Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1972 Chevrolet Corvette coupe.
I am still getting a little grief over stating that my favorite Shelby car is the 1966 GT350H, so I thought I would make it worse by stating that the 1970-1972 Chevrolet Corvette coupe is now, and always has been, my single favorite Corvette model.
Part of the reason for this that in 1972, when I was about 6 years old, our next door neighbor bought a brand new Corvette in what is also my favorite exterior color of Ontario Orange. I got to get a ride in the car, you see he took all the neighborhood kids for a ride in the car that day, and it just imprinted on my 6 year old brain. Ever since it has been my favorite.
There is more to it than that for me, though. I honestly feel that the styling of the 1970-1972 Corvette is the car where every element finally came together perfectly. To my eye, with its egg grate grille and egg crate side vents, these Corvettes have a very 1960s-70s European sports car look. All the elements just flow into each other and compliment each other better to my eye than any Corvette before. I have owned a C3 but never one of these cars. It is still on my list, and as soon as I can convince my wife it is a good idea there will be one in my garage.
The 1972 Corvette featured in this AutoHunter Spotlight is described as being equipped with a 350cid small-block V8 mated to a four-speed manual transmission, color-matched removable roof panels, Rally wheels, air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo, and a dual exhaust system. The car is painted in my favorite color of Ontario Orange Firemist over a Saddle vinyl interior. The odometer shows 90,286 miles.
The photos of this cars exterior look like a nice driver level 1972 Corvette with no visible flaws of any note. It rides on correct Corvette Rally wheels that are clad in Cooper tires.
The interior looks very nice with correct material on the seats and no issues. I don’t notice any of the changes that many owners make to these cars that somehow always do not measure up to what the car’s interior was new. The view behind the wheel of a 1972 Corvette is like being in a jet fighter and the view over the hood of these cars is terrific.
Under the hood is the previously mentioned L-48 350ci V8 that in 1972 was rated at 200HP and 300 ft/lbs of torque. That might not sound like a lot, but period road tests of the L48 engine Corvette recorded 0-60 numbers of under 8 seconds which was fast for the era. The engine compartment of this car looks very original with no modifications seen in the photos.
If you are looking for a 1970s era classic sports car that is fun to drive, easy to service, and looks awesome you should seriously consider placing a bid or two on this 1972 Corvette.
The auction for this 1972 Chevrolet Corvette coupe ends Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 11:15 a.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
I once owned a red ’72 Vette, the same car, minus the color. What a fantastic car to drive and experience.
I miss it to this day. We are only custodians of these great driving machines until the day when they pass on to the next caretaker to enjoy.