the least.
“Considering the C3’s status as the least-collectible Corvette, maybe this chrome-bumpered ’72 could keep its period mods.”
@Todd- I would like hear the thought-process behind that statement.
I love the Deep Purple “Highway Star” reference, although it is a bit humorous watching a sixty (seventy?) year old sing the lyrics. Kind of like seeing Roger Daltry of the WHO singing, “Hope I die before I get old.” at 80. Oh well, rock on!! 🤘 (ow, my back…)
Tried to give you a 👍🏻 but the button is working just intermittently for different cars here today..🤔👍🏻
John, one of my best memories of that song “Highway Star” was seeing a top notch bar-band performing it in a locally infamous (upstate NY) roadhouse called the Hampton Manor in the mid 70s. Because of the hallucinogenics we had that night, there were lightning bolts coming off the mike stands and the band. Oh yeah.
Perhaps the ‘jacked up rear’ is due to the rearend being, literally, jacked up and not being moved since it was let down.
If the ‘greased’ frame is good (160k miles in PA???) it would be a buy at $10k being a chrome bumper car. Spend some money on the running gear and enjoy it. At least for a couple months until the 70’s vibe drives (pun intended) you up a wall.
Bubble tail lights were such a cool customizing touch, that you can still buy them today in LED variety for all C3 Corvettes.
A chrome bumper C3 for 10K in this shape is a great buy.
Unless that frame is swiss cheese, and based on the location, is a possibility.
The 1968-1974 C3 Corvettes offered big block power. I don’t see how they would ever be any less collectible than C4’s Todd.
Thanks, Rocco. I love the C3s and would especially consider a big block specimen. They’re what I grew up with, so I tend not to think of C4 and newer as collectible or classic at all, though I’m sure there are plenty of gems among the newer ones. I recant my statement! I’ll leave it there so these comments make sense. Thanks for weighing in on behalf of the C3. Thanks guys.
I suggest it would be better just to write about the subject vehicle and leave the opinions out. The C4 statement is just plain weird. Dissing two Corvette generations in one write-up is a true piece of work.
This one screams rode hard and put away wet.
As was intended by Zora Arkus-Duntov and anyone else associated with the Corvette program. God bless ’em all!
Interesting…..have you ever noticed that you can tell now much talent the builder (or previous owner) had by the way they route the spark plug wires on a C1, C2, or C3 Corvette?