The most noticeable change to the 1973 Corvette was the shift from a chrome front bumper to a urethane rubber/plastic nose. It may have been a popular change, though prompted by safety regulations, as Corvette sales went past 30,000 units for the second time in ’73. This coupe is one of about 4,400 ‘Vettes built that year with a detuned 454 cubic inch V8. This example looks great except (ironically) for the nose and is in York, Pennsylvania. The car is available through a dealer here on eBay where the bidding stands at $7,100, with the reserve yet to be met.
Chevrolet celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Corvette in 1973 and it received its first major update since the C3 edition debuted in 1968. As we mentioned, the front end was all new in ’73, adding a little length and weight to the car. Under the new deformable snoot was a steel bumper good for a 5-mph impact as newly mandated by the Feds. On the coupes, a change occurred around in the back as the previously removable rear window was now fixed to allow for more rear storage space.
This ’73 Chevy has a matching-numbers 454 cubic inch V8, which was rated at 275 hp SAE net due to changes for lower emissions. Only about 11% of Corvettes built that year were ordered with that engine, so most buyers weren’t buying the ‘Vette as a muscle car. A 4-speed manual transmission completes the package with an odometer reading of 57,000 miles, but since the gauge doesn’t work the car’s real mileage is unknown.
We’re told this automobile originally wore medium blue paint (code 922) but it now sports burgundy which looks quite nice. If it wasn’t for the plastic chunk missing in the front, the body looks to be otherwise solid. The leather upholstery and other parts of the interior are used but may be fine for the near term. The T-Tops are always cool and, hopefully, there are no leaks when in place. The seller says the car starts and runs fine but stopping is an issue. The brakes are soft due to a lack of use over the years. If you’ve been looking for a C3 Corvette project, could this be the one?
Cool car, 454, 4sp. 👍. Wonder if it has the Z07pkg. H.D. brakes and suspension.
I don’t see an a/c compressor, only a bracket;
but brake work is priority one! I don’t mind the
chrome rear/non-chrome front bumper thing.
A big block sure fills the engine bay. This has
tremendous ‘fun’ potential…
A/C compressor is laying on the passenger side floor. This Corvette is desirable because of the 454 and 4-speed transmission. However, the body will need to stripped to properly restore this car. Lots of time and money will need to be spent here. Nice project but I’m out.
Thanks, John W…
@John W Kriegshauser
This Corvette is desirable because of the 454, 4-speed AND factory air. You will see 454, 4-speeds with no air. Or 454s with air and automatic. But it is RARE to see a 454, 4-speed with air.
This also applies to the 1973s and ’74s equipped with the L-82 engine.
@John W Kriegshauser
This Corvette is desirable because of the 454, 4-speed AND factory air. You will see 454, 4-speeds with no air. Or 454s with air and automatic. But it is RARE to see a 454, 4-speed with air.
This also applies to the 1973s and ’74s equipped with the L-82 engine.
Agreed, factory A/C makes it desirable as well…for most folks I assume. But technically this Corvette doesn’t have A/C right now as it is not functioning. LOL.
Sorry Kriegshauser
You might not have to strip the paint down to glass, sand with 180 give it two good coat of gelcoat start blocking
Sorry dogwater I was just giving my opinion combined with my 39 years in the body shop business. You do it your way, I will do it my way.