Chevy Corvette production for the 1970 model year was delayed due to a longer-than-expected 1969 model year run. This resulted in a reduced number of 1970 Corvettes with only 17,316 leaving the St. Louis factory, the lowest production since the 1962 model year.
1970 would bring a number of changes for the Chevy Corvette. Flared fenders reduced rock chips and other damage from road debris. Front fender vents morphed from a vertically slotted design to an egg crate style grille, front marker lights changed from round lenses to clear rectangular units with amber bulbs, and round exhaust outlets were swapped for rectangular with polished tips. In the passenger compartment, redesigned seats made for better head room and easier access to the luggage compartment. For the first time, the Corvette could be had with an optional deluxe interior featuring faux woodgrain on the doors and center console, cut pile carpet, and leather seats.
1970 would be the last year for gross horsepower ratings on GM cars including the Chevy Corvette. The stock Small Block V8 displaced 350 cubic inches and was rated at 300 horsepower. Other Small Block offerings included RPO L46 rated at 350 horsepower, and the new LT-1 350 that came with solid lifters, a 370 horse rating, and was only available with a four-speed manual gearbox. The LT-1 could not be paired with RPO C60 Air Conditioning. The Big Block V8 grew to 454 cubic inches from 427, and was rated at 390 horsepower.
Not much changed for the Chevy Corvette by the 1972 model year, aside from lower compression ratios and horsepower ratings. The 1972 Corvette was cosmetically very similar to the 1970, but would be the last year for a number of features, namely front and rear chrome bumpers, bright egg crate style grilles, grated side fender vents, fiber optic rear light monitors, the LT-1 engine option (it would return as the standard engine in 1992, as the LT1), and the ZR-1 Special Purpose Performance package (this would return as the ZR-1 Special Performance Package in 1990). 1972 was the first year the previously optional alarm system was included as standard equipment.
Standard power for the 1972 Chevy Corvette came from the 200 horsepower 350 cube Small Block backed by a wide-ratio four-speed manual gearbox. Other standard equipment included a vinyl interior, soft convertible top or T-tops on coupes. If you wanted more power than the standard stuff, you could get a 255 horsepower LT-1 or the 454 Big Block that made 270 horsepower. An optional close-ratio Muncie M21 four-speed manual or the Muncie M40 three-speed automatic. 1972 was the only year RPO C60 Air Conditioning could be paired with the LT-1 package, but the 6,500 rpm tachometer that usually accompanied the LT-1 was replaced by a 5,600 rpm to discourage throwing the A/C belt with high revs. LT-1 production totaled just 1,741 copies, but it is believed only 240 were equipped with air conditioning.
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.
Comments
I drove a 72′ convertible around for two years. It was a great little car, but with a lot of assembly problems..Nothing major. Window rattles, water leaked into the battery box. Top adjustment. One of the radiator hose clamps leaked when I drove it six miles home from the dealership..Once the quirks were fixed it was great fun and never not run every time I turned the key. Would highly suggest if the new owner is going to drive it much switch to transistor pointless ignition. I did and it added some horsepower.
Correction, 1971 was the last year for gross horsepower ratings, not 1970. For the 1971 model year, some GM vehicles, like the Corvette and the Chevelle, were advertised with both gross and net figures, offering a comparison between the two. By 1972, the switch to net ratings was complete across the board for GM and other major manufacturers
The LT1 was one of Chevy’s best kept secrets. In those days, big blocks got all the attention, but it was the solid lifter small blocks that could really scream. I’ve had my 71 LT1 since the mid 80s. Unless you’ve owned one, you don’t know how much fun they can be.
Zed06…. Lets face it. These young folks have no idea how it was back then. I don’t think I could stand to see the 72′ I had again. I would probably see my ghost sitting in it and the ghost of a young girl I dated at the time who passed away at a very young age. I met her after She left a note on my windshield inviting me to a local Corvette club meeting.