1972 Chevrolet Corvette LT1 Coupe
The year was 1971 and the EPA was running amuck slapping emission control devices on cars and forcing automakers to drop horsepower ratings to increase mpg. This strangulation saw the base-level Corvette drop to 200 horsepower and its highest output dropped from 460 ponies to 270, 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 1972 numbers matching, 1 of 1,741 LT1's survivor version of the fabled Corvette. The final year for chrome bumpers on the front and rear, this car is all original with the exception of a single repaint, and to this writer is a definite highlight year as to looks despite the EPA's efforts to thwart power.
Exterior
Pewter Silver adorns the exterior and presents in very 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 split egg crate covering on the air intake on the front fender has a turn signal within it on either corner. Hidden headlights and more air shark gill-like intake venting is on the sides of the curvaceous front fenders. The hood has a bump up in the center, with reverse intake holes and LT1 badging. A vertical rear glass is supported by long flowing flying buttress roof pillars that melt into the flat deck lid on the back. Wonderful shiny rear bumpers, split in their mind section frame rectangular exhaust tips peeking out from below. Round tail lights are on the rear vertical panel. Removable body matching roof panels allow for extra air and sky viewing when removed and seals for these as well as the chromed T top are all excellent condition. Standard Chevrolet rally wheels, and deep dish rings are wrapped by Goodyear Eagle T/R raised white letter tires on all 4 corners.
Interior
A swing of the sexy swept upward doors, and we are greeted with loads of black stitched vinyl which mixes with some inset black plastic panels and a peppering of chrome trimming for delineation between these surfaces. Stylized stitched seating showing some folding, and black vinyl covers these high back thin buckets. A center console races towards the dash and has more black and chromed plastic inserts that support the climate control wheels, and shifter. As we climb up towards the center of the dash there is an Alpine AM/FM/CD/Sirius capable radio and 5 round gauges inset to monitor all the vitals. In front of the pilot, nice deep set round gauges in front of an original steering wheel showing slight wear which keep you within the law if you choose to look down. Note, we are still in the manual window crank era, and non power door lock era, so these controls are manual. For the passenger, no glovebox, just leather pouches to store maps etc. Clean pristine black carpet covers the floors. In back, a fully carpeted rear storage area can hold the roof panels or your gear for those road trips and now houses dual woofer and tweeter speaker boxes to blast the tunes forward.
Drivetrain
Sitting within the slightly patinaed engine bay is a nicely preserved and well cared for numbers matching 350ci LT1 V8 mill that has a correct Holley 4-barrel carburetor topped by a blazing chromed open sided air cleaner. The transmission, also numbers matching, is a 4-speed manual Muncie M21 which throws power rearward to a 4.11 Posi rear axle. All these parts are factory original and show some small bit of corrosion and light surface rust.
Undercarriage
Sturdy, structurally sound, slight surface rust, tight, are definite words we can use to describe this nicely cared for environment. Looking around we can note 4-wheel C3 Corvette suspension, (independent coil spring in front and a frame anchored differential with transverse leaf springs in the rear), power steering, and power disc brakes on the front and rear. Dual exhaust is now 2.5 inch with chambered pipes with 2 inch exhaust tips.
Drive-Ability
Slipping into this nicely appointed and sculpted fiberglass work of art, it fired right up and off to the test track we went. Here it had smooth acceleration, bias free panic stopping, and great handling thanks to that C3 suspension. All functions save for the horn are working, including the stereo.
A numbers matching, original car, a real survivor, and all in very nice condition. Though Chevrolet may have been struggling with the power/emissions battle, this C3 version was a beautiful design with just the right mixture of chrome, and badging, and bathed in beautiful and not oft seen Pewter Silver, all adding up to a great design and look. A nicely presenting example of Corvette history, loved and well cared for, used sparingly by its current owner and consigner.
1Z37L2S517587
1-Chevrolet
Z-Corvette
37-2 Door Coupe
L-350ci LT1 255hp V8
2-1972
S-St. Lois, MO Assy Plant
517587-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
H29-March 29th
TRIM 400-Black Vinyl
PAINT 924-Pewter Silver
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
