Introduced by Chevrolet as a regular production option (RPO) for the 1970 model year Camaro and Corvette, the LT-1 small block has become the stuff legends are made from! Displacing 350 cubic inches, the LT-1 featured a forged crankshaft rotating in a four-bolt main bearing block, forged aluminum pistons, high-flowing cylinder heads and a special camshaft fed by a single Holley four barrel on top of an aluminum manifold. The LT-1 disappeared from the option list for a few decades after the 1972 model year, and the name was resurrected in the early 90’s for a few years only to be replaced by the LS engine series.
The 1970 version featured a 10.1 compression ratio and displaced a rated 370 horsepower in the Corvette (the Camaro version was rated at 360 horsepower). In 1971 and 1972 the compression ratio was dropped to 9.1, resulting in a drop to 330 horsepower for 1971. In 1972 federal regulations were changed regarding how an engine’s horsepower was determined (a net rating instead of gross horsepower) resulting, at least on paper, in a drop to 255 rated horsepower in 1972 although performance figures remained virtually the same.
A total of 27,004 Chevrolet Corvettes were manufactured in 1972, with 6,508 convertibles in the mix. According to GM production records, only 1,741 1972 Corvettes came from the St. Louis assembly plant with the LT-1 powerplant between the front frame rails. Another interesting fact is that the 1972 model year was the only year factory air-conditioning was available with the LT-1 engine, making it a very rare option. GM records show a total of 240 1972 LT-1 equipped Corvettes (coupes and convertibles) were ordered with air-conditioning.
This 1972 Chevrolet Corvette LT-1 convertible offered for sale by Evergreen Digital Showroom is an excellent example of an exceptionally rare car that has been a part of the present owner’s portfolio since December 2011. Information received at the time of purchase indicates the car received a respray in the factory paint color shortly before it was acquired by the present owner. The car was sold new in the state of Illinois and the car was owned by an Oklahoma resident when it sold in 2011. The car is well documented, with both the Protect-O-Plate and original two-page tank sticker.
Specific factory numbers are not available but based on production percentages of convertibles versus coupes Corvette experts estimate the number of LT-1 optioned AC convertibles to be no more than 30 total. Factor into the equation that only slightly over 10 percent of the total 1972 Corvette production was painted Classic White and all four interior color options (red, back, blue and saddle) were available in both vinyl and leather options and this is an exceptionally rare and desirable vehicle!
Finished in Classic White (paint code 972) with a saddle leather interior (code 421), the paint presents very well and the brightwork is in excellent condition. The engine numbers match the final digits of the car’s VIN. The engine build date is May 10, 1972 which would be consistent for the June 1, 1972 build date of the car. A correct Muncie four-speed with factory shifter delivers power to the rear differential. The car is loaded with options including air conditioning, power steering, power disc brakes, power windows, tilt/telescoping steering wheel and AM/FM radio. Full gauges are present and the correct 5,600 redline RPM tachometer (non-A/C cars showed a 6,500 RPM redline) sits inside the dash. While we believe the 65,000 showing on the car’s odometer to be original and correct, in accordance with Missouri statutes relating to licensed automobile dealers this car will be sold as “mileage exempt” due to age. This is an exceptional rare, classic Corvette that would be a welcome addition to virtually any collector’s portfolio.
Evergreen Digital Showroom offers this exceptionally rare C3 1972 Chevrolet Corvette LT-1 for sale at a price of $124,900 USD. Pre-purchase inspection is welcomed and encouraged. We will gladly arrange transportation at buyer’s expense or will work with the shipping company of buyer’s choice. For additional information or to make an offer call sales manager Steve Russell at 417-532-8000.
NOTICE
Because of the number of vehicles we represent we cannot drive every vehicle for long distances. These vehicles have been part of static displays for long periods of time, in some cases for decades, and are subject to the flaws and imperfections consistent with that. While we do our best to disclose all issues we known about a vehicle in our advertising, these are old cars and something that has always worked in the past might not function properly today. Please check the requirements of your state regarding the licensing and registration of classic vehicles and make sure the vehicle you are looking at meets those if applicable. Unless otherwise noted, all vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom possess a clean (non-branded) title which will be provided the new buyer when purchase funds clear our financial institution. Virtually all our vehicles are sold as mileage exempt due to their age. We do not warranty any vehicle, nor any part of the vehicle including air conditioning systems, brake systems, electrical systems and gauges, fuel systems, accessories or powertrain components.
These are old vehicles and it is very common for them to require certain maintenance and upkeep for them to be operational. In many cases issues with leaks may develop when being driven after a long period of not being used. This is common, as classic cars at some point will leak fluids. For this reason, we do not encourage buyers to attempt driving their purchase home as we cannot guarantee functional reliability of these vehicles. We strongly encourage prospective buyers to be sure they are comfortable with these issues before purchasing a classic car.
Descriptions of vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom are intended to be informational in nature and do not in any way constitute any sort of warranty, expressed or implied. Again, these vehicles are presented “as-is, where-is” without guarantee or warranty. Vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 will likely not be included in the databases of companies such as CarFax and AutoCheck that provide vehicle history information to consumers. If you have specific questions regarding a vehicle we urge you to contact us at 417-532-8000.
