1972 Chevrolet Corvette LS5 454

Description

The sight of a well-restored classic Corvette is a virtual lock to brighten the mood of any car enthusiast, and when it packs the big block power of this 1972 Chevrolet Corvette LS5 454 Convertible, that happiness becomes outright euphoria with just a tap on the accelerator. It's wearing its original colors both inside and out, including an absolutely magnetic exterior shade and is running in great form.

Decked out in its original Ontario orange paint, this 'Vette looks like a life-size version of that Hot Wheel you just had to have all those years ago, because its sheer visual awesomeness meant certain victory in match races. That eye-catching hue is in very nice condition here, with a smooth texture and a strong shine that follows you as you circle the car. Third generation Corvettes like this '72 have an outstanding timeless stylishness about them - they get their curved form from the Mako Shark II concept car that stunned car expo audiences in the mid-'60s with its futuristic appearance. The body lines on this classic are in good order - everything lines up nicely and the doors and hood show nice, even gaps. All exterior fittings, including the bumpers and brightwork, present very well, and the front windshield and side glass are in very good condition. For those occasions when the skies darken, there's a black vinyl convertible on hand that's ready to be raised into position for protection and its fresh condition suggests it was just recently added.

The black vinyl interior has seen a very recent and thorough refurbishment, so it's looking its absolute best. The high-backed buckets retain their original configuration and sport covers that have yet to develop any creasing as they straddle a center console in the same clean condition. Corvettes of this era sported cockpits that left most of their competitors in the dust as far as aesthetics were concerned and the one on display here is a good representative, with its extensive assortment of clear gauges and a fresh, uncracked dash pad. Options include a recently installed A/C system that was so cleverly integrated you'd think it was born there, a new retro-style AM/FM Corvette-spec stereo in the original slot, and even a set of cup holders – for those daring enough to bring a beverage into a hallowed museum. The level of functionality is impressive - not only do the gauges work as intended, but so does the factory clock, and the entire cabin is a wonderful place in which to spend some time.

The engine compartment in this '72 has been very well cared for - it's in showroom condition, in fact, and houses the original 454 cubic inch engine, which fits surprisingly well, considering the powerplant's size. Dressed in its factory air cleaner that sits over a Quadratec 4-barrel carb and properly painted orange block valve covers and block, the engine looks great and runs strong, teaming with a 3-speed automatic TH400 transmission to provide a great driving experience that won't leave you dreading stop and go traffic. A steel plate bearing the signature Chevy flags was mounted inside to celebrate this American Sports Car's power as it left the factory, proudly proclaiming its output of an impressive 455 lb-ft of torque. While competitors were offering front power disc brakes as their premium option, this 'Vette left the factory with them positioned at all four corners, so it stops promptly and with ease. The attentive care this classic has received extends to its alignment - it tracks and stops with no pulling as it cruises on a set of 15" stock Corvette wheels wearing BF Goodrich T/A radial tires.

An endlessly appealing exterior color, powerful original drivetrain and newly restored interior combine to make this 1972 Chevrolet Corvette LS5 454 Convertible a very rare find. Call today!