454/4-Speed: 1973 Chevrolet Corvette

While emission regulations may have been biting hard by 1973, buyers could still walk into their Chevrolet dealership and hand over their money for a Corvette that offered respectable performance. That is the choice the original owner of this classic made, equipping the car with a big-block V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. The seller spotted the ‘Vette hidden away in a barn, although it isn’t clear how long it has been sitting. It should make a satisfying restoration project, and it may prove to be an affordable classic. Located in Daly City, California, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $5,500, although this remains short of the reserve.

Judging by its appearance, this Corvette may have led a colorful life. The lashings of grey primer suggest that somebody may have been planning a restoration, but this stalled pretty early. The Trim Tag indicates that it rolled off the line wearing Code 980 Orange paint. It has undergone a color change at some point, and it isn’t clear what the intention of the previous owner was when they began to strip the car. Apart from the front bumper cover, it appears to be complete. There are no apparent significant flaws with the fiberglass, although it is hard to state this conclusively with the car in its present state. We received no information on the condition of the frame or birdcage. However, the lack of significant surface corrosion across other aspects of the car and its geographic location may prove favorable. It would still be worth performing an in-person inspection to confirm that there are no issues that would render any restoration impractical. The tinted glass looks pretty good, and the overall first impression is that this could represent a straightforward cosmetic restoration.

It was still possible in 1973 for buyers to order their new Corvette with a big-block under the hood. However, horsepower and performance levels began to feel the pinch from tightening emission regulations. The sole big-block was the 454ci monster that produced 275hp. When coupled with a four-speed manual transmission, as we find with our feature car, it allowed the ‘Vette to cover the ¼ mile in 14.7 seconds. It isn’t clear whether this classic is numbers-matching, but it does seem to be mechanically complete. The owner indicates that it doesn’t run but doesn’t state whether the motor turns freely. If it does, the revival process may not prove difficult or expensive. If the buyer plans a high-grade restoration, they may elect to pull the engine to detail the engine bay. That would provide the ideal opportunity to replace any suspect seals and clean everything, so the V8 shines like a new penny when slotted back into its rightful place.

For me, this Corvette’s interior is a surprise packet. Trimmed in Saddle vinyl, the upholstered surfaces look to be in good condition for their age. There may be a few minor wear marks, but if the next owner aims for a driver-quality restoration, they may be onto a winner. Before I got too carried away on a shopping spree, I would treat everything to a thorough clean. I don’t think that will save the carpet, but there may not be many other items to go on that shopping list. The original owner seemed intent on combining performance with comfort when they ordered this ‘Vette because it features air conditioning, power windows, and a tilt/telescopic wheel.

It will take a dedicated individual to return this 1973 Corvette to its former glory, although its drivetrain combination and complete nature should make it worth the effort. If it proves structurally sound, it would be an ideal project to tackle in a home workshop. While it may not be a fire-breathing monster like early offerings, it should still give its next owner impressive performance. It isn’t clear how long it has been sitting, but it deserves to be returned to active service. Could you be the person to achieve that goal?