07/15/2025
350/4-Speed: 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Adam Clarke
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There are few experiences better on a summer’s day than slipping behind the wheel of a classic Convertible with the sun on your back and the wind in your hair. That is the opportunity provided by this 1972 Corvette Convertible. It appears to be an unmolested survivor that features its numbers-matching drivetrain. It has no apparent needs and could be ideal for enthusiasts favoring preservation over restoration. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this drop-top listed here on eBay in Ocoee, Florida. The bidding sits at $15,503, although that figure falls short of the reserve.
The 1972 model year marked the end of an era for the Chevrolet Corvette. The vacuum-operated windshield wiper door would be consigned to the pages of history the following year, as was the removable rear window on the Coupe variant. However, it was also the last time that Chevrolet would offer the ‘Vette with chrome bumpers at either end, with a urethane front bumper installed from 1973 to comply with changing safety regulations. As had become standard practice, the company offered buyers a choice of ten paint shades on the 1972 Corvette color palette, with 2,550 owners selecting the War Bonnet Yellow found on this car. The seller provides limited information surrounding the car’s history, although they state that its few minor blemishes are consistent with its age. That suggests that it might be a genuine survivor. The paint shines nicely, there are no fiberglass issues, and no mention of rust that would spoil the ownership experience. The Black soft-top fits nicely, and the color-matched factory hardtop adds to the desirability. The trim is in good condition for its age, and there are no glaring glass problems.
Powering this Corvette is a 350ci V8, and since this is the entry-level ZQ3 version, it delivers 200hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the road via a four-speed M20 manual transmission. The engine’s power and torque figures may seem dramatically lower than those quoted in 1971, but there is a good reason why this is so. Manufacturers began quoting Net numbers in 1972, abandoning the previously common practice of utilizing Gross figures. Emission regulations also played their part, but the losses brought about by legislative requirements weren’t felt too heavily at this point. The seller indicates that this Corvette is numbers-matching, which is always a consideration when assessing any classic’s investment potential. They believe the odometer reading of 37,146 miles to be genuine, confirming that this beauty runs and drives extremely well.
The Corvette ticks a few boxes for those seeking a touch of luxury, courtesy of its air conditioning, tilt/telescopic wheel, AM/FM radio, and the Saddle leather trim. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, and driving this baby with the top down won’t cause any shameful feelings. The upholstered surfaces are excellent, the carpet is impressive, and the plastic looks exceptional for its age. This interior carries the hallmarks of a classic that has been treated respectfully and hasn’t been abused.
This 1972 Corvette Convertible ticks many of the more desirable boxes for enthusiasts seeking a classic to park in their garage. It is unmolested and remains numbers-matching. It is also a chrome-bumper example, considered among the most desirable of the C3 Corvettes. It has no apparent needs and is ready to provide its new owner with classic motoring pleasure. Recent successful sales suggest that the price should at least double before the hammer falls, and the listing statistics indicate that this will probably be the case. That leaves me with two questions to pose. The first is how much you might be willing to pay for this Corvette. More importantly, are you tempted to pursue it further? I wish you luck if you do.
