42k Mile Survivor: 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
I’m always drawn to classic cars with a history of long-term ownership, and this becomes more attractive when the vehicle in question is a 49-year-old classic that has had a single owner. That’s what this 1972 Corvette represents. During its life, it has managed to remain unmolested, and it has accrued a mere 42,000 miles on its odometer. The time has come for the Corvette to find a second home, so the owner has listed it for sale here on eBay. It is located in Land O’ Lakes, Florida, and with bidding currently sitting at $23,100, the reserve has been met.
The owner is blunt when he says that if the buyer is looking for a trailer queen, this isn’t the car for them. It presents extremely well for its age, although the Elkhart Green paint does have a few flaws and issues. There is the usual assortment of chips, along with a couple of scratches and scrapes. However, it still holds a good shine and could hold its head high if taken to a Cars & Coffee. There is also some bubbling on the nose between the headlamps, so I’m not sure what the deal is there. The Corvette is said to have never had a hit, and there are no signs of any problems or previous repairs to the fiberglass. The underside of the Corvette shows no apparent issues. There is a dusting of surface corrosion on some areas, but the frame appears structurally sound. The finish on the original wheels shows some slight deterioration, but the trim rings and center caps look pretty good. I can’t spot any glass problems, while the trim and chrome remain in good condition for an original survivor.
The Corvette is a numbers-matching car, with the only changes being the replacement of a few peripherals like the exhaust and hoses. The 350ci V8 still wears all of its original components like the distributor, carburetor, and alternator. It should be producing 200hp, which finds its way to the Posi rear end via a 4-speed manual transmission. Power steering should make the driving experience a “no sweat” undertaking when the road begins to twist and turn. Performance figures would have been considered acceptable in 1972, with the journey down the ¼ mile taking 15.6 seconds. Apart from hoses and the exhaust, the Corvette has been fitted with new brake discs and calipers. The original calipers are included in the sale, but the discs are long gone. Also included is most of the car’s original documentation, including the Protect-O-Plate, Owner’s Manual, and the Warranty Card. With 42,000 miles on the clock, this is a classic that is a long way from being worn out. Therefore, it is no surprise to learn that it runs and drives perfectly.
The owner had his eye firmly focused on comfort when he ordered the Corvette. He didn’t go over the top but chose to equip this classic with leather trim, an AM/FM radio, and a tilt/telescoping wheel. There is an awful lot to like about this interior, not the least of which is that it has remained entirely original. No-one has hacked into it to fit any aftermarket components, and its overall air is that it has been treated with care and respect. There is some slight wear on the sides of the console, but this isn’t bad. The most pressing issue is edge-wear on the leather seats. However, this hasn’t gone too far, so a leather specialist should be able to return it to something close to factory fresh. The other piece of positive news is that virtually everything functions as it should. The exceptions are the radio, which switches on but produces no noise. The seatbelt buzzer also sounds, but if the key is pulled and the door is open, it continues to operate. Closing the door stops it, but it sounds like there might be an electrical gremlin that will need to be chased down. Otherwise, all lights and gauges, including the clock, function as they should.
Owning a perfectly preserved or meticulously restored classic car has a lot of attractions. However, it also has one very obvious drawback. Taking the car out for a leisurely weekend cruise can develop into a stressful affair as the owner frets over the specter of stone-chips or other damage. Cars like this 1972 Corvette offer far less stress. This is a wonderful car that is pleasingly original. It is also a car that isn’t perfect, wearing its chips and scratches with pride. The buyer could slip behind the wheel on a sunny Sunday and have a relaxed driving experience. It has the potential to be utterly joyous, offering an escape from the cares of the world. I can’t think of a single negative in that scenario. Can you?
Comments
Nice write up Adam. Someone will have a ton of fun wth this! I rarely drive with the jukebox on but I would replace the broken antenna for a more finished look. And who knows, the radio might work again. I always smile a bit when I see the shields in place. T-tops off, backglass removed and grabbing gears. What fun, if only it was not 0 degrees and snowing!
Lots of potential here.
The bubbles on the top surround between the headlights, are caused by the aluminum rivets used to install the top surround reinforcement. Over time, the rivets corrode and push up through the fiberglass, causing those bubbles. This is very typical of original unrestored cars. Around 73 or 74, GM started bonding the reinforcement in place, eliminating this problem. During repaints or restoration, most shops will remove the rivets, and bond the reinforcement in place.
Unlike most cars advertised as original, survivor and/or unrestored, this car truly looks like it might be. I’m not to sure the tires are original though, at least the rears aren’t as they’re G70x15’s, while the OEM tires were F70’s, on all 4 corners.
Yep, same thing happened to my ’70. Had them bonded when the nose got repainted.
I like this one!
I have a 1972 and have owned it since new and do have those bubbles on the front of the car, but I will never have them fixed. They are part of the originality of the car plus the paint is 100% original so why give that up. Also gbvette62 is correct on the tires. 72’s had a special tire made just for them, they were called Goodyear Speedway, F70-15 as he indicated. I don’t believe Polyglass tires were available on a Corvette.
The comment about the rivets popping through is correct, but I do not believe by 1972, GM was putting skinny F70 tires on a Corvette. In 1969, the Rally wheel width was increased to 8 inches. I believe the G70s came on the car. If they are original, they are only good for judging. I would not drive on them. This car is beautiful beyond description. I would much rather own this than some restored car. This may sound cliche, but truly unrestored cars are getting much harder to find with each passing day. I owned a 71 big block coupe more than 40 years ago and now own a 73 4 speed coupe that I thoroughly enjoy driving. If the 73 wasn’t in my garage now, this car would be. I have the money and would let go of it in a minute. I got my driver’s license in 1972 and remember these cars brand new.
F70x15 is the correct tire size for a 72 Corvette.
68-72 Corvettes came with F70x15 bias ply tires. In 1973 GM switched to radials, and at that time the Corvette’s tire size was increased to GR70x15. The Corvette’s GR70x15’s became P215/70R15’s in 78, when GM went to metric tire sizes.
George, you bring up a good point; The memory of these cars as new.
I had a friend who gave me a ride in his (then) new 1976 Vette. It smelled new and it was a beauty. But over the next couple of years that car changed dramatically, parked outside, essentially on the street, in upstate NY, where it slowly began dissolving.
Beautiful in every way. Looks like correct replacement exhaust from Corvette Central, like on my car.
Finally a car truly deserving of the term ‘survivor’. Hats off to the seller for not doing a spray can job in the engine compartment. The car presents very well and seems to be priced right.
I wonder what the original owner was thinking when he bought a base car with power steering and leather but didn’t need/want/afford power brakes, AC, or engine upgrade.
how much is this beauty
Reminds me of my ’72. Also Elkhart Green, but with Saddle interior, 454, AC, side pipes & power windows. I bought it after driving & falling for a friends 350 car. Mistake. That extra weight over the front wheels made a helluva difference in handling. Looked like a fish, went like a fish, steered like a pig. If I EVER have another C3, it’ll be an SBC car. The 350’s plenty. And I actually like the green. GLWTS.
For the person looking for a C3 this would be a pretty good place to start. Teh car looks pretty darned hones over all nothing hacked up and things in place I dont know much about the price but it sounds in line with what your buying!
Ended:Feb 15, 2021 , 4:20PM
Winning bid:
US $27,100.00
[ 26 bids ]
Oh dang it, somebody got a good deal!