Spotless Driver: 1972 Chevrolet Corvette

Many enthusiasts believe the 1972 model year was a landmark for the C3 Corvette. Apart from pointing to the chrome bumpers, they think the company’s engineering changes for the following year removed some of the Corvette’s hard-edged performance. Our feature car is from that year and is a driver that presents exceptionally well. The owner recently spent a considerable sum on it and was rewarded with an NCRS Second Flight Award. All good things must end, so it is time for the ‘Vette to find a new home with an owner who will appreciate all it offers. It is listed here on eBay in Geneva, Illinois. Although bidding sits at $21,100, it remains short of the reserve. They offer a BIN option of $29,500 for those who prefer avoiding the auction process.

Chevrolet offered some stunning shades on the Corvette’s 1972 color palette, but Mille Miglia Red is one of my favorites. It wasn’t as popular with buyers as other colors, but 2,478 buyers liked it enough to tick the box on their Order Form. That represents a take-up rate of 9.2% but is well short of sales leader Ontario Orange’s 4,891 cars. The seller doesn’t indicate whether the panels or paint received any previous restoration work, but their emphasis on originality suggests they haven’t. They are candid about its condition, admitting it is not a show car or trailer queen but a clean driver that they enjoy. The paint shines beautifully and is complemented by glass and chrome that look spotless. There are no significant paint flaws or signs of cracking or spider-webbing in the fiberglass. The seller doesn’t mention rust issues with the frame or birdcage, but the fact it has been garage-kept throughout its life is a positive sign. Rounding out the exterior are the original Rally wheels. These show no evidence of stains, while the trim rings and center caps are perfect.

If this Corvette’s exterior doesn’t impress you, the interior might change that. It features no aftermarket additions beyond removable cup holders and the wheel wrap. It is one area where the seller recently splashed some cash to lift its presentation. The Trim Tag indicates the original owner ordered the car trimmed in Black leather, and the seller recently replaced the seat covers with new items in the correct material and color. They added new carpets, new weatherstripping, and new seat belts. The rest of the interior is original and is difficult to fault. There are no signs of wear or deteriorating plastic, and even the wear-prone section of the console near the shifter looks nice. I would hesitate to class the interior as being in showroom condition, but it is above average for a driver-quality car. For those craving creature comforts, the original owner equipped it with ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, and an AM/FM radio.

One aspect of this Corvette where the owner showed some restraint was in its mechanical specifications. It features the entry-level 350ci V8 producing 200hp. Comfort and an effortless driving experience may have been key drivers because they selected the three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The drivetrain combination was the most restrained in the Corvette range for 1972, meaning the journey down the ¼ mile took 15.9 seconds. The seller indicates the car is numbers-matching, which is a significant consideration when contemplating the ‘Vette’s potential value. They recently rebuilt the original master cylinder and brake calipers. The seller also performed other work, sinking $15,000 into this classic during the past six years. They don’t mention where all the money went, but they hold receipts verifying the work and costs. It is a turnkey proposition because the seller says it runs well and is an outstanding driver. It seems that the buyer could fly in and drive this classic home.

It is fascinating to consider a particular vehicle badge and to reflect on the impact a single year can have on relative values. The 1972 Corvette remains a desirable classic, and it is common for vehicles similar to our feature car to top $40,000 in the current market. Wind the clock forward to 1973, and a car in similar condition will generally command a price a staggering 35% lower. There is no single reason for this, although the loss of the chrome front bumper and the changes in engineering philosophy adopted by Chevrolet to comply with safety and emission regulations are prime drivers. The company also performed suspension changes that made the Corvette more comfortable, but the car sacrificed some handling prowess in the process. This 1972 Corvette isn’t perfect, but it is probably one of the nicest driver-quality examples you will find for the price. Values continue to rise, and the BIN figure looks competitive for a vehicle in this condition. We can only speculate on the reserve, but the ‘Vette has already attracted fifteen bids with plenty of time remaining on the listing. Do you think the action will continue, or will someone find the BIN impossible to resist?