Guide for the 1972 Corvette
The 1972 Corvette faced setbacks to its engine options due to emissions regulations, but the body style and performance were still top tier.
Written by Mary Cahill
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Corvette’s 1972 model may have been under pressure to lower its emissions, but the car dubbed “America’s sports car” maintained the seductive body style and remarkable engine performance it was always known for.
Lowering its engine options from four to three didn’t drag down the Corvette’s popularity. In fact, sales of the ‘72 C3 class went up from the previous year. Top that off with new improvements to its interior and security features, and it's no wonder why the ‘72 model is still beloved by many.
Corvette’s distinction of offering drivers such a beautiful machine at a reasonable price is another part of why models from every decade of its over 60-year legacy are sought after on the classic car market.
To give you a well-rounded perspective on what makes the 1972 Corvette special, the top-rated
car insurance
app Jerry
is your personal guide. Here, we’ll cover all the basics of this vintage Corvette—the good, the not-so-good, and what goes into owning one of America’s automotive icons. Then stick around to learn how to lower your Chevrolet Corvette insurance costs
in seconds!
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now
Ownership costs for a 1972 Corvette
Back in the day, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for a brand new ‘72 Corvette was $5,472. On the modern used market, the price range from low to high differs by thousands.
How much should I expect to pay for a 1972 Corvette?
You could pay anywhere between $18,400 and $51,900 for a 1972 Corvette, depending on the condition the car is in.
Models in the low end for retail value will likely be advertised as “fixer-uppers” or “project cars.”
At the high end of the retail spectrum, you’ll see lower mileage, restoration upgrades, and desirable models like the convertible Roadster.
Where to buy a 1972 Corvette
Your best bet for getting your hands on one of these beauties is through the
online classic used car market
. Sales are typically through a small dealership, but you can also buy from private sellers, or through an auction. What does the 1972 Corvette bring to the table?
Though some muscle car enthusiasts questioned it at the time, the 1972 edition was the first to be specifically designed with lower emissions in mind—which may appeal more to current-day owners than older models for its nod to environmental consciousness.
Plus, the 1972 Corvette certainly doesn’t skimp on style. It was the last to feature both front and rear chrome bumpers, a bright egg-crate grill, side-fender grills, and a removable rear window.
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”
Patricia W.
Reviewed on 5/28/2023
Strengths and weaknesses of the 1972 Corvette
Interested in purchasing a 1972 Corvette? Classic car ownership is a unique and rewarding commitment—but it’s not for everyone. Let’s look at the benefits and potential drawbacks of bringing one of these vintage beauties home.
The good: speed
Fitted with either the LT1 (available in manual or standard) or LS5 engine, the ‘72 Corvette may not have the sheer horsepower of previous models, but it still picks up a ton of speed—going from 0 to 60 mph in just over six seconds.
The good: features
The ‘72 Corvette is equipped with several standard features that older models lacked. For example, 1972 was the year Corvette installed an alarm system in every base model. Many models are also available with power steering, air conditioning, power windows, and a stereo sound system.
The good: reliable
Corvettes are built to last and the ‘72 offering is no exception. Classic Corvettes hold their value remarkably well. With the proper maintenance, you can expect to drive your car for many years to come—and if you do decide to sell, you’re likely to get a sale price similar to what you paid for it.
The bad: lacks upgrades
Corvette drivers previously had the option of choosing a big block LS6 engine as part of the swanky ZR2 upgrade package. But sales of this upgrade were so poor in 1971 that manufacturers eliminated it altogether.
The bad: cramped cargo space
No, you’re not imagining it, the 1972 Corvette is missing a feature many of us take for granted—the trunk. The only cargo space available is behind its set of seats, so it’s not exactly a top contender for vehicles to take on a trip to the grocery store.
MORE:
Classic car insurance
The bottom line—which 1972 Corvette to buy
If you’re willing to spend a little more on the sticker price, you can’t go wrong looking at a higher-end ‘72 Corvette. You’ll get reasonably low mileage, possible upgrades, and original components in good working condition.
If you aren’t turned off by the idea of spending weekends working on your Corvette instead of taking it for a Saturday jaunt straightaway, you’re a good candidate to purchase something that’s partially rebuilt that requires some mechanical attention.
How to save money on car insurance for the 1972 Corvette
Regardless of which model of Corvette you call your own, you’ll want to make sure you’re not overpaying for
car insurance
. Want to find the best possible deal? Look no further than Jerry
. As an insurance comparison expert,
licensed broker
, and personal shopper, Jerry is an amazing resource that fits right in your pocket and is available 24/7. Plus, it’s super easy to use! All you need to do is answer a few quick questions about yourself and your Corvette and in under a minute you’ll be scrolling through a comprehensive list of competitive quotes from over 50 top-rated insurance companies.
You won’t need to fill out any dull forms or wait on hold with insurance providers, Jerry takes care of all of that for you. Plus, when you choose your new coverage, Jerry will even help cancel your existing policy on your behalf! The average Jerry user saves $887 a year on car insurance.
“I decided to tryJerrybecause my car insurance had been increasing drastically with each policy renewal. Jerry found me multiple ways to save after entering just a few pieces of info! I’m saving almost $70 a month after choosing Nationwide.” —Ish M.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
