1972 Big Block C3

In 1972, the changes in the appearance of the C3 were again minimal. However, the 1972 Corvette has a lot of unusual features related to it. This model was the last to have front and rear chrome bumpers, a bright "egg crate" grill, side fender grills and the removable rear window.

In addition, 1972 was the only year for the Corvette "Big Block" engines in the 1968 to 1972 range to have no horse power sticker on the air cleaner lid. Beginning in 1972 and continuing thereafter, horsepower would be measured as "net" rather than the less realistic "gross" ratings of earlier years. It was also the last year for the RPO-LT1 and RPO-ZR1. However, the ZR1 code was again used in 1990 and a new base engine carried the LT1 designation in 1992. And 1972 was the only year that Pewter Silver was offered as an exterior color.

Let’s take a look at the numbers. The base model price was $5,533, and production was 20,496. Serial Numbers ran from 1Z37K2S500001 through 1Z37K2S527004. The car above falls into a little rarer category because of its big block 454 engine. Those were only put into 3,913 Corvettes that year. In addition, the fact that it’s a 4-speed adds to the rarity, since only 1,638 were born with that transmission.

Bill provided me with some statistics on his car.

Obviously, it has the big block hood. Fortunately, it’s not just for show. There is a 454 cubic inch behemoth engine underneath it. Right behind that is a 4-speed transmission. It’s equipped with power brakes and power steering, air conditioning, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and the deluxe interior. And to top it off, there are only 51,280 documented miles on it.

In 2008 this beauty scored 96% on its first time out and was awarded Top Flight in Kissimmee, Florida. Like I said, it don’t get much better than that.