While there are many makes and models of autos running around that owners have personalized, one in particular that seems to have encountered more custom touches than most is the Chevrolet Corvette. We’ve featured several on Barn Finds recently, and while some have turned out better than others, this 1973 model here on eBay appears to have received some top-notch workmanship. Not only does this C3 present beautifully outside, but it’s also a strong runner, offering a significantly higher level of performance than Chevrolet could provide for the period. Priced at $40,900, this cool two-seater is located in Tea, South Dakota, and we’d like to thank reader Curvette for sending us another of his excellent ‘Vette tips here!
Though it wasn’t going to be around much longer, Chevrolet was still offering 454 power as the top performer on the Corvette in ’73, but interestingly, none of the three engine options still came with a solid-lifter cam. While 275 horsepower sounded pretty good for the time, especially after ratings shifted from gross to net, the seller believes the big block under the hood here is likely producing more than twice that amount. It’s described as a 468, translating to a 454 bored .060, and this one also features an Edelbrock fuel injection system. Everything on the engine is reported as new, and although its output hasn’t yet been tested, the owner believes the HP number probably exceeds 600.
There’s not a lot of information supplied about how this Corvette began life, or what condition it was in before the body was restored and modified, so this is a case where the photos will have to do most of the talking. Fortunately, the front fiberglass mods appear to have been executed very nicely, and there’s a well-balanced ratio of bespoke and stock components here, as opposed to the outrageous appearance of this 1979 Corvette we featured here on Barn Finds earlier this week. The paint here seems way beyond satisfactory as well, although I’m still trying to decide whether that custom front grille, crafted from a Peterbilt truck, is working for me.
The interior comprises Chevy parts along with some tailored items, such as the wooden cup holder and door panels. Those seats look mighty inviting and supportive, and it’s a real plus to have this kind of comfort in a build that delivers the level of power this one does. Restomods are sometimes difficult to put a value on, but based on what we’re seeing here, I feel that $40k or thereabouts is in the ballpark of a fair price to pay for this 1973 Chevrolet Corvette. What do you think?
Very attractive looking, especially with the chrome tubes.
That’s one nice vet! If I were to build one that’s what I would have done because the stock ones were dogs
See, thing is, that Corvette abomination a while back, this was the original goal, but as the beer cans piled up, and funds diminished, you saw the results. While this isn’t to my particular taste, you have to admit, it is one sharp looking Corvette. With this kind of power and a 6 speed, you may not bury the speedo, but by golly, you’ll come close.
That’s one nice vet! If I were to build one that’s what I would have done because the stock ones were dogs
The front bumper work is hideous on an otherwise good looking C3.
I always look at these resto mod cars now and think to myself”you couldn’t do the paint,body work,and interior for that price,unless your doing it yourself…case in point….As the boomer generation fades in to the sunset,all the cars and motorcycles we liked have diminished in value as the next generation’s cars begin to hold more of the spotlight….
Big Block with a 6 speed, very good choices! The “Cow-Catcher” front end? Well, Mom said if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything…..
Did I mention that I like the 6 speed?
We’ve all heard the old saying, “a face only a mother could love”. Well, here it is.
I’m afraid that this is a little too “personalized” for me. Hard “not for me”.
I’d rather have this than a new Tesla. But for the money I think I’d look for a C2 or a C6 similarly priced. I usually don’t care for restomods, but this one is a pretty good example. Not too excited about the front end though. I wonder how many gallons per mile it uses with that gigantic engine? Good luck with your sale.
Oooohhh, what a pretty …….ah, ah and it has a great ah, ah …… and it….No, I don’t think so. I’ll pass on this one. And that is a Hard Pass. Final answer! I do like the, ah, ’68 Impala, however.
Did the original front number get crushed and they just slapped something together? I would definitely be looking into something different that could be molded in and look better than the hamster cage grill
This is the exact Corvette that I imagined, at 13…
The wheels are horrible..
I have a 68 Restomod with basically the same thing. I kept the outside pretty much stock. As others have said, that front end and hood is not to my liking. But someone liked it enough to do it. Good luck to the new owner, its a cool set of wheels and you cannot do one like this at that price.
Hideous. I own a STOCK 73, best looking C3 ever. Larry Shinoda says so too.