1972 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

By now, you’ve probably memorized most of the Corvette story. From Zora Arkus-Duntov to the Mako Shark to the bankruptcy years, each of the car’s seven generations has its own key moments and cast of colorful characters. At this point, the third generation Corvette accounts for the middle section of the brand’s story and, looking back, it’s a remarkably appropriate car to hold that place. With visible nods to both Chevrolet’s heritage and future, examples like this 1972 coupe are finding firm footing in a collector market that will inevitably grow stronger. The subject of complete restoration, this numbers matching Stingray features options like a 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic transmission and factory air conditioning that make it both fun to drive and surprisingly comfortable. There’s never a bad time to buy a good Corvette, so if you’re looking to add a first class C3 to your collection, you’ve come to the right place!
Before we go any further, I’ll go ahead and break down the VIN trim tag and engine numbers so you know exactly what this car is.
VIN
1 – Chevrolet
Z – Corvette
67 - Corvette Convertible
K - 350 CI 270 HP V8
2 - Model year 1972
S - St Louis Assembly
526077 - Serial Number
TRIM TAG
L12– Body Built July 12th 1972
400 – Interior Trim Black Vinyl
987 – Ontario Orange (Now Steel Cites Grey)
Summary
Original 200 HP 350 Cubic Inch
Correct optional power disc brakes
Correct 4 season factory A/C
Correct Power Steering
Correct Optional Hardtop
Looking back, it seems 1972 was the swan song for traditional chrome bumpers – a look many classic car fans prefer to the heavier, plastic-clad bodies that followed. Below this Corvette’s thin front bumper, stainless-trimmed ‘egg crate’ grilles introduce a shape that’s repeated on the bottom of the car’s profile. In the middle of that profile, a cross-flag branded header draws the eye towards raked glass that’s framed in showroom-quality stainless. Above that glass, body-matched removable tops fit well and do a great job at keeping the elements out. Follow the wide, tapered C-pillars rearward and you’ll find a familiar cross-flag branded fuel filler. At the sides of those pillars, classy “Stingray” scripts perfectly complement bright rocker trim and a small chrome mirror. And out back, signature Corvette taillights illuminate a bold “CORVETTE” script, a chrome license plate frame, defined bumpers and square exhaust tips that pierce the car’s rear valence
Under the car’s bright blue hood you’ll find an original 3970010 branded V8 which was cast on June (F) 19th (19) of 1972 (2), assembled in Flint, Michigan (V) on June (06) 2nd (02) of 1972 as a Corvette ZQ3 (CDJ), and stamped with a correct 2S526077 partial VIN. Straight from the factory, Chevrolet’s storied, SCCA-inspired small block utilizes solid lifters to twist 8.5 to 1 compression into 200 horsepower! At the peak of the road-ready mill, a chrome-topped air cleaner swirls wind into a Rochester Q-Jet carburetor. At the sides of that intake, cast iron Chevrolet heads prop stamped and painted valve covers above restored ‘ram’s horn’ exhaust manifolds. And at the back of those heads, a high performance ignition system shoots fire through bright stainless sleeves. When fired, the infamous 350 rumbles like a real competition piece. Its ancillary components are top-notch in every way with new GM hoses and a fresh brake booster accompanying vintage Frigidaire air conditioning equipment. And an evenly sprayed combination of Chevy Orange engine skin and satin black fender framing is interrupted by nothing but stainless hood hardware.
Peer under this low-slung Corvette and you’ll find a chassis that’s straight, solid and ready to pound the pavement. The hot engine sends power to an original Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed. At the front of the car, you’ll find a double A-arm suspension that’s complete with factory power steering. At the back of the car, you’ll find a rebuilt transverse leaf suspension that does an excellent job of increasing grip. In the middle of the car, an aluminized, true-dual exhaust system pipes spent gases through deep, rear-mounted mufflers. And at the corners of the car, four wheel power disc brakes ensure rapid stops and great handling. All that fully sorted hardware is bolted to clean floors which, based on appearance, have been living in a nice, dry garage, only to be taken down the road during the summer months. And the car retains its handsome 15 inch GM rally wheels, which spin fresh 225/70 BF Goodrich Radial T/As around dent-free trim rings and turbine center caps.
Slip into this Stingray’s restored code 400 Black interior and settle on one of its pristine vinyl buckets. The carpets below them were replaced, even in the cargo area, where you’ll find a surprising amount of storage space. The door panels at the edges of those carpets are, like the rest of the car’s side panels, are in good condition. There’s a fresh center console that accommodates a small shifter, cool wheel-style HVAC controls and a correct Delco AM/FM radio. From the driver’s seat, an aluminum three-spoke steering wheel laps a set of factory gauges that keep tabs on speed, revs, oil pressure, alternator output, temperature, fuel and time. And all that hardware unites to create a simple, comfortable cockpit that’s befitting of a performance oriented brand like Corvette.
As the value of third generation Corvettes continues to grow, well-optioned, numbers matching cars like this will become serious investment pieces. With a strong color combination, an original drivetrain and modern creature comforts, this C3 is not only a fun car to own, but also a great example of the brand’s evolution. Whether you’re a seasoned Chevy owner or a potential first-time buyer, don’t miss your chance to put this stunning Stingray in your garage!
Steve or Kevin 972 820 0260