Buying a classic Convertible in the depths of winter may seem odd, but sometimes, we must strike while the iron is hot. This 1973 Corvette presents such an opportunity, and there is much to like about this survivor. It has a genuine 43,000 miles on the clock, and its impressive presentation and mechanical good health make it a turnkey proposition for a new owner. The seller has listed the Corvette here on Craigslist in The Villages, Florida. They set a price of $33,000 for this classic, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting it.
Chevrolet had adopted an evolutionary approach to styling changes for the C3 Corvette, but legislative requirements brought one of the most profound. The company toyed with the idea of adapting the existing chrome front bumper to comply with new safety regulations from 1973 but found that a change to a new design with a polyurethane cover was more cost-effective. It significantly transformed the car’s appearance, splitting opinions reasonably evenly between those who approved and those who felt it compromised the C3’s styling purity. The original owner ordered this classic in Code 980 Orange, and faulting its presentation isn’t easy. The paint retains a beautiful shine, although it is unclear whether the car has received a restoration or touch-up work. The fiberglass is free from stress cracks, and the trim is excellent for a survivor. The vehicle features a new soft-top, and the owner includes a spotless color-coded factory hardtop to provide genuine all-weather protection. There are no visible glass issues, and the Rally wheels show no significant problems.
Powering this Corvette is the L48 version of the iconic 350ci V8. The small-block sends 190hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. It allows the Convertible to produce a 16-second ¼-mile ET, and while many consider the ’73 Corvette to be a shadow of its predecessors, the situation would deteriorate during the next few years. The news for potential buyers remains positive. The seller claims the car has a genuine 43,000 miles on the clock but doesn’t indicate whether they hold verifying evidence amongst the original documentation that includes the Window Sticker and Dealer Invoice. However, this Corvette runs and drives perfectly and is ready for some top-down touring with a new owner behind the wheel.
The positive vibes continue inside this Corvette, with factory options like air conditioning, Dark Saddle leather seatcovers, and the tilt/telescopic wheel signifying the original owner placed importance upon comfort. The car also originally featured an AM/FM radio, but this has made way for a retro-style stereo. That appears to be the only change to an interior with few faults or defects. The leather sports the wonderful wrinkles that develop with age, while the remaining upholstered surfaces and dash are excellent. The console has avoided the typical marks and scratches, and the carpet only shows some minor fading in a couple of spots. There is no broken plastic and no evidence of UV damage.
When enthusiasts have searched for a C3 Corvette to park in their garage, many focused on the chrome-bumper versions. However, the situation has evolved, and these early urethane examples have found their place in the classic market. This is a beauty and ideal for someone seeking a high-end driver. The sticking point might be the price, which is precisely what Hagerty currently lists for a #2 Corvette at a time when values have dropped across the board. However, the figure isn’t unprecedented. I don’t think they will have buyers beating down their door, but I believe the Convertible will find a new home. Do you agree?
Overall, in nice condition and what it has going for it is being a convertible, having chrome bumpers in the back as well as having a hardtop. On the downside, it came with a urethane bumper in the front and not much power. Still, it is a pretty car and should prove to be a pleasant cruiser, as long as one isn’t addicted to gargantuan power. The asking price is a little bit high but one can always make an offer…
Not factory air.
Natural air
Looks like a nice car but you can get a C5 or C6 for that kind of money.
I own a 73 with this same engine trans combo. So I’m partial to 73s. Plenty of one year only items. But yes his asking price is steep even for a convertible. Mine is a very nice car, but not as nice as this one. I can’t even get $15,000 for mine. Corvette market a bit soft now except for exceptional examples.
The driving pleasure , performance, handling, braking and convenience of a trunk of a c5 & c6 make this overpriced ugly colored interior a loser …
Who uses the parking brake on a car with a four speed? They’re just looking for trouble when the ebrake sticks and they can’t move the car.
Nice car, but 33k?
At least you know that the parking brake works. For a C3 of this vintage, that’s exceptional.
When you only have 190 h.p. to work with and you want to do a bootleg turn. That’s when you need a good hand brake.
I dont think that it has a correct consol for a 1973 – my 73 is much different
Very clean, original car, tidy engine compartment, neat vintage air installation, spotless interior. Would like to see chassis pictures and engine stamping. I like the 4 speed trans, overall a nice driver and a keeper, the price is a bit ambitious though.
Certainly one of the nicer original ’73 convertibles out there. And the seller is hoping someone will notice that and pay up.
1972 was the last C3 that will ever be worth anything north of 25K. You can say you want to but it is what it is. The market has soften for a lot real muscle cars and just because you have a nice malaise era Vette it’s supposed to bring a certain amount of money but when your reserve isn’t close to being met than you get the picture. It’s not me talking it’s the car market.
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I have to chime in here as I restored a 79 with a ZZ4 crate engine, rebuilt tranny, new glass, custom interior and paint of choice. It began life silver with oyster interior. I always loved the 78and 79’s because they were new when I was in high school. This car grabs everyone’s attention at car shows and I have turned offers of over $25K. The people who want it are people like me who were around, not a 30 to 40 year old looking at the avg sales numbers.
In 73 you could still order a LS4 option for your Vette. Although it was detuned to 275hp it was still an option.lf this 73 Vette convertible had that option l could probably see his asking price.If not I can’t. As nice as this car may be it’s just not worth the ask as it is.