1972 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

The year was 1971 and the EPA was running amuck slapping emission control devices on cars and forcing automakers to drop horsepower ratings to increase mpg. This strangulation saw the base-level Corvette drop to 200 horsepower and its highest output dropped from 460 ponies to 270, and the squeeze was on. The 1972 switch to SAE net horsepower, (at the rear wheels), officially locked the Corvette into one of its darkest eras. Much like the extinction of the dinosaurs, the muscle car was slowly and methodically eliminated. We can only assume that the Corvette survived this mass extinction based on its name alone.

For consignment, a good condition '72 Vette taking form as a numbers matching car, matching original paint respray, and shiny clean chrome, and tons of mechanical work to make it a reliable driver. I smell another driver quality collectible coming over the hill straight into your garage and to this writer, this is a definite highlight year as to looks despite the EPA's efforts to thwart power.

Exterior
Targa Blue adorns the exterior and presents in good condition with a few inclusions, scuffs and spot ins but nothing detrimental. Badging is correct, and chrome appears in good condition as well. In lieu of side pipes, we note stainless rocker covers which add some brightness to the bottom of this car. The egg crate covering on the air intake on the front fender has a Stingray badge above it and is shining brightly. Hidden headlights and more air intake venting on the sides of the curvaceous front fenders. A vertical rear glass is supported by long flowing flying buttress roof pillars that melt into the flat deck lid on the back. Wonderful shiny rear bumpers, split in their mind section frame rectangular exhaust tips peeking out from below. Removable roof panels allow for extra air and sky viewing when removed and seals for these as well as the chromed T top are all excellent condition. Standard Chevrolet rally wheels, and deep-dish rings are wrapped by almost new thin whitewall rubber on all 4 corners.

Interior
A swing of the door, and we are greeted with loads of blue stitched vinyl which mixes with a peppering of chrome trimmings all in well preserved condition. Stylized stitched vinyl seating shows no folding, tears, or age wear and covers high back thin buckets. A center console races towards the dash and has a textured black panel surrounding the shift lever and climate control wheels. As we climb up towards the center of the dash there is the original radio which is an AM/FM and 5 round gauges inset to monitor all the vitals. In front of the pilot, nice deep set round gauges in front of an original steering wheel showing slight wear which keep you within the law if you choose to look down. Note we are still in the manual window crank era, and non-power door lock era, so these controls are manual. This car does have A/C, and for the passenger no glove box, just leather pouches to store maps etc. Clean pristine new blue carpet covers the floors. In back, a fully carpeted rear storage area can hold the roof panels or your gear for those road trips.

Drivetrain
Sitting within the engine bay is a nicely preserved and well cared for numbers matching 350ci V8 mill that our consignor states has been rebuilt, bored .030 over and has had a stroker kit installed. Also, inside is a Duntov 30/30 camshaft. Topping this orange/red painted mill is a chrome and black dual snorkel air cleaner assembly and underneath is a 4bbl carburetor. A re-cored 4 row radiator was installed along with a new tachometer cable. The transmission, also numbers matching, is a 4-speed manual Muncie M20 which throws power rearward to a 3.36 geared Positraction ratio rear axle. Our consignor states that the transmission has been fully gone through with new seals installed along with a new clutch kit.

Undercarriage
Sturdy, structurally sound, slight surface rust, tight, are definite words we can use to describe this nicely cared for environment. Looking around we can note 4-wheel C3 Corvette suspension with a new sway bar kit and new front wheel hubs and seals. 4-wheel disc brakes are on with new pads, rebuilt calipers, new master cylinder, and new hoses. Dual exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers takes spent exhaust gasses to the rear of the car and creates a beautiful tune. We note a new fuel tank and lines along with a new power steering valve and hoses along with all new U-joints throughout.

Drive-Ability
Slipping into this nicely appointed and sculpted fiberglass work of art, it fired right up and off to the test track we went. Here it had smooth endless acceleration, bias free panic stopping, and great handling thanks to that C3 suspension. All functions are working, although the A/C system needs to be finished to work properly.

A numbers matching, honest car, and all in very nice condition. Though Chevrolet may have been struggling with the power/emissions battle, our consignor made it all right with various performance upgrades. This C3 version was a beautiful design with just the right mixture of chrome, and badging, and bathed in its original, beautiful, not oft seen Targa Blue, all adding up to a great design and look. A nicely presenting example of Corvette history, loved and well cared for and ready to be driven and enjoyed.

VIN DECODE
1Z37K2S502791
1-Chevrolet
Z-Corvette
37-Coupe
K-350ci V8 4bbl 200hp
2-1972
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
502791-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
B12-September 12th Build
TRIM 412-Bright Blue Vinyl
PAINT 979-Targa Blue

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.