The appearance changes were again minimal for 1972. The 1972
Corvette was the last to feature front and rear chrome bumpers,
a bright "egg crate" grill, side fender grills and
the removable rear window. This was the last year for the RPO-LT1
and RPO-ZR1, although the ZR1 code was again used in 1990 and
the LT1 designated a new base engine in 1992.
Beginning in 1972 and continuing thereafter, horsepower
would be measured as "net" rather than the "gross"
ratings of earlier years. The government mandated safety changes
and manufacturers were reducing horsepower because of changes
in gasoline octane ratings too. A Corvette produced after 1972
had displayed less horsepower than previous models. But do not
make the mistake of comparing the old "Gross horsepower rating"
to the newer "Net horsepower rating." Some post-1972
Corvettes were faster than their predecessors even though their
horsepower numbers were lower.
Most Corvettes from this time are less desirable
by serious collectors than earlier models. Because of government
mandated changes in performance, the typical 1972 Corvette may
not be considered collectable. But the LT1 and ZR1 models are
somewhat collectable among because of their rare production numbers.