Vehicle Description
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 and owned by our consignor for the past 23 years, a
NCRS Top Flight award winning 96.1 point '72 Vette in near perfect
condition. Taking form as a numbers matching engine car, matching
original paint respray, shiny clean chrome, a non original window
sticker, and tons of mechanical work to make it a reliable driver.
Our consignor is includingan original gas cap, seat shims, and
engine bracket for further NCRS judging. I smell another driver and
show 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
A repaint in 2006 of the correct War Bonnet Yellow adorns the
exterior and presents in near perfect condition with a few
inclusions but nothing detrimental. Badging is correct, and chrome
appears in near perfect 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 are 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 Goodyear F70-15 rubber on all 4
corners.
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 leather seating,
recovered in 2002, shows no folding, tears, and just light age
wear, covers the 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, while we are still in the era of crank
windows, this particular car is equipped with power windows for
some extra convenience. The passenger side has no glove box, just
leather pouches to store maps etc. Clean, pristine, and new in 2002
gold 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 treated to a new oil pump and rear main seal, timing chain and
seal, new valve seals, and a rebuilt distributor. Topping this
orange/red painted mill is a chrome and black dual snorkel air
cleaner assembly and underneath is the correct 4-barrel Quadrajet
carburetor. A new radiator was installed along with a new heater
core. The transmission, while not original to the car, was rebuilt
prior to our consignors ownership, and is of the TH400 3-speed
automatic variety. This throws power rearward to a 3.08 geared
Positraction ratio rear axle. Overall a stunner and a gunner under
the hood.
Undercarriage
Sturdy, structurally sound, and with hardly a spec of surface rust,
are definite words we can use to describe this nicely cared for
environment. Looking around we can note 4-wheel C3 Corvette
suspension which is independent coil sprung in the front and a
fully independent suspension in the rear with a frame anchored
differential and transverse leaf spring. 4-wheel power disc brakes
are on with new calipers withstainless sleeves. Dual exhaust with
stock style 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 clock, the headlights rolling up very slowly
and the wiper cowl only moves a little bit, not allowing the wipers
to cycle.
A numbers matching engine car with its NCRS Top Flight award,
multiplebest in show wins at the Maple Grove Super Chevy show, and
all in very nice condition. Though Chevrolet may have been
struggling with the power/emissions battle, our consignor made the
right choice to not upgrade this 'Vette into something it wasn't
born as. This C3 version was a beautiful design with just the right
mixture of chrome, and badging, and bathed in its original and
beautiful War Bonnet Yellow, 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, shown, and enjoyed.
1Z37K2S505364
1-Chevrolet
Z-Corvette
37-Coupe
K-350ci V8 4bbl 200hp
2-1972
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
505364-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
C20-October 20th Build
TRIM 421-Saddle Leather
PAINT 989-War Bonnet Yellow
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.
