Vehicle Description
Lots of horsepower and lots of eyeball appeal, this 1972 Chevrolet
Corvette roadster certainly delivers on all fronts. Packing a
strong-running, 350 V8 small block mated to a smooth-shifting
automatic transmission, this is a gorgeous Stingray that neatly
balances style, performance, and desirability. Forget trailer
queens, this is a chrome bumper beauty you won't be able to resist
on the road.
Originally Elkhart Green, the former owners of this early C3
Corvette were obviously inspired by Prince's 'Lil Red Corvette
mega-hit and made the wise choice to switch the car's color to red.
Whether the shade is Mille Miglia or Monza Red, there's nothing
quite like a red Corvette convertible, especially one that sports a
black convertible top and interior. Stingrays (that's right,
'Stingray' was one word by 1972) represent the peak of American
muscle car design, and they practically beg to be covered in a
bright shade like the dialed-in finish on this droptop. I don't
care who you are or where you go, there's just no way you'll be
missed in this car. The bodywork is quite straight, the paint looks
fairly fresh, glossy, and deep, and it has that look of a Corvette
that has been enjoyed, but never abused. The way the light plays
over those voluptuous fenders in an unbroken curve is proof that
someone invested a good amount of time getting everything straight,
and the smooth, shiny driver-grade finish is evidence of excellent
care since the restoration was completed. The headlights pop up
without hesitation and the rear deck fits well, making the top
disappear seamlessly. Bright chrome bumpers add some jewelry, along
with the egg crate grills up front and on the front fenders, and
big, rectangular exhaust cut-outs out back strongly suggest that
there's some serious blasting powder under the hood.
Originally Code 417 Dark Saddle, the cabin was restored and
upgraded to Black Vinyl, a perfect complement to the bright red
exterior. Contoured buckets offer improved lateral support as they
hold you in place better than any Corvette before, and the seats
remain in excellent condition, giving the interior a welcoming,
casual look that says, "Let's go for a ride!" Slide behind the
wheel and your hand falls naturally to the automatic shifter inside
the factory center console, and as your eyes roam over the
interior, you notice details like the upgraded retro-style
AM/FM/AUX, power windows, and the spec plaque right there on the
console. The factory gauges are in above-average condition, with
the tach showing a correct 5500 RPM redline and all the auxiliary
gauges work like they should, including the clock. Other options
include a sporty 3-spoke steering wheel atop a tilt/telescopic
column, seatbelts, and an upgraded factory A/C that utilizes all
new hardware and R134a refrigerant. Plush black carpets on the
floors help insulate the cabin, the door panels at the flanks look
great, and overhead there's a black convertible top that's in very
good shape, too.
The engine is a very strong 350 cubic inch V8 that's running
incredibly well, with the perfect amount of power for this
fiberglass droptop. Expertly maintained and dressed for show, and
it looks like a performance engine bathed in Chevy Orange paint on
the block (although the oil pan below is a very nice gold color),
polished finned valve covers, and bright chrome air cleaner and
overflow tank. An Edelbrock aluminum intake and big Holley
carburetor certainly help bolster the big horsepower, and the
addition of an HEI distributor and ignition system, a serpentine
belt system, and long-tube headers all help in the reliability
department as well. Underneath, it's incredibly clean, with satin
black floors and a recent dual exhaust system and upgraded shock
absorbers all around. Power steering and a big sway bar up front
mean this Corvette handles like a dream, and with power 4-wheel
disc brakes it stops on a dime. For a correct look, it rolls on
shiny Rallys wearing 255/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A white-letter radials
with plenty of life left.
For a Corvette that's built to drive, this bright red convertible
hits a lot of high notes and offers a whole lot of car for the
money. Isn't it time you stopped watching from the sidelines and
got into the hobby? Call today!