Logo

1972 Chevrolet Corvette

The '72 Corvette: a cool classic! Sharp lines, a powerful (though slightly less so than predecessors) engine, and that iconic long hood/short deck look cemented its place in automotive history. It was a muscle car era holdover, feeling slightly less aggressive but still undeniably stylish – a true American icon.

History of the 1972 Chevrolet Corvette

The '72 Corvette represents a pivotal moment in the lineage of American sports cars. During a time of increased competition and evolving consumer preferences, Chevy's masterpiece navigated through the tides of stricter emissions with style and grace.

Design and Features

The '72 model held onto the C3 generation's distinctive fiberglass body—a feature evolved from the earlier Mako Shark designs. Despite a bit of grumbling about its snug cabin and practicality (or lack thereof), the car's driver-centric layout with high-back bucket seats and snazzy instrumentation ensured an engaging driving experience.

Engine and Performance

Equipped with various engines, the standard L48 packed 185 horsepower, while the LT1 flexed its muscles at 255 hp. This only added to the Corvette's sporty résumé, even as emissions laws were tightening their grip.

Market Reception and Legacy

Critics bemoaned the styling as "excessive," but hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? Collectors today cherish it for its historical significance, a testament to Chevrolet's commitment to innovation.

Photo of a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Chevrolet Corvette Worth?

Original MSRP :$5,472.00

Outstanding

tooltip
$56,200

Clean

tooltip
$42,000

Average

tooltip
$23,000*

Rough

tooltip
$15,900

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 2
Passengers: 2
Model Number: 19437
Length: 182.5 inches
Width: 69 inches
Height: 47.8 inches
Wheelbase: 98 inches
Weight: 3,215lbs
Type: V8, OHV, Downdraft 4-barrel, Muncie M20 4-speed, manual
Displacement: 350 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 4 & 3.48 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.5 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 200@4400
Horsepower Rated: 51.2
Torque: 300@2800
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Engine Number Location: On pad at front right side of cylinder block.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Rochester Quadrajet
Type:
3 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
11 inches
Gear Ratios:
4
Gear Ratios First:
2.52 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.88 to 1
Gear Ratios Third:
1.46 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
2.59 to 1
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.36 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Transverse leaf springs
Service Type: 4 wheel hydraulic disc
Service Front Size: 11.75 inches
Service Rear Size: 11.75 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 11.75 inches
Type: Premium
Wheel Size: 15 X 8
Tire Type: 2-ply
Tire Size: F70 x 15
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 18 Gallons
Oil: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 4 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:1Z37K2S500001 to 1Z37K2S527004
Total Digits:13
Digits 1:Make
Digits 2:Series
Digits 3-4:Body style
Digits 5:Engine
Digits 6:Model year
Digits 7:Assembly plant
Digits 8-13:Production number
Classic White, Mille Miglia Red, War Bonnet Yellow, Ontario Orange, Steel Cities Gray, Sunflower Yellow, Elkhart Green, Bryar Blue Metallic, Pewter Silver Metallic, Targa Blue Metallic
Sport Coupe: Opt
Turbo Hydramatic Automatic Transmission: Opt
Auxiliary Hardtop For Convertibles: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
AM-FM Radio (U69): Opt
AM-FM Stereo Radio: Opt
Muncie M214-speed: Opt
Wide-ratio: Opt
Manual Transmission: Opt
Muncie M224-speed: Opt
Super Heavy-duty: Opt
Manual Transmission: Opt

Interested in buying a classic car or selling one?

Access detailed history reports for classic vehicles from hundreds of manufacturers.

  • play
    Accident Records
  • play
    Theft Records
  • play
    Loan & Lien Information
  • play
    Auction Information
  • play
    Salvage Information and more
What is Not Included in a Classic Car Build Sheet

Pop Culture Icon

The Chevy Corvette isn't just loved for its performance—it's a star in its own right, appearing in countless films, TV shows, and music videos. From the Route 66 series to Hamm in Con Air, this car isn't just parked; it's embossed in pop culture.

Learn more about a classic car: Get Build Sheet by VIN.

Access reproduced classic build sheets to learn more about your classic vehicle details.

  • play
    Standard Specifications
  • play
    Original Base Price
  • play
    Standard & Optional Equipment
  • play
    Exterior & Interior Colors
  • play
    VIN ID & Location description
Classic Build Sheets by VIN

Popular Figures Who Own the 1972 Corvette

Owning a Chevy Corvette is like joining a club with America's big shots. It's not just a car in the garage—it's a statement of style and speed.

Dale Earnhardt Family

Dale Jr. and his legendary father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., are synonymous with the Chevrolet Corvette. Dale Jr.'s fleet of Corvettes, including the striking C6 Z06, speaks volumes of the racing family's passion for engineering excellence.

Michael Jordan

Even when he's not dunking hoops, MJ made waves in the '80s with his C4 Corvette escapades. As a public icon, Jordan's Corvette choices often reflected his sleek, fast-paced lifestyle.

Joe Biden

Our very own President Biden treasures his 1967 Stingray—a gift from his dad. Its V8 engine roars tales of America's high-speed past. He even showcased his love for the car during a fantastic episode of Jay Leno's Garage.

Other Celebrity Enthusiasts

Who else loves their 'Vette? Beatles legend Paul McCartney, actress Farrah Fawcett with her custom "Foxy Vette," and musician Rick Springfield, all confirm its allure stretches from the racetrack to recording studios.

Auction Highlights

From $5k in the '70s to millions today, the 1972 Corvette's value at auctions is a rollercoaster of nostalgia and rarity—like that one famous sale that hit $3 million at a Barrett-Jackson charity event.

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Gallery

Photo of a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
Photo of a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette

Notable Speed Records

Back in the day, even the base models could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.7 seconds. Speed, style, and a bit of that American chutzpah are baked into its DNA.

Interested in Buying or Selling a Classic Car?

When it comes to classic cars, knowledge is power. Whether you're buying or selling, a comprehensive vehicle history report and a car build sheet matter a lot. Here's why:

  • play

    Accident Records

  • play

    Theft Records

  • play

    Loan & Lien Information

  • play

    Auction Information

  • play

    Salvage Information and more.

It's advisable to perform a before making any decisions. To get insights on cars manufactured before 1981, check out the . And if you find yourself dealing with peculiar VINs like 13 or 7 digits, no worries—look up those VINs with ease using the or tools. Don't forget, checking a will help you verify its authenticity and specifications.

Classic Car VIN Lookup App |Now available on both Android and iOS!

At Classic Decoder, we believe that developing a mobile app is a great way to extend our classic car data solution hub to as many users as possible across the globe. Our app is built with users and precision in mind. It holds the key to unlocking the history and details of any retro car at your fingertips. It also comes with fascinating and user-friendly features that make it stand out from other mobile apps designed for this purpose.

The Classic Decoder app lets you decode and lookup any classic VIN in a flash. Access accurate vehicle information and history, make an informed decision faster, and buy and trade in classic cars with confidence.

Classic Decoder App

Download The Classic Decoder App now.

Some unique features include:

  • play
    Support all classic VIN lengths from 5 to 13 digits
  • play
    Support classic cars produced from 1910 – 1980
  • play
    Online Garage features – to add and manage your vehicles
  • play
    24/7 Customer Support
  • play
    Easy onboarding for first-time users

Explore Chevrolet Corvette from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, the '72 Corvette, it's pretty unmistakable, you know? It had a distinctive look—a longer hood, a more sculpted body, compared to its predecessors. Think of it as a bit of a muscle car evolution, showing off its refined curves and sharp edges. One of the big things was the new front end, a completely redesigned bumper system – really set it apart. Plus, the interior was totally revamped, with updated instrumentation and a more comfortable feel. It was a cool update for the time, really. Those are just some of the features that made it stand out, and there's always more to discover when you dive into the details of this classic.

Okay, so under the hood, you had a few choices back then. The base model came with a small-block V8, which was a perfectly respectable engine. But hey, if you wanted more oomph, you could opt for a larger displacement small-block or even a big-block V8; those were real beasts! The big-block options, oh boy, they were something else; incredible power. Each offered different horsepower ratings and performance characteristics, of course, catering to a range of driver preferences. Choosing the right engine was really a question of how much power you craved, you know? It was a fun decision to make back in the day, that's for sure.

Most '72 Corvettes rolled off the assembly line with a three-speed automatic transmission; that was the popular choice, I'd say. However, if you were a more hands-on driver – and a purist, naturally – a four-speed manual was also available. Now, these manual transmissions were really something. Shifting those gears was an experience. The manual gearbox provided a more engaging driving feel; it was simply amazing. It's important to note that the availability of each option might vary based on the specific engine selected.

Ah, the million-dollar question! The value of a '72 Corvette varies wildly, depending on a bunch of things. I mean, things like condition, mileage, originality, and the specific options all play a huge role. A pristine, fully restored example could fetch a pretty penny—we're talking tens of thousands of dollars, possibly more. On the other hand, a car needing serious restoration or parts is going to command a much lower price. You really need to do your research, check out auction results, and maybe even consult with an appraiser to get a truly accurate valuation. Think of it like buying a house, you have to really check on all the details.

Like any classic car, they can have their quirks. Some common issues you might run into with a '72 Corvette include things like the brake system, the electrical components (especially after several decades!), and the suspension. Engine problems aren't unheard of either, but nothing that a well-informed enthusiast can't handle. It's always good to be prepared for maintenance and potential repairs; these cars are kind of high-maintenance, as you can well imagine. It's all part of the charm of owning one, though. Regular maintenance is really key, though; you'd be surprised.

Finding parts can be an adventure, but it's totally doable. There are plenty of classic car parts suppliers specializing in Corvettes. Online resources, forums, and Corvette clubs are your friends. They're great sources for information, parts, and community support—and you can meet some great people there. Plus, you'll often find specialized shops dedicated to these cars that can assist you with restoration; it's a really supportive community, all in all.