Though little changed cosmetically from the previous year, the 1972 Chevy Corvette marked a number of milestones. It was the first year for the third-generation Corvette that didn’t have the fiber optic rear light monitors located at the base of the console, the last year for chrome front and rear bumpers, side fender vent grates, bright egg crate grilles, and the first year the previously optional alarm system was standard equipment. 1972 was also the last year for the LT-1 engine option and the ZR-1 Special Purpose Performance package, although both names would be revived during the fourth-generation run.
The 1972 Chevy Corvette came standard with a 350 cubic-inch Small Block V8 that produced 200 horsepower, a wide-ratio four-speed manual transmission, a vinyl interior, a soft top for convertibles or T-tops for coupes. Optional engines included the 255-horsepower LT-1 350 Small Block and the 270-horsepower 454 Big Block. Optional transmissions were the close-ratio Muncie M21 or the M40 Turbo Hydramatic three-speed auto. 1972 was the only year the LT-1 option could be combined with optional C60 Air Conditioning. When the LT-1 was paired with air conditioning, a 5,600 rpm tachometer was used rather than the standard LT-1 6,500 rpm unit to discourage high revving and the possibility of throwing the A/C belt. While LT-1 production totaled 1,741 units, only 240 Corvette LT-1s are believed to have been paired with air conditioning.
Power output was much lower than in 1970 and earlier Chevy Corvettes, due largely to changes in the way power was measured. Beginning with the 1972 model year, horsepower ratings for all cars sold in the U.S. were measured in net power that included air filters, exhaust systems, and accessories, as opposed to gross horsepower ratings that measured power without any hindrances.
1972 Chevy Corvette production totaled 27,004 units, including 6,508 convertibles and 20,496 coupes.
Our feature 1972 Chevy Corvette LT-1 is finished in Classic White over a black vinyl interior. It is powered by its original LT-1 Small Block backed by a four-speed manual transmission and a Positraction rear differential. It is equipped with power brakes, an aluminum intake, chrome air cleaner cover and distributor shielding, a Delco AM-FM radio, T-tops, and a tinted windshield.
This rare 1972 Chevy Corvette LT-1 coupe will cross the Mecum Auctions block at their Glendale, Arizona event Thursday, March 20th.
Comment
I bought a 72 in October of 1971. I loved that car…I bought a 74 454 two years later. My old salesman called the factory and convinced them to put a forbidden rear end in a AC optioned 4 Speed 454 car. After I got the car I realized it had a rev limiter installed. A local mechanic removed it for me. I never lost the AC belt. The salesman said this will be a rare car one day easily identifiable because of the AC option