This beautiful 1972 Chevrolet Corvette LT1 Coupe is a very authentic example with only 44,375 original miles. It’s one of only 1,741 LT1 models produced in 1972. As the NCRS “Confirmation of Existence of Judging Awards” letter documents this vehicle achieved a Chapter Second Flight Award with a final score of 93.6 and Chapter Top Flight Award with a final score of 97.9. The third generation Corvette, patterned…
This beautiful 1972 Chevrolet Corvette LT1 Coupe is a very authentic example with only 44,375 original miles. It’s one of only 1,741 LT1 models produced in 1972. As the NCRS “Confirmation of Existence of Judging Awards” letter documents this vehicle achieved a Chapter Second Flight Award with a final score of 93.6 and Chapter Top Flight Award with a final score of 97.9. The third generation Corvette, patterned after the Mako Shark II concept car, was introduced for the 1968 model year and was in production until 1982. The C3 coupes featured the first use of T-top removable roof panels. As the original 1972 Corvette Order form documents the order was received on March 30th, 1972. As the NCRS “Shipping Data Report” letter documents the GM official production date was May 4th, 1972. As the original window sticker documents this vehicle was built in St. Louis, MO as a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette with a Targa Blue exterior and blue vinyl interior. It was built with the following options: (PU9)- F70 x 15 white lettered tires, (U69)- AM/FM pushbutton radio, (N40)- power steering, (LT1) – 255HP Turbo-Fire Special 350 V8, (M21)- 4-speed close-ratio transmission and (J50) –power brakes. It was retailed by Gates Chevrolet Corporation located in South Bend, IN. From the information gathered it remained in Indiana for roughly 35 years. In the mid 2000’s it was lightly restored which included the exterior paint and some interior trim. Over the years mechanical work was done as needed but it was never mechanically restored. It eventually found its way to Michigan in 2008 and then to California in 2010. It was sold to well-known classic car collector from Scottsbluff, NE in 2012 where it remained for the next 10 years. The following original items are included: 1972 Corvette Order Form, window sticker, owner’s manual’s with plastic cover, vehicle inspection receipt from 1974, hand written service records from 1974-1987, miscellaneous service receipts from 1986-2010, registrations from 2010-2011, parking permit from 2012, NCRS “Shipping Date Report”, NCRS “Confirmation of Existence of Judging Awards”, judging sheet and award.
The exterior of this car is in beautiful condition throughout. The body is straight and all the gap lines are very nice. During the exterior re-painting process the front fender grilles were removed and re-shaped to appear like a 1974 and newer model. The car was painted in its original color of Targa Blue which dresses this body perfectly. The paint was recently detailed to a show quality shine. The painted LT1 white hood stripe really sets this car apart from its siblings. The T-tops are quickly removable and open up the cabin space to fresh air. The original side and rear glass has the Safety Flo Lite factory stamps. The side glass also reads Astro-Ventilation. Everything on the exterior has been restored or replaced such as the driver’s side mirror, front bumper, side moldings, rear antenna, tail lights bezels and lenses, rear bumpers and emblems. The door handles are original and do have some patina. The car sits proudly on re-finished 15” Rally wheels with new trim rings and center caps. The wheels are wrapped with Firestone Super Sport Wide Oval F70-15 whitewall tires.
The interior of this car is also in beautiful condition throughout. It was lightly restored in its original color of blue vinyl which complements the exterior perfectly. The back side of the roof panels, sun visors, dash, steering column, door panels, bucket seats, seat belts, carpeting and floor mats are blue. Its sports factory black gauges and a three-spoke steering wheel with black wrap. The clock is in working order. The full length center console is also blue with black trim. The original stereo was restored and a Rockford Fosgate amplifier was added.
The engine compartment is mostly original and very clean throughout. It still retains the original emissions sticker. The car is powered by its original matching numbers (LTI) 350 V8 that was factory rated with 255HP. With only 44,375 original miles the engine didn’t need rebuilding. The engine was recently serviced and runs excellent. It’s been dressed with the factory chrome air cleaner. The engine breathes through the factory manifolds and dual exhaust system which sounds sweet. The engine is coupled to the original matching numbers (M21) 4-speed manual transmission. Once again, with only 44,375 original miles the transmission didn’t need rebuilding. The transmission shifts precisely through the gears.
The undercarriage is also mostly original and very clean throughout. It was recently detailed to enhance it which included light painting. The fuel system, steering system, braking system and suspension components were restored or replaced new over the years of routine service. This vehicle has recently been completely serviced and detailed which is documented with an invoice that is included.
This is the first time this vehicle has been made available from the distinguished MS CLASSIC CARS Collection.
*The following ratings were provided by the consignor, based on a scale of ‘Poor’, ‘Fair’, ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’. (Excellent = 100% restored)