1972 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible (C3) LHD
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Highlights
● Restored C3 Corvette with lots of history
● Corvette Nationals Concours winner in 2021
● Immaculate condition throughout
The Appeal
When we arrived at the Seller’s house the Corvette was tucked away in the garage under its fitted cover. We could tell by the rosettes and trophies in the garage that this was a car that lives a pampered life, but only once the cover was removed did we realise quite how nice this Corvette is.
It started first turn of the key and was driven out to a deep bass accompaniment from the exhaust. We followed it to the photo location and it looked superb on the road, admired by everyone as it passed by. The shining red exterior with its brilliant chrome work is complemented by its new red interior.
There is very little that could be done to improve the car both visually or mechanically, so if this sounds interesting then read on as we don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
It started first turn of the key and was driven out to a deep bass accompaniment from the exhaust. We followed it to the photo location and it looked superb on the road, admired by everyone as it passed by. The shining red exterior with its brilliant chrome work is complemented by its new red interior.
There is very little that could be done to improve the car both visually or mechanically, so if this sounds interesting then read on as we don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
And did we mention it’s red?
History and Paperwork
● Built in St Louis Missouri in 1972
● Delivered to Payne Chevrolet-Oldsmobile Inc. in Springfield, Tennessee
● Originally Bridgehampton Blue with Dark Blue Vinyl
● Imported from Ohio and registered in the UK March 1990
● Exported to Germany in 2009
● Returned to the UK later in 2009
● 3 UK owners since 1990
● Last MoT in 2017 at 95,988 miles (1,996 miles since)
● Lots of old MoTs on file
● Completely restored and repainted in 2001
● Suspension, brakes and fuel system rebuilt in 2004
● Engine rebuilt in 1998 and 2001
● New red interior in 2012
● New rear leaf spring, alternator and ignition system in 2004
● Large folder of invoices and history
● Original GM Build Sheet
● US Title from Ohio
● Selection of Corvette books and Manuals
● 2021 Corvette Nationals Trophy
● Fitted Corvette car cover
The Interior
● Complete new interior fitted in 2012
● Immaculate Concours condition
● Perfect seats, carpet and dashboard
According to the build sheet the Corvette was originally fitted with a Dark Blue Vinyl interior, and this was still in place (albeit coloured red) when the seller purchased the car from his ex boss in 2009. The colour was flaking off in places and he felt it let the car down so a large order was placed with Corvette America for a complete new red interior from carpet to dashboard; the total cost was $4,000.
Since then the Corvette as only been driven about 2,000 miles so there is no wear, and even under close scrutiny we couldn’t find any notable faults, it’s immaculate. The seats are in superb condition and the carpets are clean, complete with Corvette branded floor mats. Up on the dash all the gauges appear to function correctly, and they are all clear and undamaged.
Since then the Corvette as only been driven about 2,000 miles so there is no wear, and even under close scrutiny we couldn’t find any notable faults, it’s immaculate. The seats are in superb condition and the carpets are clean, complete with Corvette branded floor mats. Up on the dash all the gauges appear to function correctly, and they are all clear and undamaged.
Overall we think you’d be hard pushed to improve the interior, it’s that good! The only thing the seller tells us is that there is no working air conditioning or heater and that has always been the case with the vehicle while on their ownership.
The Exterior
● Outstanding red paint
● Rear boot rack
● Excellent steel wheels with trim rings and Turbine centre caps
The outside of the Corvette is remarkably well preserved, especially considering that the fibreglass bodies are prone to age related damage. Although not completely perfect is pretty close! We studied the body closely and could find only a couple of minor surface cracks, and some flaking of the paint from both side vents. Elsewhere the red paint has a good shine and is very presentable.
The black soft top fits extremely well, tight against the top rail and snugly round the rear deck. The rear Perspex screen is clear with no scratches or cracks and the roof stows neatly beneath its cover behind the seats. For extra luggage space a rear rack has been fitted which makes the Corvette a more practical proposition for touring and weekends away.
The chrome bumpers front and rear are straight and undamaged with no pitting or scratches. The lights are all intact, although one headlight was not working on full beam when we visited but the seller hopes to get that sorted before the sale. The rear lights have been invisibly modified to UK spec by fitting orange bulbs behind the clear reversing lights.
The wheels are standard Corvette 15 inch steels with trim rings and Chevrolet “turbine” centre caps; all are in good order. Tyres are hard wearing BF Goodrich T/A brand all in good condition with plenty of remaining life.
In general the exterior remains in superb condition, easily good enough to be Best in Show at most local car shows, and probably as good as it was in 2021 when it was judges Best C3 at the Corvette Nationals.
The Mechanics
● Engine rebuilt in 2001
● Plenty of new parts
● Brakes, suspension and fuel system rebuilt
Mechanically the Corvette is in fine order. The seller has recently changed the alternator and the power steering ram, plus a new battery, plugs leads and distributor cap.
The car is fitted with a Pertronix Ignitor ignition system with a Flamethrower coil. There are a few further non standard items fitted including an Edelbrock inlet manifold topped by a Holley carburettor and an Edelbrock air filter (although the original twin snorkel air cleaner will come with the car). A previous owner fitted exhaust headers, but prior to installation they were ceramic coated inside and out and this has kept them in good condition.
The car is fitted with a Pertronix Ignitor ignition system with a Flamethrower coil. There are a few further non standard items fitted including an Edelbrock inlet manifold topped by a Holley carburettor and an Edelbrock air filter (although the original twin snorkel air cleaner will come with the car). A previous owner fitted exhaust headers, but prior to installation they were ceramic coated inside and out and this has kept them in good condition.
Most of the restoration work had been completed prior to the seller purchasing the Corvette from his boss in 2009. The 350ci engine was rebuilt in 2001 at a cost of £2,214 when the odometer read 88,000 miles. (It had been rebuilt in 1998 too!) In 2004 the car was sent to DART Corvette specialists where the suspension was rebuilt, along with the braking and fuel systems with a new fuel tank at a cost of £4,750.
The Corvette drives particularly nicely, with no rattles or clunks, and the twin tail exhausts are not overly loud but provide a pleasant deep bass accompaniment. The engine and gearbox are original to the car, so it’s “numbers matching”. The gearbox is a smooth shifting standard 3-speed GM Hydramatic item, a widely used transmission that is known for its dependability.
Summary
We think this C3 Corvette is quite likely to be one of the best in Europe. It remains in pretty much the same condition it was when it won the Best C3 Corvette in 2021. It has a good history folder, and is in excellent order with nothing that needs improving. We think you’ll not find a better one.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1972
- Make Chevrolet
- Model Corvette Stingray C3 Convertible
- Colour Red
- Odometer 97,904 Miles
- Engine size 5700
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Billingshurst
- Location Sussex
- Country United Kingdom
42
bids
- Ca•••• £32,250 15/09/22
- de•••• £32,000 15/09/22
- Ca•••• £31,500 15/09/22
- de•••• £31,250 15/09/22
- Ca•••• £30,750 15/09/22
- de•••• £30,500 15/09/22
- Ca•••• £30,000 15/09/22
- de•••• £29,750 15/09/22
- Ca•••• £29,250 15/09/22
- de•••• £29,000 15/09/22
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