One of the great things about the C3 Chevrolet Corvette from a buyer’s standpoint is the popularity of the car and how many seem like they are coming up for sale these days. From survivors to projects to restored examples, they’re out there, but to find one that ticks all the right boxes plus was the personal car of a Corvette repair shop owner is definitely worth taking note of. This 1973 Chevrolet Corvette was restored by Frank’s Corvettes in Texas, and if you’ve been in the market for a nice big block example this one would for sure be worth a look. Located in Spring, Texas, the car is available for sale here on eBay with a buy-it-now price of $28,995.
Reading some of the reviews that people have posted online, Frank’s Corvettes appears to be doing a good job of making most Corvette owners happy with the services they provide. The company has also been in business for almost 20 years, so this would seem like a pretty good bet for a place to purchase a car from. The Corvette that they are offering for sale here has undergone a no expense spared frame-up restoration a while ago and has been professionally maintained by Frank’s Corvettes ever since. The body is said to be incredibly straight, and although it was originally Targa Blue the car is now wearing a maroon color, and while the paint job is not perfect it is claimed to be super nice.
Under the hood is the car’s original 454 cubic inch V8, which has been rebuilt and has had custom valve covers added, although they can be returned back to stock if the new owner prefers. The Corvette also still has its original 4-Speed manual transmission, which is said to have been rebuilt, as have the brakes. The car is also equipped with power steering and a heavy-duty suspension.
Things are looking really good on the inside as well, with a new carpet and a new black leather interior, plus there’s vintage air conditioning for those days when you’re not T-Topping. The seller says that the actual mileage is unknown, but suspects that this is an original low miles car. The price is also stated to be slightly negotiable, and while this is not elaborated on at least we know upfront that there may be a little wiggle room for a serious buyer. What are your thoughts on this 1973 Chevrolet Corvette?
For the price of those valve covers the owner should have installed an aluminum intake manifold when he was rebuilding the engine. Easy horsepower.
Corvette big blocks used a low rise intake to fit under the hood. Edelbrock makes a Corvette low rise aluminum intake, but other than being a little lighter, I don’t think it flows much better than the stock cast one.
The car has seen some mods under the hood, but most are a result of the valve covers, and not to improve performance. The brake booster is a compact aftermarket item, likely because the stock one wouldn’t clear the valve covers. The AC compressor is also aftermarket, again likely because of clearance issues with the covers and the stock compressor. Unless the upper valve train’s been changed, necessitating additional clearance, I don’t understand why anyone would put those valve covers on that engine. An electronic HEI distributor’s been added too.
Potentially dumb question #27;
What is the big deal with the valve covers? Do they improve performance?
It definitively can’t be for the looks. Strictly speaking, they look goofy.
In my humble but highly accurate opinion, you are correct about them looking goofy. Especially with all that effort required to install them.
Owned and professionally restored by Frank and the paint’s not perfect?!
Sure a good running big block with 4 speed with a/c no gripes from me!
This car was not restored. Restored means to return to completely original condition, like my 73 silver Corvette. No Targa Blue in 73. Only available in 1972.
If 454 4 speed. Why so cheap?
Horsepower ?