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 1972 numbers matching, 1 of 240, survivor, factory AC edition of the 1972 LT1 version of the fabled Corvette. The final year for chrome bumpers on the front and rear, sporting a title verified 29,768 actual miles. This car is all original with the exception of a single repaint, and to this writer is a definite highlight year as to looks despite the EPA's efforts to thwart power. Here's a breakdown of the hardcore drivetrain numbers for your perusal:

Stamping & Casting Codes:
3970014—1970-1973 350ci V8
V0629CKY 12S526007, (Flint June 29th, 1972 350ci V8 255hp 4bbl, 4-Speed Manual), P2H28A 392566 P-Muncie 2-1972, H-June 28-28th A-M20 Rear Axle 3.55 Gears AW Stamping Code

Exterior
Bryar Blue adorns the exterior and presents in very good condition. 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 BF Goodrich radial T/A tires on all 4 corners.

Interior
A swing of the door, and we are greeted with loads of black stitched leather which mixes with some wood grained appliqué and a peppering of chrome trimming for delineation between these surfaces. Stylized stitched seating showing some folding, that nicely aged leather tends to do, covers high back thin buckets. A center console races towards the dash and has more wood appliqué surrounding the shift lever and climate control wheels. As we climb up towards the center of the dash there is a Corvette radio which is an AM/FM/cassette, 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 black carpet clover 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 stunningly detailed engine bay is a nicely preserved and well cared for numbers matching 350 LT-1 mill that has a 4-barrel carburetor topped by a blazing chromed open sided air cleaner. Some extra parts have also been chromed and add some bling to this numbers matching engine. The transmission, also numbers matching, is a 4-speed manual Muncie M20 which throws power rearward to a 3.55 gear ratio rear axle. All these parts are factory original and look very clean and well cared for.

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, (independent coil spring in front and a frame anchored differential with transverse leaf springs in the rear), power steering, and power disc brakes on the front and rear. Dual exhaust with stock style mufflers takes spent exhaust gasses to the rear of the car.

Drive-Ability
Slipping into this nicely appointed and sculpted fiberglass work of art, it fires right up and off to the test track we go. Here it has smooth acceleration, bias free panic stopping, and great handling thanks to that C3 suspension. All functions are working

A numbers matching, original car, a real survivor, and all in very nice condition. Though Chevrolet may have been struggling with the power/emissions battle, this C3 version was a beautiful design with just the right mixture of chrome, and badging, and bathed in beautiful and not oft seen Bryar Blue, all adding up to a great design and look. A nicely presenting example of Corvette history, loved and well cared for, used sparingly by its current owner and consigner.

1Z37L2S526007

1-Chevrolet
Z-Corvette
37-Coupe
L-350ci V8 LT1 255hp
2-1972
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
526007-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
L11-July 11th Build Date
TR 404-Black Leather
PNT 945-Bryar Blue

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.