Chevrolet - Corvette C3 Stingray Cabriolet LT-1 - 1972

Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray Convertible LT-1 1972 - Custom Wide Body

- Rare 5.7-liter LT-1 V8 engine with approx. 360 hp
- Manual transmission
- Unique 'custom-made' with rare polyester widebody kit by Daytona Greenwood
- Technically extensively rebuilt with approximately €45,000 invested
- Original 1972 Owner's Manual present
- Hardtop and softtop

HISTORY/DOCUMENTATION

This Chevrolet Corvette C3 is registered in the United States on September 15, 1972. In 2021 the car was sold from the Netherlands to Belgium. Here it has been extensively mechanically worked on by a specialist, with many invoices present totaling about €45,000. Among other things, the engine has been rebuilt. See our extensive photo report for maintenance specifications. After the rebuild the car has covered only about 1,000 km. The original Corvette 'Owner's Manual' from 1972 is included with the car! The car is custom-made with an widened body by means of a polyester widebody kit, which, in combination with the color, gives the car a unique and very bold look. Visually, the car could be further improved. The original color of this car is 'War Bonnet Yellow' (color code 989).

Depending on taste, the car could therefore be returned to this original, beautiful and sought-after yellow color. The 1972 production year (with chrome bumpers) is highly collectible.

EXTERIOR

A unique and striking appearance: mainly due to the wide body kit fitted to this Corvette, in combination with the turquoise color. These alterations were still carried out in the United States. There is a hardtop in the same color.

Furthermore, the car features a white soft top. The bodykit gives the car a completely different look from front to back, highlighting the beautiful lines of the model. The bodykit has settled in and has been recently updated, but for a perfect exterior the car would need a repaint. The rubber seals and chrome work show normal signs of use.

The year 1972 was the production year in which the attractive chromed bumpers were used, which the car still has. In addition, the car has a hardtop in the same color. The turbine wheels by 'American Racing' are spectacular and equipped with 'General Grabber HP' tires with white letters. The brake calipers are painted red.

INTERIOR

The interior is largely original and shows normal signs of use. The interior trim code is 417, which stands for 'Saddle Vinyl'. Naturally, the upholstery is finished with vinyl-leather.

The brown interior features large gauges for the driver, deeply recessed into the dashboard. The center console includes 5 additional gauges. Furthermore, the interior is relatively luxurious, with including heating and a radio. It also features the clever 'Astro Ventilation'.

This means ventilation openings at the front of the cabin and ventilation openings at the back, right behind the rear window. Air flows from the hood through the cabin and exits again via the rear ventilation openings.

TECHNICAL

Under this unique body lies a thoroughly modified car: from the chassis to the braking system a generous investment has been made. See our photo report for extensive specifications. Also, wheel bearings, brake calipers, shock absorbers (Bilstein), the fuel tank, and the clutch have been renewed. The brakes are equipped with ventilated discs.

The engine has been fully rebuilt, with the block removed from the car. Among Corvette enthusiasts this is the holy grail of engines: the LT-1 'Small-block' 5.7-liter '350 Turbo-Fire' V8 engine. This engine was originally supplied for the Corvette C3 and is a technical masterpiece: a high-compression small-block with solid lifters, forged crankshaft, 4-bolt main block, aggressive camshaft, and a freely breathing exhaust system.

With about 360 hp this engine delivers impressive performance and a characteristic, raw V8 experience. The radiator is aluminum. The exhaust system with a spaghetti manifold is custom-made by Inox and provides an unforgettable sound. This engine is paired with a manual 4-speed transmission. A pleasant feature the Corvette has is power steering.

Both the underside and the engine bay look very good. This Corvette is therefore ready to go for the next owner.

GENERAL

The Stingray from the early 1970s represents the absolute pinnacle of classic American sports cars. With its muscular lines, integrated fender flares and iconic chromed bumpers (up to and including 1972), this generation combines timeless design with uncompromising performance. Under the hood Chevrolet offered an impressive range of engines, with the legendary LT1 at the top.

With around 360 hp and race-inspired technology, the Stingray held its own against renowned European sports cars — but with unmistakable American character. Not surprisingly, Motor Trend noted a quarter-mile time of 14.36 seconds in 1970 — performance that rivaled European top-class sports cars of the time. The interior was refined with better-shaped seats and luxury options such as wood trim and high-quality carpet and leather upholstery.

These model years also mark the end of an era: the last Corvettes with fully chromed bumpers, high-compression engines, and unfiltered V8 experiences before stricter emission laws took hold. Rare variants and options make these Stingrays highly sought after by collectors today.