This 1973 Chevrolet Corvette doesn’t merely present well as an unrestored survivor, but it features the desirable and range-topping big-block V8. Its known history suggests that verifying the claimed odometer reading of 44,000 original miles may be possible. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this stunning classic listed here on eBay in Annandale, Minnesota. The BIN on this beauty is $36,900 with the option to make an offer.
The 1973 model year was a transitional one for the C3 Corvette. The company abandoned the elegant chrome front bumper for a unit that was more complex and heavy, but that change was forced upon it to comply with legislative requirements. Two of the badge’s defining features were kissed goodbye at the end of 1972, with 1973 buyers no longer having the vacuum-operated wiper door or the removable rear window at their disposal. The first owner ordered this car in Elkhart Green, bringing us to the seller’s first claim. They believe that the paint is original, although they don’t go as far as to state it as a fact. This is a case where climbing all over this classic would be justified to ensure there is no overspray or other evidence of a cosmetic restoration. I can spot a couple of small chips in the supplied images, which would be consistent with a survivor-grade vehicle of this vintage. The fiberglass looks really nice, and the lack of interior water damage suggests that the top seals are in good order. The glass is clear, and the Rally wheels, their caps, and the trim rings are in good order. However, it is the pair of hood badges that tells us that this Corvette is special.
Chevrolet continued to offer its 454ci V8 in 1973, but it wasn’t a particularly popular choice amongst potential buyers. Only 4,412 people ticked that box on their Order Form, representing a take-up rate of just over 14%. This car’s first owner teamed the 275hp big-block with a four-speed manual transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. This motor may have sacrificed a few ponies since the glory days of 1971, but it still provided pretty respectable performance for the $250.00 it added to the Corvette’s sticker price. The seller confirms this car’s history, stating that its current custodian is the third owner. They don’t mention verifying evidence for the mileage claim, although the car’s overall condition makes it plausible. They keep us in the dark regarding how the vehicle runs and drives, although the engine sounds as smooth as silk in this YouTube video.
If this Corvette is a genuine survivor, its interior seemingly supports the seller’s claims. The Black vinyl trim is in exceptional condition, and, like the carpet, there is no visible significant wear. The dash is in good order, and the console appears to lack the marks and scratches that typically accumulate with age. A retro-stereo seems to be the only addition to an interior that benefits from air conditioning and power windows.
I might lean more towards cars wearing the Blue-Oval badge, but I’d make an exception with this Corvette. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on this 1973 Chevrolet Corvette, and to learn whether you believe the seller’s claims to be plausible. It would probably require an in-person inspection to uncover the truth, but if the details stack up, the BIN figure is realistic. If that proves the case, would you fancy parking this big-block classic in your garage? I will understand if you do.
Very nice looking example with great colors and options for someone lusting after a C3. It is up to the buying public to determine if this is the best way to spend $37,000 for Corvette performance. There are a lot of ways to attack that goal in that price range.
I may be biased because I own one of these but 73 big blocks are a bargain compared to 68-72’s. Mine is a red on red convertible with automatic and almost every option and with 390lbft net torque it has plenty of effortless acceleration and a great exhaust note. This one looks like a nice unmolested 4 speed example in nice colors and if the low mileage survivor status checks out it’s a good price.
Am I the only one who has questions about this car, starting with the vin listed? Not saying anything either way, but it’s not legit IMO. Annandale has a large salvage yard there, in fact I bought some parts for my previous Vette there. Just check it out carefully.
Nice powertrain set up. Last year of rear chrome bumper and no chrome bumper on front.
I must say that I am a little surprised by the by the lack of comments, (one) about the asking price of this one compared to the comments about the brown ’74 listed yesterday. Folks, myself included, felt like the ’74, (with $18,000 in receipts) was overpriced at $30,000 but don’t seen to have a problem with this ’73 at $37,000. In my opinion the big block in this one shouldn’t add much value because, except for being rarer than a small block, they provide very little, if any, added performance. Both cars appear to be in comparable condition with both having desirable colors and both having a 4 speed. Truth be told, I am a long time Corvette owner and I am fairly fond of most of the C3s, (looks, not performance) and in my opinion the brown ’74 would be more of a drivers car due to the enhanced performance. That being said, I believe that 20 to 25 thousand is about the ceiling for either car. This one being fairly low mileage wouldn’t be a factor to me as it will be quite some time before C-3 Corvettes will be considered “collector cars”. I am painfully aware of that fact as I have a ’94 6 speed roadster and a ‘2000 FRC that I certainly wish were worth more than they are.
Original paint? Overspray on the drivers door stickers says otherwise to me.
I own a 73 coupe and while I believe they are the best looking of the C3s, well, I am in the minority. That said, this car is woefully overpriced. For the purist like myself, it is missing the A.I.R. pump and plumbing, That’s $4,000 today for correct NOS parts. The mileage, if accurate, is low, but not collector low. My 73 was relatively low mileage when I bought it 10 years ago. 10 footer, paid $10,000. Since, then, $15,000 in receipts for mechanical work, most done myself. Truth be told, these cars are more than 50 years old and stuff is worn out and breaks. I’m thinking of buying a one owner, 25,000 mile 1980 L82 I just found. Every piece of factory documentation, every gallon of gas put in the car, never in rain, snow, etc. He is asking $18,000. Bottom line, this 73 is only worth what someone is willing to pay.