2021 12 10 Featured External Listing – 1973 Chevrolet Corvette
Here, we have a 1973 Chevrolet Corvette C3. The third generation C3 had a long production run, from 1968 through 1982. For many, the ’73 is the last of the collection-worthy C3s as it is the last Corvette to sport a chrome bumper. All ‘vette bumpers through 1972 were chrome, 1973 was a transition year with a urethane bumper cover on the front only while all bumpers 1974 onward have been of the poly variety. Of course, there were notable C3s built after 1973 – the 1978 25th Anniversary car and the Indianapolis Pace Car replica of the same year come to mind.
CCC Vital Info – 1973 Chevrolet Corvette
Odometer – 96,000 miles, TMU
Engine Info – 454 cubic inch V8, carbureted
Transmission Info – automatic
Exterior Colour – blue
Interior Colour – black
Other features – Fresh restoration, 2 sets of T-tops, white letter tires, Needs exhaust and trim work
Seller – Private
Model page
Note – For CCC live auctions, this space also includes:
VIN;
a map link to seller location;
a Carfax report reference (1981 and newer); and
a lot number.
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While the ad for the car at hand indicates that it is a project close to completion, the car appears complete in the photos. Finishing touches required as mentioned by the seller are trim and exhaust. We gather the trim reference mostly relates to interior pieces, given that there are few interior photos and the exhaust system is not photographed. Another point of interest in the ad are the cars in the background. We do not know the shop that carried out the restoration but we notice a Datsun Z-car, a first-generation Mustang, a later C3, a Maserati, an Aston Martin and a Triumph TR6 – quite an eclectic set.
The new blue paint presents well. The seller also indicates a fresh undercarriage, thought we wish he treated us to some photos. This car is equipped with the desirable T-tops. Two top systems come with the car – aftermarket acrylic and colour-matched originals. On the outside, the car looks stock or close to. We are seeing features like the ubiquitous-for-the-era-from-Chevy Rallye wheels, original badging and that shiny chrome rear bumper. The white-letter BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires are a detail that suit the car well.
Under the hood is where the real story for this car resides. Seller indicates that it was an original L48 car, L48-code V8 engines were 350 cubic inches in displacement and good for 190 horsepower for 1973 Corvettes. Although the purist may be disappointed that the car is not numbers-matching, the L48 has been replaced by a big block 454, mated to an automatic transmission. It is not clear from the ad if this 7.4L V8 counts a ’73 Corvette as its donor but this LS-4 was good for 275 horsepower when new. The 454 went into approximately 15% of Corvettes in 1973, they displayed a “454” badge on the hood. We do not see these on this car but under the hood, the air cleaner cover is explicitly adorned with “454”. The whole of the engine bay looks very clean with chromed Chevrolet valve covers, signs of a thoughtful restoration.
On the inside, there is not a proliferation of information but we do know that this is an air-conditioned car. One other feature we note in the black interior is the existence of manual wind-up window – millennials may need an explanation! Tilt wheel, a three double-spoke steering wheel and separate round gauges for speedometer and odometer are representative of the period.
Find this 1973 Chevrolet Corvette on kijiji in Hamilton, Ontario for $24,000. Our thanks to Tiger-Cat Tony for submitting it – enjoy the Grey Cup this weekend!
Seems like a pretty reasonable asking price if it truly is as good as described.
Some may worry about the non-original engine, but the real pleasure would be in driving the car!