22k Original Miles: 1973 Chevrolet Corvette

Driver-quality C3 Corvettes in good order will generally attract plenty of attention when they hit the market. The chrome-bumper cars spent years as the badge’s leader, although later ones are gaining traction. That makes it no surprise that the auction action has been spirited on this 1973 model and has already attracted twenty-five bids that have pushed the price to $19,200. However, that figure is short of the reserve. The ‘Vette is listed here on eBay in Waynesville, Ohio, and if you wish to bypass the auction process, there is a BIN option of $23,250. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D, who has used his finely honed radar to spot this low-mile survivor.

The history of this Corvette shows promise for those seeking a structurally solid C3. It spent half its life in the drier climes of Arizona before finding its way to the current location. When it isn’t prowling the streets, it hides away in a climate-controlled garage to avoid the ravages of rust. The seller provides no underside shots, but the lack of visible corrosion across the rest of the vehicle suggests there are no problems that may cause sleepless nights. The Elkhart Green paint gracing its panels shines impressively, and there are no indications the car received any restoration. However, the lack of visible flaws or chips, especially around the prone front bumper, suggests someone may have wielded their spray gun at some point. The fiberglass is free from cracks or other problems, and the trim looks excellent. The car rolls on its original Rally wheels that are free from stains. With the trim rings and caps looking flawless, the initial impressions are positive.

The original owner ordered this Corvette with an interior trimmed in Medium Saddle leather. They opted for an AM/FM radio but chose to forego other comfort features like air conditioning and power windows. Someone added an aftermarket wheel, and I’m unsure if I like it. Whether it stays or goes would be a personal preference, but a search of the usual online auction sites should unearth an excellent secondhand replacement at a reasonable price. The most glaring flaw the buyer will almost certainly choose to address is the splits on both seats. I believe the problem is beyond repair, so the buyer may elect to splash $800 on a new pair of leather seatcovers. They would complement the new carpet set perfectly, and with the remaining trim and plastic presenting in an above-average state, it would make the inside of this Corvette a pleasant place to spend time while the miles roll under its tires.

Regular readers will know my preference for C3 Corvettes equipped with a 350 under the hood. I don’t have an aversion to big-block examples, but I feel the lower weight, especially over the front wheels, makes the small-block vehicles more complete “driver’s” cars. Chevrolet offered buyers in 1973 two versions of the 350, and the pick of the pair was undoubtedly the L82. It boosted power from 190hp to 250hp, and when coupled with a four-speed manual transmission, as we find in this classic, it propelled the Corvette through the ¼ mile in 15.1 seconds. Cars with an LS4 big-block were faster, but the victory was hardly resounding. The seller indicates our feature ‘Vette is in excellent mechanical health. It is a numbers-matching example that they would be unafraid to drive anywhere. They state the reading of 22,000 miles on the odometer is original, and it appears they have documentary evidence that may support the claim.

For potential buyers intent on parking a driver-grade C3 Corvette in their garage, this 1973 model shows promise. Its exterior presentation is above-average for its age, and its history suggests it should be structurally sound. Addressing its interior shortcomings shouldn’t break the bank, and its drivetrain combination should offer the new owner an entertaining and satisfying driving experience. If potential buyers can confirm the authenticity of the odometer reading, recent sales results suggest the BIN figure is highly competitive. Do you think someone will bite the bullet and hit the button early, or will this auction conclude without that happening?