Highlights
- Gorgeous Bryar Blue 350 cubic inch (5.7-litre) V8 Corvette benefiting from a recent significant mechanical spend
- Superb ‘Deluxe’ factory option interior in a great condition and with a documented previous retrim
- Excellent running condition with numerous invoices detailing previous service work
- Imported to the UK in 2022 following long term ownership in dry and sunny California
The Appeal
Based upon the Mako Shark II Concept car of the mid 1960’s, the C3 Corvette took many of the engine and chassis elements of the earlier C2 car and clothed them in a gorgeous new muscle car body. Offered in a variety of engine, transmission and body styles throughout its long life, the C3 was and still is, Chevrolet’s best-selling Corvette.
Offered here for sale is a 1972 model year example and, as such, is the last year of C3 production to have features such as chrome bumpers front and rear, vacuum operated windscreen wiper cover and a removable rear window.
In the stunning shade of Bryar Blue and presented in a great condition, this Corvette C3 was imported to the UK from California by the owner in 2022. We are told that the previous owner had the car for some 25 years and, since being in the UK, it has been garaged and serviced.
Benefiting from a considerable documented mechanical spend in recent years and previously benefiting from a sympathetic interior retrim, this particular C3 Stingray now performs excellently and represents a superb opportunity to get behind the wheel of an absolute classic American V8 muscle car.
The History and Paperwork
- V5 present – First registered in the UK 01/03/2022
- MOT and Road tax exempt
- Supplied with original Owner’s Handbook
- Letter from The Classic Corvette Club UK confirming a build date of September 1971 and 350 cubic inch V8 coupe specification
- Invoices demonstrating full suspension, steering and brake overhaul undertaken in 2017 and at a cost of over $6000
- Invoices detailing engine replacement, with what is believed to be the original unit, and a transmission rebuild in 2009 at a cost of over $4500
- Conversion to an HEI ignition system undertaken in 2010
- Invoices relating to interior retrim undertaken in the early 1990s
- Serviced whilst under current ownership
- 2 sets of keys
The Interior
- On depressing the flush fitting chrome door handle of this C3 and opening up the driver’s door, you are immediately met with an image of pure 1970’s Americana.
- Decked out in the stunning shade of Royal Blue, this C3 interior presents in an excellent original and well-appointed condition
- Featuring the elements of the ‘Deluxe’ interior option, this particular C3 is adorned with period wood grain accents, better quality carpeting and leather seat surfaces
- Presenting generally in an excellent condition, looking at the invoice history of the car we can see during the 1990’s a number of interior trim pieces were replaced with original specification items
- Under the current ownership the Stingray has been fitted with an original radio unit, however this is yet to be connected and remains untested, although believed to be functional
- All interior equipment is otherwise reported to function as intended, apart from the speedometer which can slightly over-read and the dashboard clock.
Presented in the stunning shade of Royal Blue with Deluxe interior trim options, the cabin of this ’72 Stingray does not disappoint.
A symphony of wood grain, leather and plastic and featuring all the key American muscle car attributes such as a dished steering wheel, deeply recessed gauges and chunky transmission shifter, this C3 looks truly fabulous.
Benefiting from a sympathetic retrim during the early 1990s, the interior of this Stingray is now showing some light patination consistent with its age. We note the gentle creasing of the leather and slight discolouration of the carpet on the driver’s side, which should the new owner wish, could be easily addressed. Overall however none of these minor concerns significantly detract from the overall charm of this Vette’s interior.
The Exterior
- Presented in the stunning and original shade of Bryar Blue
- External body panels appear straight and free of any significant damage
- Excellent external trim, appearing in a complete and undamaged condition
- Coupe model with T-top roof arrangement, giving the best of both worlds…particularly in our somewhat changeable climate!
- Exterior glass and lighting appear complete and also in an excellent condition
What a profile! The C3 Corvette surely has to be a contender for one of the best looking American muscle cars ever. With fabulous proportions and gorgeous curves, highlighted by this particular car’s shade of Bryar Blue, this Stingray looks really spectacular.
All the essential elements are here, vacuum operated popup lights, ample exterior chrome adornments and chunky Cooper Cobra tyres with dazzling wheel trims – this is 100% pure American muscle car from bumper to bumper.
Looking over the car generally, the Stingray presents very well, sure there are one or two light scratches and minor chips on the paintwork, but the external body panels appear straight, free of any significant damage and are uniform in their colour.
Overall, this C3 presents as a very smart example and one that you wouldn’t be afraid to use and enjoy, pretty perfect in our book!
The Mechanics
- 350 cubic inch (5.7-litre) small block V8 engine mated to a 3 speed automatic transmission
- Documents show replacement of the engine in 2009 at a cost of $3000. The current owner reports he believes that this replacement engine may actually be the original unit
- Invoice for gearbox rebuild also in 2009 at a cost of $1500
- Invoices detailing significant overhaul of suspension, steering and braking systems in 2017 at a cost of over $6000 as demonstrated in attached photographs
- Upgraded HEI ignition system fitted in 2010
- Engine bay presenting in an excellent clean condition
- Serviced under current ownership
- Underneath the Corvette appears solid without any evidence of significant corrosion and additionally has a replacement exhaust system fitted
With a 350 cubic inch or, in European speak, 5.7-litre V8 under the bonnet, firing up this Stingray rewards the driver with a fabulous burbling idle.
Whilst underway, the relaxed under-stressed nature of the Corvette’s V8 makes for a highly enjoyable and comfortable cruiser.
The owner reports that the car performs excellently whilst out on the road and, given the degree of mechanical work undertaken in recent years, this should come as no surprise.
Summary
With stunning looks and a V8 heart, the Corvette C3 Stingray is nothing but pure 1970’s Americana at its very best.
Presented here in the beautiful shade of Bryar Blue, serving only to highlight its sensational well-proportioned curves, this low mileage well cared for Stingray now presents a fantastic opportunity to experience your very own piece of the American dream.
BEFORE YOU BUY
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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