1972 Corvette Stingray

When Chevrolet introduced the 1972 Corvette for the fifth year of C3 production, the basic car remained essentially unchanged from the previous year, still built on a full-length welded and boxed steel ladder frame with five crossmembers and a 98-inch wheelbase. Independent suspension and vented disc brakes could be found on all four corners, while other standard features included a Positraction rear end, all-vinyl upholstery and flow-through ventilation. One new addition to the car’s basic equipment was an anti-theft alarm system, as thieves continued to target Corvettes.

The total build of 27,004 1972 Corvettes was split between 20,496 coupes and 6,508 convertibles, and for the first time automatic transmissions outnumbered manuals, 54 percent to 46 percent. Base price for the coupe was $5,533, while the convertible came in a bit lower at $5,296.

With federal emissions regulations strangling the power outputs of all American cars, the Corvette’s engine choices included the standard ZQ3 350- cubic-inch cast iron V8 with a 4-barrel Rochester carburetor that delivered 200 hp at 4,400 rpm, with the other engine options being the LT-1 350 small block ($483.45) producing 255 hp with a Holley 4-barrel and solid lifters, and an LS5 454-cubic-inch big block ($294.90) pumping out 270 hp with a 750cfm Rochester 4-barrel.

Cars ordered with the LT-1 option came with a distinctive hood bulge and could also be ordered with the attendant ZR1 racing package ($1,010.05) that included the otherwise unavailable M22 HD close-ratio 4-speed transmission, heavy duty brakes, an aluminum radiator and transistorized ignition. This would be, however, the last year that both of the LT-1 and ZR1 options were offered (until revived in the 1990s), as well as the last year for chrome front bumpers and removable rear windows in coupes. The Corvette was continuing its transformation from a sports car to a touring car.