LS5/4-speed. Numbers on engine and transmission match VIN. Rebuilt 454 cubic inch V8, newer leather interior, one older repaint. Runs and drives very well, very fast yet totally docile. Power windows and tilt. A cool Corvette in unusual colors with big power under the hood.

Code 989 War Bonnet Yellow is the perfect early ‘70s color for your next Corvette. It has a cool period vibe that still looks awesome and suits the swoopy C3 bodywork just fine. And when it’s wrapped around a convertible, so much the better. This particular Corvette convertible was repainted some years ago but not driven a whole lot, so it remains in fantastic condition with a deep shine, nice panel gaps, and great prep work that make deep reflections in the factory fiberglass. There’s a bunch of metallic in the finish (it’s really more gold than yellow) so it really glows in the sunlight and more than one visitor to the showroom has remarked how much they like the color. The big block hood with vents and ‘454’ badges does advertise that there’s some substantial power under the hood, but I don’t think anyone will mistake this Corvette for anything but an apex predator. It represents the last of the “chrome bumper” Corvettes, and the shiny bits are in fantastic shape, including the optional luggage rack on the rear deck, which is another perfect ‘70s addition that just seems to work on this car. The more we look at this car, the better we like it.

When the car was repainted a few years ago, it also received a fresh set of seat covers in the correct code 421 saddle leather. That upgrade also included fresh carpets and probably new door panels, but it’s also possible that these are original and simply very well preserved. The car is equipped with a tilt/telescope steering column, so it’s easy to get in and out of the car and to get comfortable behind the wheel, and the big chrome 4-speed shifter falls easily to hand. All the gauges are operational except the clock, which isn’t uncommon, and the factory AM/FM radio works like it should. On C3 Corvettes, particularly the early ones like this, the vacuum-operated headlights and wiper door are critical, and they do indeed work properly, although the wipers themselves are a little sluggish. But the door snaps open and closed like it should! Matching carpeted floor mats protect the floor and there’s a newer white convertible top overhead that stows easily under the rear deck.

Power comes from a rebuilt 454 cubic inch LS5 V8, which in 1972 was rated at 270 horsepower and a towering 455 lb-ft. of torque. The engine wears what appears to be an original stamp that matches the VIN, as well as a CSR suffix code that’s correct for a 1972 Corvette LS5 with a manual transmission. All that torque shows up early, making this Corvette incredibly easy to drive—it’s practically impossible to stall! It’s also creamy smooth thanks to a hydraulic cam and friendly 4-barrel carburetor, making it a joy to drive. The engine itself wears correct Chevy Orange paint, a correct dual snorkel air filter assembly, and even the factory shielding on the ignition system. Other details include a recent master cylinder, new hoses, and fresh coolant. It starts easily, idles nicely, and as I said, pulls hard out on the street. The Muncie 4-speed manual gearbox also wears what appears to be an original stamping that matches the VIN and it shifts beautifully. Drive gently and it’s smooth. Hammer it and it begs for more—there’s just nothing like running a big block Corvette through the gears at full bore! We don’t believe the body has ever been off the frame, so it’s a bit grungy underneath, but there are no issues or signs of trouble in the “birdcage” or in the kick-ups ahead of the rear wheels. There are recent brake calipers and hoses, some new power steering parts, and a mellow-sounding exhaust system that’s pleasing but never obnoxious. It even rides pretty well for a Corvette. Familiar Rally wheels wear spinner center caps and a set of fat 225/70/15 Goodyear radials.

Only 3913 LS5 Corvettes were built in 1972 and after that the writing was on the wall for the big blocks. This one has a great combination of colors, options, and performance that will make it fun to drive and show, with a strong pedigree that might even make it a wise place to park some money, too. Come find out why we like this car so much. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.