Upgraded 350: 1972 Chevrolet Corvette

Many enthusiasts will argue that the 1972 model year marked the end of an era for Chevrolet’s iconic Corvette. Not only was it the final year that the company offered the car with chrome bumpers at either end, but it was also the last where the ‘Vette could genuinely be considered a hard-edged sports car. Our feature car is from that model year, and it presents superbly. The seller has installed an upgraded V8 under the hood but leaves the path clear for purists to return this classic to its factory specifications. Located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $18,400, although this figure remains short of the reserve.

The seller indicates that this Corvette isn’t perfect. While its Elkhart Green paint holds a winning shine and a consistent color across the vehicle, it sports a few minor nicks and marks. None of these are visible in the supplied photos, suggesting that potential buyers could consider it a high-end driver-quality classic that would continue to attract attention wherever it goes. The fiberglass exhibits no evidence of cracks, crazing, or problems around the bonding strips. The owner doesn’t supply information on the state of the frame or birdcage, but the lack of visible corrosion across other aspects of the car gives us cause to be quietly optimistic. The exterior trim and chrome are also better than average for an unrestored Corvette from this era, while the Rally wheels, trim rings, and center caps continue the theme of excellent presentation.

If potential buyers seek a perfect C3 Corvette, this car probably won’t appeal. However, if the goal is a classic that can be driven and enjoyed in a relaxed manner, it seems to tick the right boxes. The Saddle vinyl interior trim is free from significant wear or damage, although it appears there may be a stain on the upper left side of the passenger seat. The remaining upholstered surfaces appear excellent, while I believe the carpet may be new. The dash and plastic components have avoided the wear and UV damage that can develop after five decades of regular use. The factory radio has made way for an aftermarket radio/cassette player, but I see no further additions. The interior isn’t loaded with luxury appointments, although it features power windows.

While emission regulations were beginning to bite into the Corvette’s performance potential by 1972, it still wasn’t a bad car. Even the entry-level ZQ3 version of the 350ci small-block could return a ¼-mile ET of 15.6 seconds. This ‘Vette retains its original four-speed manual transmission and rear end, but the factory V8 has made way for something more potent. The seller refers to it as a “350 High Performance engine,” but its specifications are unclear. I can spot headers and an aluminum intake, but we’re flying blind beyond that. While the new engine was going in, the owner treated the transmission to a rebuild and added a range of new suspension bushes and bearings to the rear end. He also dropped in a new fuel tank, front suspension, and exhaust. The car runs and drives well, with the owner stating that it makes an enjoyable high-performance ride. For those who may decry the changes, it appears that the seller includes the numbers-matching engine block and intake in the sale.

While buyers post-1972 could still purchase a Corvette that offered respectable performance, the writing was on the wall for this classic. The combined requirements of tightening safety and emission regulations added weight and slashed engine power, with the car becoming less potent with each passing tear. Chevrolet’s decision to “soften” the Corvette’s engineering was motivated by economic forces. While it found little favor with hardcore enthusiasts, it allowed the vehicle to appeal to a broader range of potential buyers. The proof is in the sales figures, with 1973 sales increasing by 10% compared to 1972. That trend continued until 1979, and while sales dropped considerably during the final three years of C3 production, they never fell below the 1972 total. The 1972 Corvette remains a firm favorite in the current classic market, but if you bought this one, would you drive it unchanged, or would that original 350 find its way back under the hood?