Original 454: 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
If everything checks out properly on this 1972 Chevrolet Corvette, this one might be a worthy contender for those in the market for an early-seventies C3, as not only does it retain the numbers-matching big block and transmission but the overall condition appears to be excellent. It’s one of those cases where I’d like to have seen two or three times as many photos as are provided, but what we can view indicates that this is one fine ‘Vette ready to hit the road with very little additional attention needed. The asking price of $20,000 sounds reasonable for what you’re getting, and we’d like to thank reader Tony Primo for his great tip here!
For 1972, news under the hood didn’t get any better than what’s here, and that’s a 454 cubic-inch V8. The LS5 had a horsepower rating of 270, but ’72 was also the same year GM switched to using SAE net instead of gross numbers, which looked a lot better on paper to insurance providers. The seller says the big block has been completely rebuilt and doesn’t have many miles since its overhaul, as the car only gets driven on weekends during the summer. The Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 is also the original factory component.
The owner states that an extensive amount of work went into prepping the body before a fresh coat of Classic White lacquer paint was applied, which included lots of hours spent stripping the fiberglass body panels down. The photos are sparse and many have been taken in shady lighting conditions, but from what I can tell, the fit and finish seem more than adequate for a driver. As the seller points out, 1972 was the final year for the Corvette to feature chrome bumpers on both the front and rear, although 454 availability soldiered on for a couple of more years.
Only this one shot from the interior is provided, and while it would have been preferable to see the rest, at least we can tell the dash and instruments appear to remain nicely preserved. There’s also a photo from underneath, with the frame stated as excellent and original, although the suspension components have been refurbished plus a new stainless steel exhaust system was also added. I’m not spotting a lot here to find fault with for $20k, so if you’re ready to move forward this one’s in Omaha, Nebraska, and can be seen here on Craigslist. Is this a fair price for a 454-equipped 1972 Chevrolet Corvette in this condition?
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Comments
Probably hard to go wrong at $20K, but the indicated 27K miles and amount of work that’s been done likely mean 127K, and it doesn’t have AC either. Nice color combo, spend $5K to freshen the interior and add some white letter tires and it would be a good weekend cruiser.
I wonder if a 400 cube small block from back then put into a vette would be faster than a 350.
Yeah a Rat motor with a few speed parts would chew up anything but a Dodge Demon & if you put a blower on a 454 your ready for NHRA action ! Well you guys know what I’m saying. Yes a 350 C3 will be faster on a tight road racing track but soon as you hit a straight back stretch bye bye ! Shame non A/C car other than that I think it’s a bargin just add vintage A/C as I thinking that big block throws a lot of heat unless your driving mostly freeway speeds
Never though I would say this, but this car seems under-priced.
Automatic Vette. The stars do not align.
No A/C. I wonder if the original buyer knew how hot it would get without it. The engine compartment on these is so tight and under-ventilated, especially with a big block.
Nice looking Vette. Back in the day this was a pretty typical combo. Funny how comments read that the 350 handles better than the 454, while in the next breath wanting to add the extra weight of air conditioning. AC was costly, added weight, and is parasitic. For that matter even power steering was optional and some went without to preserve the 3 or 4 HP for acceleration. This was from the mouths of guys who owned them when new.
Did they tell you about the blisters they got on their feet from sitting in traffic or the staging lanes at the drag strip?
Oddly enough, no.
Somebody explain the thermodynamics of a big-block generating more heat than a small-block please. I would guess a lot of factors would go into that analysis. I do know for a fact my no-air 1979 L-82, 4-speed was very uncomfortable at ambient temps over 80F. As noted, the engine might be a foot in front of you and you are sitting on the transmission and differential. I wonder if the 454 would make a significant difference? Thanks.
I removed all the floor insulation(& put in just new carpet) on my ’74 firebird 400 w/o a/c & i dont feel any heat coming from the engine compartment on a hot day in the 80s, & the ’74 400 cube pont motor runs at about 210 degrees. & the motor is quite close to the firewall.
On the other hand, if my bird had fact a/c, those a/c ducts in the footwells do generate heat inside the car if the a/c is off. & even worse there are no fresh air vents DIRECTLY to the outside on any GM car with fact a/c.
So it makes no sense that a vette WITHOUT fact a/c would get so uncomfortable inside.
Also, didn’t all GM 4bbl cars ’72 & newer get a quadrajet? This car has a 4 barrel holly double pumper.
Is it just me, or has this conversation kind of gotten off into some strange territory?
Yes. Reality.
@Charles- You must be new here. You ain’t seen nothin’ yet