Vehicle Description
1972 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe #4620
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 with a
date-correct replacement 350ci V8, matching original paint respray,
and shiny clean chrome, and 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
Elkhart Green adorns the exterior and presents in good condition
with a few inclusions, scuffs and spot ins and cracks 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. We do note some
invasive rust on the A-pillars of the birdcage that may lead to
other underlying structural issues, so further inspection is in
order.
Interior
A swing of the door, and we are greeted with loads of saddle
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 a modern 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 saddle 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 date correct 350ci V8 mill that our consignor states was
installed approximately 700 miles ago. Topping this orange/red
painted mill is a chrome and black dual snorkel air cleaner
assembly and underneath is a 4bbl carburetor. The transmission, a
numbers matching unit, is a TH400 3-speed automatic which throws
power rearward to a 3.08 geared Positraction ratio rear axle.
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 independent coil sprung
front suspension and in the rear, a fully independent suspension
with a frame anchored differential and transverse leaf springs.
Dual exhaust with stock replacement mufflers takes spent exhaust
gasses to the rear of the car and creates a beautiful tune.
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 save for the horn not beeping, the heater/AC blower not
blowing, the clock not ticking away time, the passengers power
window not going down, and we noted that both shoulder belts for
the seat belts have had the clips cut off.
A very nice honest car, with an era-correct engine and numbers
matching automatic transmission and all in very nice condition but
not without its faults. 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 its original, beautiful, not oft seen Elkhart Green, all
adding up to a great design and look. A well presenting example of
Corvette history, loved and well cared for and ready to be driven
and enjoyed.
1Z37K2S520957
1-Chevrolet
Z-Corvette
37-Coupe
K-350ci V8 4bbl 200hp
2-1972
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
520957-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
J10-May 10th 1972 Build
TRIM 417-Saddle Vinyl
PAINT 946-Elkhart Green
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.
