A 1972 Chevrolet Corvette convertible wearing its original Steel Cities Gray paint is for sale from Freije Auctioneers, which is offering the two-family-owned roadster as Lot 77855 at its Fall Big Boy Toy Auction, hosted by The Auto Dealers Exchange on Oct. 30–31, 2026, in Indianapolis. Equipped with a 350-cubic-inch small-block V8, an automatic transmission, factory air conditioning and both its soft top and auxiliary hardtop, this C3 comes with its Protecto-Plate and original window sticker, and the consignor states its 88,822 miles are actual. For buyers who want an honest, well-optioned chrome-bumper Corvette, this listing is one to watch.
An Indiana Corvette With Its Window Sticker
Few things add confidence to a classic car purchase like original paperwork, and this Corvette still has its Monroney window sticker. The sticker shows the convertible was delivered new to Kemerly Chevrolet and Oldsmobile in Fortville, Indiana, just northeast of Indianapolis, after being built in St. Louis, Missouri. From a $5,246.40 base price, options pushed the total to $6,391.40, and the car has spent its life with just two families since then, making its return to the Indianapolis area at auction a fitting homecoming.
Original Steel Cities Gray Paint
Steel Cities Gray is one of the more distinctive colors of the 1972 model year, a metallic shade that suits the long hood and Coke-bottle curves of the Shark-era body. The consignor reports the finish on this 1972 Corvette is the original paint, a trait that collectors increasingly prize as survivor-grade originality becomes harder to find. Paired with a black vinyl interior, the color gives the car a sophisticated look that stands apart from the brighter reds and yellows typically seen at shows.
The Last of the Chrome-Bumper Corvettes
The 1972 model year holds a special place in C3 history as the final year the Corvette wore chrome bumpers at both ends before federal impact standards brought a body-color nose in 1973. That makes this convertible part of the purest stretch of the third-generation design, with slim chrome blades framing the front grilles and the signature quad round taillights out back. The convertible body style adds another layer of appeal, since open Corvettes were produced in smaller numbers than coupes during this era.
Two Tops for Year-Round Driving
The window sticker confirms this Corvette left the factory with both the convertible top and the optional auxiliary hardtop, and the listing states both tops remain with the car. The hardtop turns the roadster into a snug grand tourer for cooler Midwestern months, while the soft top opens it up for summer cruising. Having both original-style tops is a meaningful plus for buyers, since a correct hardtop can be a costly item to source separately.
Small-Block V8 Power
Under the long hood sits a 350-cubic-inch small-block V8, which the listing rates at 270 horsepower, backed by a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The engine bay of this 1972 Corvette presents with the classic orange Chevrolet engine paint and a chrome air cleaner lid, and the drivetrain is the kind of proven, easy-to-service combination that makes a C3 simple to enjoy on weekend drives. The Protecto-Plate that comes with the car, GM’s original warranty plate, adds another layer of documentation for the drivetrain.
A Well-Equipped Black Vinyl Cockpit
Inside, this Corvette convertible offers black vinyl bucket seats along with a strong list of comfort options for its day. Factory four-season air conditioning, power steering, power brakes and an AM/FM pushbutton radio are all noted on the window sticker, and the listing adds a telescoping tilt steering wheel. Those features make this a Corvette that is easy to live with on long drives, whether the plan is a summer road trip or a regular spot at local cars-and-coffee meets.
Miles the Consignor States Are Actual
The odometer on this 1972 Corvette reads 88,822 miles, and the consignor states those miles are actual. Spread over more than five decades, that works out to modest use, consistent with a car that has been kept within two families. The classic deep-set speedometer and tachometer, flanked by the center stack of auxiliary gauges, remain one of the most recognizable driver’s views of any American sports car from the era.
How to Bid at the Fall Big Boy Toy Auction
The Corvette crosses the block during Day 2, Session 2, the Saturday afternoon Classic and Collector Car Auction on Oct. 31. Online bidding opens at $5 with $5 increments, and a 10% buyer’s premium plus a 2.5% online bidding fee applies, so interested buyers should review the lot page and register ahead of sale day. Original paint, both tops, factory air and a window sticker add up to a well-documented chrome-bumper Corvette. Would you keep it original or drive it as Chevrolet intended?
The Fall Big Boy Toy Auction hosted by The Dealer Exchange will be held October 30-31 in Indianapolis, Indiana. With memorabilia and great classic and collector cars on offer, make sure to visit their website to see the lots and get registered to bid. If you are in the area, and would like to consign your car space is still available.
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Kyle Matthews 
John Lloyd