1972 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod


1972 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod

Summary

Every classic restomod takes patience. So, building the 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod to the level of this magazine-featured Stingray can quickly fall into a lifelong saga. For example, that’s why, increasingly, enthusiasts are walking directly into our showroom and kicking the words “finding” and “building” right out of the conversation.

Wrapping silky aesthetics around a custom chassis, a custom cockpit, and a spry LS2/6-speed drivetrain, this coupe is all about the phrase “a quintessential American classic!”

STINGRAY, MEET STINGRAY

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod side grill

Sourced from the dry plains of Texas, this Stingray is just weekend miles out of a professional, ground-up restoration that was conducted by Keith Standish of Keith’s Auto Repair Service. However, that reboot planted solid fiberglass under Ford Ruby Red 2-stage that’s trimmed in Ford Caribou Black Metallic war paint and finished with gold and gray stripes. And, that pigment shines well against stylish yet subtle customization.

At the front of the car, a custom fascia incorporates seventh-generation Corvette winglets between a custom, LED-lined grille and a custom, textured chin spoiler. However, that widened clip seamlessly flows into a picturesque profile, which plants custom rockers beneath vertical fender gills, seventh-generation Corvette marker lamps, and a full suite of seventh-generation Corvette badging. At the top of that fuselage, a tucked and smoothed bumper reflects seventh-generation Corvette cross-flags, which lead the eye to a C7-inspired hood.

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod T top

At the back of that hood, stainless-trimmed glass hoists factory T-tops above sixth-generation Corvette mirrors and sleek, body-matched door handle. However, at the back of the car, a one-piece bumper, sourced from a first-generation Camaro, reflects LED taillights, more seventh-generation Corvette badging, and a modified roll pan that fairs polished exhaust tips around a tweaked tag frame.

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod – 400 / 400

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod LS2 engine

Check the car’s custom engine bay and you’ll find six liters of LS2 small block that combines a sturdy aluminum casting with a hot cam and lightweight 243 heads to twist stout 10.9 to 1 compression into 400 horsepower and 400 lb./ft. of torque.

At the front of the engine, Billet Specialties Tru Trac components spin a polished Powermaster alternator next to a polished air filter and polished AC compressor.

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod fuel injected motor

High octane fossils are provided by GM electronic fuel injection. In addition, sparks are sequenced through fresh AC Delco plug wires. However, cooling comes courtesy of a polished Be Cool radiator and two electric puller fans. So, everything communicates well thanks to Speartech LS wiring.

And details like a custom plenum cover, polished Billet Specialties valve covers, and a polished master cylinder ensure the color-keyed mill shows every bit as good as it performs.

I SEE YOUR LS2 AND RAISE YOUR SRIII, C4, C5, T56, AND D44

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod underside

Bottom-side, a powder-coated SRIII Motorsports Stage II chassis proves the perfect foundation for the car’s inspired resurrection. However, that curve-carving skeleton rides a custom suspension that’s comprised of a fifth-generation Corvette front clip. In addition, there are a fourth-generation Corvette rear-half and Viking coil-over-shocks. Behind the LS2, a Stage 1 Street Ceramix clutch kicks a Tremec T56 Magnum 6-speed.

Rack and Pinion

Power rack-and-pinion steering works well with Wilwood disc brakes. However, they clamp two 6-piston calipers around 14-inch drilled and slotted rotors, and two 4-piston calipers around 13-inch drilled and slotted rotors. Moreover, spent gases traverse GM manifolds and large-diameter pipes to vibrate an X-shaped crossover and polished Magnaflow mufflers.

And torque meets the pavement through Forgeline RB3Cs. It spins 255/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Super Sports in front of 295/35ZR19 Michelin Pilot Super Sports.

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod – FORM, MEET FUNCTION

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod interior

Inside this 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod, you’ll find a stylish, custom cockpit. In addition, the installation was performed by Palmas Upholstery of McAllen, Texas. However, sixth-generation Corvette buckets center Keystone suede in creamy Mocha ultra leather.

In front of those seats, is a Marquez Design dash trims Vintage Air climate control. And, just for fun, there’s an Auto Meter American Muscle telemetry wrapped in attractive carbon fiber accents.

Under that dash, a K.A.R.S.-tweaked console stacks Pioneer touchscreen head unit. However, the head unit is in front of a billet Bowler shifter, pushbutton ignition, and switches for power windows. In addition, in front of the driver, a stylish Billet Specialties steering wheel laps a tilting Ididit column.

Because of its spry small block, custom suspension, and custom furnishings, this awesome 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod is a powerhouse. However, it combines explosive horsepower with excellent handling and classic American appeal. Moreover, nothing’s simply ‘adequate’ about this car; it’s an exceptionally well-done street machine.

Highlights

  • Show-stopping Stingray custom that’s the product of a professional, ground-up restoration
  • Featured in Corvette Online Magazine
  • 6.0 liter GM LS2 V8 with 400 horsepower
  • Tremec T56 Magnum 6-speed manual transmission
  • Dana 44 differential
  • Modern air conditioning
  • Power rack-and-pinion steering
  • Wildwood 4-wheel disc brakes
  • Powder-coated SRIII Motorsports chassis
  • Fifth-generation Corvette front suspension / Fourth-generation Corvette rear suspension
  • Custom ultra-leather and suede interior / Modern audio
  • Tastefully modified body
  • 18 and 19-inch Forgeline RB3C wheels
How much horsepower does a 1972 Corvette have?

200 Horsepower Standard Engine: 3,605 lb. 255 Horsepower LT1 Engine: 3,630 lb. 270 Horsepower LS5 Engine: 3,827 lb. 255 Horsepower LT1 Engine: 3,630 lb.

What is the difference between a Corvette and a Corvette Stingray?

Stingray is ALWAYS a Corvette, but a Corvette is NOT always a Stingray. However, the facts; 1963 through 1967 Corvettes were dubbed Sting Rays, (2 words), by Chevrolet. In addition, the 1969 thru 1976 Corvettes were dubbed Stingrays, (one word), by Chevrolet. It is only a name,

How much does a 1972 Corvette weigh?

3305 lbs

Brook Walsh

For nearly 30 years, I've had a fascination with restomods. I've learned from real-world experience what restomod gear works and what doesn't. This is the site where I share everything I've learned.

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