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 about 360 hp
- Manual transmission
- Unique 'Custom-made' with rare polyester widebody kit from Daytona Greenwood
- Technically extensively rebuilt with approx. €45,000 invested
- Original 1972 Owners 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 the car has been subjected to a very extensive technical and mechanical overhaul by a specialist, of which many invoices are available with a total value of approx. €45,000. Among others, the engine has been rebuilt. See our extensive photo report for maintenance specifications. After the rebuild the car has driven only about 1,000 km. The original Corvette 'Owner's Manual' from 1972 is present with the car! The car is custom-made with a widened body by means of a polyester widebody kit, which, in combination with the color, gives the car a unique and very bold appearance. Aesthetically, the car can be further improved. The original color of this car is 'War Bonnet Yellow' (color code 989).

Depending on taste, the car can thus also be returned to this original, beautiful and sought-after yellow color. The 1972 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 available in the same color.

Furthermore, the car is equipped with a white soft top. The body kit gives the car a completely different look from front to back, emphasizing the gorgeous lines of the model. The body kit has started to shift and has been recently updated, but for a perfect exterior the car would need to be repainted. The rubber and chrome work show normal signs of use.

The year 1972 was the production year in which the beautiful chrome bumpers were used, which the car still features. In addition, the car has a hardtop in the same color. The turbine wheels from 'American Racing' are spectacular and equipped with 'General Grabber HP' tires with white raised 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 in vinyl-leather.

The brown interior features large gauges for the driver that are deeply recessed in the dashboard. The center console features 5 additional gauges. Furthermore, the interior is relatively luxuriously equipped, including heating and a car 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. The air flows from the hood through the cabin and exits again via the ventilation openings at the rear.

TECHNICAL

Under this unique body shell lies a thoroughly modified car: from the chassis to the brakes, generously invested in. See our photo report for extensive specifications. In addition, 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 is 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 marvel: 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 characterful, raw V8 experience. The radiator is made of aluminum. The exhaust system with spaghetti manifold is custom-made by Inox and provides an unforgettable sound. This engine is connected to a 4-speed manual 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-drive for the next owner.

GENERAL
The early-’70s Corvette Stingray represents the absolute pinnacle of classic American sports cars. With its muscular lines, integrated fender flares and iconic chrome bumpers (up to 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 European sports cars of reverence — but with unmistakable American character. Not surprisingly, Motor Trend noted a quarter-mile time of 14.36 seconds in 1970 — performance that at the time rivaled European top-class sports cars. The interior was refined with better-shaped seats and luxury options such as wood inlays and high-quality carpet and leather trim.

These model years mark the end of an era: the last Corvettes with full chrome bumpers, high-compression engines and unfiltered V8 experience before stricter emission rules came into force. Rare versions and options make this Stingray highly sought after by collectors today.