The 1972 Corvette occupies a fascinating crossroads in Corvette history. It was the final year of chrome bumpers at both ends and one of the last moments when Chevrolet still offered genuinely sharp, high-strung small block performance before tightening regulations began to change the character of the car. The LT1 earned its reputation by delivering a lighter, higher-revving, more responsive driving experience. It was the choice for drivers who preferred balance and feedback over sheer displacement. This example is a well-documented LT1 car, supported by its original tank sticker and a traceable ownership history dating back to the 1980s, giving it the kind of provenance that serious collectors look for.
Finished in striking Sunflower Yellow with the correct black hood stripe, this LT1 Corvette carries an unmistakable performance look that remains timeless. The car sits on chrome rally wheels wrapped in raised white-letter Goodyear tires, a combination that perfectly suits the C3's muscular proportions. Wide fenders, an exclusive hood, and chrome bumpers give the car a muscular stance, while the black vinyl top paired with the body-matched hardtop adds contrast and reinforces its early-1970s character. This is a classic Corvette that is free from modern reinterpretation or visual overreach.
Under the hood, the numbers-matching 350ci LT1 small-block V8 has been professionally rebuilt in 2023 and shows only break-in miles since completion. Originally rated at 255 horsepower, the freshened LT1 was dyno tested at 317 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque at the crank, underscoring the strength of its high-compression, solid-lifter design. Power is delivered through a matching-numbers Muncie M21 4-speed manual transmission and aggressive 4.11 rear gears with Positraction. Power steering and power four-wheel disc brakes sharpen the driving experience, giving the car confidence and control to match its performance intent. The combination defines the car's character. This is a Corvette that wants to be driven with purpose, exactly as Chevrolet intended when the LT1 package was offered.
The factory options strike a smart balance between performance and usability. Electric windows and a tilt-telescopic steering column topped by a 3-spoke wheel add a modern degree of adjustability while keeping the driving experience focused and analog. The Saddle Deluxe custom interior presents as a true time capsule; featuring genuine leather seating, walnut wood-grain accents, and plush cut-pile carpeting, it remains unchanged and free from modern updates. Every surface preserves the exact look, materials, and premium atmosphere that a well-optioned LT1 Corvette would have delivered to the showroom floor in 1972.
Taken as a whole, this 1972 Corvette LT1 is one of the last truly driver-focused Corvettes of its era before emissions, insurance pressure, and regulation reshaped Corvette performance in the years that followed. It is well documented and anchored by the kind of drivetrain that defines why LT1 cars remain so appealing. Just as important, these cars still occupy a rare sweet spot in the market, offering pedigree and long-term collectibility without prices having climbed out of reach.
