By 1972, the clouds were gathering over the domestic performance car scene. The Federal Clean Air Act of 1970, gave manufacturers until 1975 (later extended) to clean up exhaust. GM started down that path in ’71 and then pursued it in earnest in ’72. That being the case, Holley carburetors, aluminum intake manifolds, and solid lifter camshafts were on the way out but Chevrolet persevered one last time with their LT-1 engine, and here’s just such an example, ensconced in a 1972 Corvette. Let’s go through it. This ‘Vette is located in Albany, Kentucky and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $17,600, reserve not yet met.

The LT-1 engine was introduced in 1970 as a 370 gross HP, 350 CI V8, and was a Corvette option as well as the standard Z28 powerplant. The Camaro’s HP rating was 360 but the differences between the two versions are not discernable. A compression ratio haircut in ’71 dropped the power rating to 330 gross and the SAE gross to net rating conversion established a power output of 255 net for ’72, pretty close to the ’71’s gross output. Starting in ’73, the milder L82 became the standard Z28 engine as well as the optional small block for the Corvette. The LT-1 designation surfaced again in 1992, now with a revised designation of LT1 and it powered various different GM vehicles, Corvette included. In 2014, the LT1 designation made its final appearance as applied to GM’s 6.2 liter  Gen. V V8 engine.

One of the more noticeable features of a ’70-’72 LT-1 equipped Corvette is its employment of the domed big-block hood, the same piece used on 454 CI V8 engine-equipped cars. The initial assumption was that the hood was needed to clear the high-rise intake manifold that a small-block engine would utilize but that’s not the case as the LT-1’s Winters Foundry intake is a pretty flat item. The fiberglass body of this ‘Vette shows well, there are no signs of splits, cracks, or seam separation – at least none revealed in the images. The Classic White finish looks fair, maybe a bit flat but it could possibly be rejuvenated. By ’72, Chevrolet was no longer outfitting Corvette’s with side exhaust systems, and the one in place here is aftermarket. If you’ll note, the rear exhaust cut-outs have been “paneled over”.

Back to the engine, being an LT-1 means that this ‘Vette is one of only 1,741 built in ’72 and that engine option was pricey at $483. The LT-1 in this car, unfortunately, is a non-runner. The seller states, “The oil is clean and engine is free but the car has not been started sitting in its own tracks collecting dust since the late 90s. Electrical all works when powered”. The images of the engine show one that looks to be original and in stock form. Two interesting features about the LT-1 powered Corvettes were no automatic transmissions allowed and no A/C, though the A/C ban was lifted partway through the ’72 model year. An M21 close-ratio four-speed manual transmission handles this Corvette’s gear changes.

As with the exterior, the interior appears to be in reasonable shape too. There are some demerits noted like a cracked console, filthy carpet, and a non-original radio, but the red vinyl/leather upholstery probably needs nothing more than a good cleaning. There is an interesting console armrest in place, the first as such that I have encountered. It’s difficult to tell with certainty but the instrument panel looks original and intact.

LT-1 Corvettes have come into their own, with notably appreciating values, and this is a mostly original, non molested example. It’s claimed to be a barn find, and if it is, it’s one heck of a discovery, hardly your everyday event, that’s for sure. This Corvette is going to have no problem finding a new home, wouldn’t you agree?