1972 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

The year was 1971 and the EPA was running amuck slapping catalytic converters on cars and forcing automakers to drop horsepower ratings to increase mpg and decrease emissions. This strangulation saw the base-level Corvette drop to 250 horsepower and its highest output dropped from 460 ponies to 425, 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 frame ON restored 1971 Stingray "Sugar Scoop" version of the classic Corvette. Almost showroom looking with only 29K original miles. Very nice and straight immaculate fiberglass and chrome, this car will have you reaching out in a Bryar Blue.

ExteriorBryar Blue adorns the exterior and presents in good condition. 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. A rear chromed luggage rack is seen on the trunk deck, and this car sports a white canvas convertible top with a plastic rear window. This top is easily folded down for some sun in your face and wind in your hair driving. Chevrolet rally wheels, and deep-dish rings are wrapped by BFGoodrich tires on all 4 corners.

InteriorTwo very well-preserved condition black vinyl buckets sit within a sea of black carpeting, which has two "Corvette" logo rubber/carpeted inset floor mats. The center console and ascending panel which works its way to the dash houses several gauges, the shift lever, thumb wheels for temperature control and an aftermarket AM/FM Corvette logoed radio. Just a few missing chips of paint are seen here, but otherwise extremely clean. An armrest which doubles as a storage compartment fits snugly between the buckets. The dash is showroom with its deep inset round gauges and lights. Storage room is taken up by the convertible top when it is in the down position, but we have a luggage rack for the big stuff.

DrivetrainUnder the hood is a 350ci V8 which does indeed have the correct size and font VIN stamping on its engine pad. On the back is a TH400 3-speed automatic which is numbers matching and a 3.36 Posi rear axle. All under this hood presents nicely with orange painted valve covers and a shiny factory style air cleaner cover.

UndercarriageIndependent SLA coil spring suspension is on the front while an independent rear suspension with a transverse leaf spring is noted. Power disc brakes are all the way around along with power steering as an added bonus. A shout out to the dual exhaust with stock style mufflers that is in very nice condition.

DrivabilityI threw the top down with the assistance of my crack decoder and we were off like a prom dress. This EPA restricted Vette still has all the parance (sic) of the earlier C3's and this writer's seat of the pants meter gave a reading of "great acceleration, great handling and tons of fun". All functions on this car are working.

The final year for the fully chrome bumper C3 Vette and the first year of the malaise era of American performance. Those in the know realize that while horsepower was down the biggest crunch to the numbers was the gross to net ratings. This car will stand out from the crowd and be the talk of the neighborhood.

VIN DECODE1Z67K2S5014851-ChevroletZ-Corvette67-ConvertibleK-350ci V8 4bbl 200hp2-1972S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant501485-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAGB01-September 1st 1971TRIM 400-Black VinylPAINT 945-Bryar Blue

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.