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Sitting for 30 Years: 1972 Chevrolet Corvette

The layer of dust coating this 1972 Chevrolet Corvette has accumulated through 30-years of inactivity. It isn’t clear where the car has spent those years, but it has survived the ordeal reasonably well. It is now ready to head to a new home, but the new owner will need to do some work before the Corvette is ready to hit the road again. The Corvette is located in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding is currently sitting at $9,100, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

I know that amongst enthusiast of the Corvette C3, the 1972 model tends to be a bit of a favorite, due to it being the last model available with chrome bumpers at both ends. This one looks like it might be a fairly solid vehicle and the photos that the owner supplies of the underside look quite promising. The car underwent a repaint at some point in the 1980s, and while it isn’t perfect today, I do tend to agree with the owner’s assessment that it remains of driver quality. Having said that, the supplied photos make it very difficult to determine just how good it actually is.

The owner does say that the 350ci V8 fitted to the Corvette is a numbers-matching block, but isn’t clear on anything else regarding the drive-train. The transmission is a 4-speed manual, while it looks like the car is also fitted with power steering. We don’t get a lot of information about the mechanical condition of the car beyond the fact that it ran and drove when it was parked. What we do know is that the car was fitted with a new exhaust in the early 2000s, but was never driven once this was fitted. The exhaust still looks new, which is probably not a bad reflection of the storage environment for the car. We also know that the gas tank leaks, and that the Corvette currently doesn’t have working brakes. Looks like there might be some work to do on this one.

Once again, when we look at the interior, we are hampered by poor photos. What we can see looks like it is largely original and unmodified, and it looks like the dash pad might be free of cracks. Beyond the fact that it appears that the seats will need new covers, everything else is a mystery.

When it comes to the idea of purchasing this Corvette, it really does appear to be a car that would require some form of personal inspection. There’s no denying that a car that has been sitting for 30-years is going to need at least some work before it can get back up and running. The question is just how much work is going to be involved. Is this one that our readers would consider taking on?

Comments

  1. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Nice project. Strange that it was put away after the exhaust work. Anyone know what is zip tied to the radiator hose? CMK block shows 1974, 350 CI, auto trans out of a Police/Taxi full size rig.

    Like 2
    • Avatar CapNemo

      It looks like a small piece of rubber, being used as a shield because the hose is too long and is resting on the alternator bracket.

      Like 5
      • Avatar leiniedude Member

        Thanks CapNemo, makes sense. Surprised they did not just shorten the hose.

        Like 3
      • Avatar Steve R

        The upper hose is a generic flex hose, these are straight hoses which are available in certain lengths and with end sizes. It shows that a hack mechanic had spent time working on this car. The correct replacement hose would be on the shelf at most auto parts stores in the mid-2000’s, if it wasn’t it would be only take a few hours to get unless in a secluded rural area, even then it would likely be a one day wait. Only the laziest mechanic would use this type of hose on such a common car. It makes you wonder what other corners were cut.

        Like 8
  2. Avatar h5mind

    Car dusters have been around for almost as long as this Corvette, which makes me wonder: why they never seem to have one handy when selling their dusty ‘barn finds’?

    Like 4
  3. Avatar LT1 Mike

    I just had a leaking gas tank fixed on my 1971 Corvette LT1, it turned out to be a cracked fuel tank vapor separator valve mounted on the outside of the tank. I can’t complain, it was original ! The chrome on this Vette looks decent, it has the original radio, and the original engine, but using the rear deck has a storage bin is hard on the fiberglass. This car looks like a good candidate for restoration, and after giving the engine and drive train the once over I would drive it as I restore it. These cars are a blast to drive, and still look fantastic nearly 50 years later. Parts are plentiful, and usually not that expensive. BTW, I get my parts from Stoudt Auto Sales in Reading, Pennsylvania. Ron in parts is very knowledgeable, and gets them to you fast ! 👍 Its a beautiful day so I decided to leave a pic of my ’71….

    Like 36
    • Avatar ACZ

      Pretty car, Mike!

      Like 10
      • Avatar LT1 Mike

        Thanks

        Like 5
      • Avatar Frank Sumatra

        War Bonnett Yellow?

        Like 5
    • Avatar Tony S

      LT1 Mike,

      What year Corvette is best from the 1969 to 1972 models?

      Like 1
      • Avatar LT1 Mike

        @tonys Personally, I like them all including the ’68. 327,350,427,454,different axle ratios, 4 speed, automatic, convertible, off road exhaust, LT1, ZR1,ZR2,and the list goes on ! These years offered a plethora of engines and options to keep just about every performance minded person happy. If you’re looking for one, do your research and always do a careful inspection, they’re great cars and a joy to drive.

        Like 7
      • Avatar ACZ

        Let me throw my 2 cents in. Like Mike, I have a 71 LT1. 71 and 72 models, big or small block, had hardened valve seats, so as drivers, they tolerate unleaded and alcohol fuels well. Just remember to update the rubber fuel hose pieces to a newer spec. As with any generation, the later you go, the more refined they get. Gen 3a (steel bumper cars) still have good power and driveability and are for the most part a real bargain these days. If you get one with a Holley carb(s) make sure to get that updated for today’s fuels, as well.

        Like 5
    • Avatar RP

      Sharp ride, Mike! I picked my C5 up at Bruce’s Auto Mall down on Rt 61 in Schuylkill Haven. I almost went to Stoudt’s, but found Bruce by accident and got a heck of a deal.

      Like 6
  4. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    Another joke of a listing. Can u believe the junk laying on the rear deck lid? Hows the frame? Birdcage? better looker over good Newt. Sorry for the negativity. SMH

    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 6
    • Avatar sphill

      I thought the same thing, what knucklehead would pile junk on a classic vette!!!

      Like 4
  5. Avatar TimM

    Nice car though. Hope the reserve isn’t to high

    Like 0
    • Avatar sphill

      I agree, but how much thought does it take to know you should take care of a car, especially a classic

      Like 3
  6. Avatar 71_LT1

    It is War Bonnet Yellow Frank

    Like 3
  7. Avatar the one

    pretty fricken nice..

    Like 5
  8. Avatar dogwater

    I don’t understand way you would not drag the car out of storage and clean it up a little……

    Like 3
    • Avatar ACZ

      If you understand the true meaning of “Manana”, it is very evident. The intent to get to it tomorrow, but tomorrow never comes.

      Like 4
  9. Avatar Bob McK

    Just wondering, if it has been stored 30 years, why was the exhaust replaced in the early 2000’s? Was it taken out of storage and then put back in storage? Weird to me..

    Like 3
  10. Avatar John Oliveri

    Friend of mine has a 74, 19,000 original miles, bought the car in NJ Malcom Connor, in 1977, had 10,000 miles on it, stored most of its life, not a good thing for a Vette, heater core exhaust, all the calipers froze, body seam seperated, front and rear bumpers, 74, deteriated, after all that, what is a 74 350 automatic Vette worth? Probably more than my 73 Grand Prix!!!!!

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Sheriff John

    Is this or was this an A/C car?
    Dash vent looks like an A/C piece.
    A/C out west is a big deal. Probably
    best to inspect before hitting buy
    button. Looking at about 5 large to
    get back on the road…..

    Like 1
    • Avatar leiniedude Member

      Air cars had a vent above the radio and gauges, where the Corvette emblem is.

      Like 1
  12. Avatar PatrickM

    I like this car. Too bad I have neither space or money. Speaking of which, bidding is now at $12,600.00. I am not a real ‘Vette officianatto (spell check), but I have always liked ‘Vettes. They are very sexy cars. Proper care of one is, IMHO, very important. Dust and junk do not belong stashed on, or in, a classic of any kind. She might be a little older, but show the lady some respect.

    Like 4
  13. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Ended: Apr 29, 2019 , 10:46PM
    Winning bid:US $12,900.00
    [ 20 bids ]

    Like 3

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