Danbury Mint 1972 Chevrolet

I know, I know another C3 Corvette, but I happen to collect and love all Corvette's, and in my opinion this is a "must have" in that long list of models that fall onto that "Special models" group. Also, I predict the '72 Corvette will make an impact in the collecting world just as so many Corvette models have in the past too.

Reviewing my e-Newsletters from the previous years each model I recommended that you purchase as an investment went up in value within the year on the secondary market, I place this one on that list also. That said I make no guarantee that it will increase in value but if I were a betting man I would put all my money on this one for sure.

There is nothing wrong with getting the mileage out of a tool especially when each preceding model is better than the last. Danbury Mint has a knack of doing just that. "War Bonnet Yellow" is the color of this jewel, and just saying its color set off all kinds of bells and whistles in my brain. War Bonnet Yellow to me is "Danbury Speak" for buy me or at least that are what the voices in my head are telling me. Ok, ok I'm weak I admit it but I just can't resist repeating that color over and over to myself; it's hot.

In 1972 Chevrolet had some big changes in store for Corvette or should I say it was the last year for some options and probably the demise of the muscle car as we knew it. What's that you say? Yes, you read me right the "Clean Air Standards" came into play, and 1972 was the year it was implemented.

The Corvette was suffering tremendous quality control issues at this time under the helm of DeLorean and they needed to be addressed. In stepped Ed Cole who took over the helm as chairman of GM. Not only was he concerned about the quality control issues he was facing but he had to deal with the inhospitable view insurance companies were taking on high-performance automobiles, and set out to make changes to keep the Corvette alive and well. Those changes meant revamping the entire engine line, deleting options that just didn't cut it any longer. Hence, the LS6 option, which sold only 188 in 1971, disappeared altogether; when Cole was done all GM engines ran on low 91-octane fuel exclusively.

Cole told engineering, marketing, advertising and public relations to use Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) net measurement standards for engine horsepower output, numbers substantially lower than the gross-horsepower rating previously published. The result was a slight improvement in auto insurers' regard for GM and that was his goal. Now you know the rest of the story.

Undoubtedly one of the best C3 Corvette's you could ever own; the Danbury Mint has an uncanny knack of tuning out some of the best models, at affordable prices, that makes me and the average collector smile while being easy on our wallet. The '72 Corvette has a smooth silk like finish with just enough metallic to set it apart from the crowd. The War Bonnet Yellow warrior is at the head of the charge in my ever expanding Corvette collection.

The fit of the panels and chrome pieces adheres to strict tolerances making for one spectacular model. I don't plan on comparing the Danbury Mint '72 Corvette to any other manufacturer as some reviewers do; Danbury Mint is the one setting the new high watermark in the under $200 price range. In other words there is a new yardstick on the shelf, and the name on it reads Danbury Mint.

Also included with the '72 is the removable top, which I might add fits correctly, and doesn't fight you when attempting to install or remove it Opening headlights that make this warrior even more spectacular when posed in the open position and a trunk rack that gives this beauty just the right amount of "bling" to make it special.

The only difference between the '71 and '72 Corvette exterior wise are the amber turn signals.

You can tool around this model for hours exploring all its nooks and crannies and still miss half the goodies buried throughout this magical model. From the detailed Rally Wheels with white lettered Goodyear's to the fabulous interior you definitely get the most bang for your buck with this replica, which I am positive is destined be become a classic.

Regardless if it is fit and finish that "pop's your cork" or the "bling, bling" throughout that makes this model get your heart a thumpin'. It surely is a must have model for your Corvette collection no questions asked. Better yet, I will stick my neck out on a limb, and say this one will be a much sought after model in the future commanding those high prices that makes us feel like we got the premiere collection that every collector strives for. I rank this model a hands down 5-cork model without a doubt. Buy it!

More Screen Shots.