Corvette Model Gallery

1972 convertible

Styling changes were minimal in 1972 but with production continuing to rise why change what the public obviously wanted. This is exactly what Zora was told by GM management when they were again approached regarding the possibility of a mid engine.

This was the last year of the full chrome bumpers and removable rear window. Engineering efforts continued to emphasize coming government standards. Engine choice was now down to three: A base 200hp 350ci,  the LS5 454 cid and the LT1 350 cid. In California which had the most severe emission standards in America the 454 could not be sold. Engines now had to be rated in the lower SAE (net) figures so even the LT1 was listed as only 255 hp, down 75 from the previous year.    From the 27,004 Corvettes sold in 1972, only 6,508 were convertibles.

The model

Mike Wheeler built this beautiful '72 LT-1 convertible from the AMT kit. 
These are Mike's comments about it:  "Here is my recently completed '72 LT-1. I built it from the AMT kit and it took about one year to finish it. I detailed it completely inside and out. The engine is fully wired and plumbed including the addition of the smallest details like spark plugs and dipsticks. The interior is painted Tamiya Sand Beige from a spray can. I flocked the floorboads, and added photoetch buckles and latches for the seatbelts. If you look close, I put a tiny set of keys in the ignition. I couldn't resist adding a real paper owners "book" made out of tissue paper and the decal cover that came in the kit. The chassis is detailed down to factory paint markings on all frame rails and suspension pieces. I finished the chassis by weathering it with artists pastel chalks, heat staining on the exhaust, and weathered tires for a more driven look. The engine was also given a "grease" wash to amplify this effect. The body was painted Tamiya Light Gunmetal with three coats of TS-13 clear. I set it aside for a week and polished it by sanding with 4000-12000 grit cloths followed by a rub with 3M rubbing compound and Black Magic wax. The final step was decal emblems from the Revell '69 kit."

If you would like to contact Michael  on this model his e-mail address is: corvettemike1978@yahoo.com

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Page updated  09/07/07