1972 Corvette Stingray Convertible

Our History
This 1972 Corvette Stingray was purchased by Gary Bergenske November 15, 2000 in Orlando, Florida.  The previous owner had owned the car for a number of years and had a total rebuild of the engine done in May of 1997.  With the 4 speed on the floor this car could really run, and was a real eye catcher.  With the white exterior and red interior and the top down this beauty really stood out. The car was still in need of the interior work and of a good paint job.  Bergenske complete this work, and now the car looks close to as it did when new in 1972.

The car now makes an excellent sunny afternoon riding machine, and is used in various parades and car show functions.  One of the best things about this car, is that it is one of the last Vette's to have chrome bumpers both front and back.

Corvette History
During World War II servicemen stationed in Europe were attracted to the sporty British MG. Ownership of this 2 seater sports car was limited to a small, elite group. After the war General Motors reasoned that a sports car tailored to American driving conditions and comforts that an affluent population wanted in their cars would sell well. It would also boost the stodgy image of Chevrolet.

Immediately upon becoming chief engineer at Chevrolet, Ed Cole tripled the engineering staff. Harley J. Earl was hired in 1953 to design their cars. Earl was bitten by the innovative and sports car design that he had witnessed after World War II. Earl was determined to bring the sports car to America. The Chevrolet Corvette, the first American sports car, was introduced in 1953 by General Motors. The first cars were only available in white with red interior. The suggested retail price was $3,490.

Zora Arkus-Duntov was also hired in 1953 as assistant staff engineer. He later became Corvette's chief engineer. Without his help, Corvette production would have been halted in 1955. Changes were made to the Corvette in 1956 and 1957 to develop the Vette into a genuine sports car.

Harley Earl retired in the early 1960s. With the new leadership and fresh ideas of the General Motor's new chief of design, Bill Mitchell, the incredibly successful Stingray was born. Tradition was broken as the totally redesigned Corvette was offered as a coupe or a convertible with 4 engine choices. Both featured a streamlined appearance and improved passenger accommodations. Americans loved the 1963-1967 Stingrays because they were fast machines that looked supersonic even when parked. They remain the most collectible Corvettes today.

In July of 1992 the one millionth Corvette, a white convertible with red interior to mimic the first Corvette, was produced.

Horsepower ratings dropped again, now LT-1 produced only 255 hp, this was also the last year for LT-1 option, 1741 LT-1 were built. This was also the last year for ZR-1 option and only 20 ZR-1 vettes were produced. 454 BB produced only 270hp this year.

Specifications
Total Production = 27,004 (20,496 Coupe, 6,508 Convertible) This was the last year for front and rear chrome bumpers and the alarm system was now a standard issue item, and the last year for the pop out rear window. Beginning in 1972 and continuing thereafter, horsepower would be measured as "net" (rear wheel) rather than the less realistic "gross" (flywheel) ratings of earlier years

The 1972 Corvette was basically the same as the 1971. Among the standard equipment were: a posi-traction rear axle, outside rearview mirror, tinted glass, flow-thru ventilation system, front and read disc brakes, electric clock, wheel trim rings, vinyl upholstery and anti-theft alarm system. Ten exterior color choices were offered. The convertible top could be ordered in only white or black. Over 1/3 came with power windows, 46.1% had the 4 speed, 88.1% had power steering, 63.8% had A/C, 48.1% had tilt/tele and only 1% had the LT-1 engine.

There were 6,508 Corvette Roadsters, and 20,496 Coupes produced for the Model year. The '72 Corvette was the last year to feature Chrome bumpers on both front and back. 1972 was the first year an alarm (sounding horn) was included in the base price.
Shipping Weight - 3215 lbs (coupe) 3217 (convertible)
Production Total - 26,994 (20,486 coupes) (6508 convertibles)
Factory Price - $5472 (coupe) $5246 (convertible)

Exterior colors for the 1972 Corvette were:
Sunflower Yellow
Pewter Silver
Bryar Blue
Elkhart Green
Classic White
Mille Miglia Red
Targa Blue
Ontario Orange
Steel Cities Gray
War Bonnet Yellow
Suggested Interior Colors were Black, Red, Blue, & Saddle.
Seat and shoulder belts matched interior colors except for the blue interior which received darker blue belts.

Engine
Type- 350 cubic inch V-8, 454 cubic inch V-8 optional
Horsepower (net)- 200@4400rpm standard, LT1- 255, LS5- 270
Compression Ratio- 8.5 to 1
Carburetor- four barrel
Transmission - Buyers choice of automatic (no cost with base engine, $97 with optional motors) and close or wide ratio 4 speed manual

Chassis Dimensions
Wheelbase- 98 inches
Overall length- 182.5 inches
Front tread- 58.7 inches
Rear tread- 59.4 inches
Tires- F70X15

1972 Corvette Options
255 horsepower LT1 ($483.45)
270 horsepower LS5 454 cubic inch big block ($294.90)
ZR1 package ($1010.05)
Heavy duty battery ($15.80)
Power brakes ($47.40)
Power steering ($115.90)
Air conditioning ($464.50)
Detachable hardtop ($273.85) vinyl covering for hardtop ($158)
AM/FM radio ($178) AM/FM stereo ($283)
Telescoping steering wheel ($84.30)
Whitewall tires ($30.35) White letter tires ($42.65)
Custom interior ($158)
Custom deluxe shoulder belts ($26.35)
Rear window defroster ($42)
Power windows ($85.35)