Without question, the third-generation Chevrolet Corvette, particularly early examples with chrome bumpers, have finally found their stride and become strong players in the collector car market. Well-equipped examples with larger-displacement, higher-horsepower engines, and manual transmissions, are among the most sought after. Sold new at Bill Olson Chevrolet in Albert Lea, Minnesota, our featured 1972 Chevrolet Corvette has many of the features that collectors seek.
This Chevrolet Corvette is resplendent in Sunflower Yellow (912) lacquer, correct as indicated by the door jamb data plate. Paint finish is quite good, with few flaws. One small flaw is a hairline crack at the driver’s side rear bumper. The 1972 model year was the ultimate year for front and rear chrome bumpers. The chrome finish presents quite well, with no noticeable buff marks or swirl. Headlight doors sit flush, and the panel gaps are better than most Corvettes of this era. The wiper door and headlights operate properly. Exhaust tips are properly centered. Grille trim is correctly aligned. Scoop door handles sit flush and do not droop. Stainless appears to be well polished. The Corvette sits on Firestone Wide Oval raised white letter bias ply tires wrapped around 15″ x 8″ steel Rally wheels with polished trim rings and center caps.
The interior is the correct black vinyl (400). Options include power steering, power brakes, retractable shoulder belts, tilt/telescopic steering, and an AM/FM radio. Some delamination noted at the lower corners of the windshield, and a bit at the passenger-side upper corner. This is not unheard of in decades-old safety glass. Door panels are clean, without damage to armrests. Door pulls are in good condition. Black vinyl seats show no appreciable wear on the bolsters, but do have a bit of minor wrinkling on the seat bottoms. The balance of the interior presents as near new, with all warning labels very legible. All the gauges are sharp, crisp. Original rubber Corvette floor mats are still fitted.
The engine compartment on this Chevrolet Corvette is clean, correct, and original. It is equipped with the LS5 454 cubic-inch Big Block V8 making 270 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, which is transmitted through a four-speed manual and a 3.36 Positraction rear end. The engine pad stamping, S515425, is consistent with the Corvette’s VIN. The CSR suffix corresponds with the 454/four-speed manual. The paint on the orange-painted valve covers has faded a bit with age, but is overall in good shape. The ignition shielding is in place, with lines, wires, and hoses properly routed.
This Chevrolet Corvette had single ownership from new until 2000. It was purchased from the second owner in January of 2001. It shows a scant 12,000 miles on the odometer. It has been the recipient of numerous awards including a Triple Crown certificate in 2000, a Bloomington Gold certification, an NCRS Top Flight award, a Vettefest Gold Spinner honors, an NCRS Three Star award, additional Top Flight awards, Bloomington Gold Survivor and Benchmark awards. Scoring sheets, a Corvette Order Copy, and a window sticker are all included in the sale.
This stunning Chevrolet Corvette is currently on offer on Bring A Trailer.
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Comments
Such a beautiful car. Every line is perfect. I never grow tired of looking at C2s and C3s. Both are landmark designs that exemplify the words of Keats that ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever’.
Nice car, and the last of the chrome-bumper Corvettes; the following model year brought the awful, ‘5-mph bumpers.’ The big-block engine option was also soon to be discontinued; 1974 was it’s last year offered, leaving the Corvette to wallow in EPA-mandated, low-horsepower obscurity until 1985 with the return of fuel injection, and with it, a renewed semblance of performance.
AH, the good old days. I’m old enough, to remember when one went to sell a “Hot Wheels”, they were considered just “Used Cars”. Wow, has the world turned. I’m glad I still have my ’69 Chevelle SS 396. Bought it just before my “Uncle Sam” gave me a paid vacation. Left it with my Dad while I was away. He really enjoyed it. Lets hope, those of us who still have their Muscle from those days, try to keep them for the rest of mankind too see, just how much fun they were, and still are.,
I used to have a 72’ LT1 4 speed
Corvette the same color.
Always loved tje look of those wheels with that big beauty ring.
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