When Chevrolet shoehorned a big-block under the hood of the Corvette, the plan wasn’t merely to match the best European sports cars offered. The intention was to leave them eating the Corvette’s dust. The plan was a success because few cars from the continent could match the effortless acceleration delivered by those monster motors. This 1973 example presents exceptionally well, and retains its numbers-matching motor. It has 53,000 miles on the clock, and the seller indicates it is documented as genuine. It will turn heads wherever it goes, and its next journey could be to your garage. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P. for spotting this potent survivor listed here on Craigslist in Orlando, Florida. The seller set their price at $42,500 for a classic they claim won’t disappoint potential buyers.
After an initial sales slump at the dawn of the 1970s, Chevrolet’s C3 Corvette staged a comeback in 1973. The company sold 30,464 cars that year, and the tally climbed annually for the rest of the decade. Our featured Corvette is 1-of-25,521 Coupes ordered that year, and it presents beautifully in Code 914 Silver. The seller confirms a previous repaint in the correct shade, but not the date. There is not much to criticize about the car’s appearance, with the paint shining and no evidence of fiberglass shortcomings. The underside shots aren’t great, but there are no signs of rust. The seller confirms the car’s accident-free history, which is another significant positive attribute. The trim and glass look excellent, and the Rally wheels with their cosmetic enhancements are spotless.
The first owner ticked most of the boxes on their Order Form designed to make this Corvette one of the most desirable to roll off the line in 1973. They selected the 454ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Chevrolet offered only one version of the big-block that year, and the LS4 generated 275hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque. Those figures were almost identical to those Chevrolet quoted in 1972, and only marginally lower than those produced in 1971 in Net terms. The seller confirms that this classic is numbers-matching. It has 53,000 miles on the clock, which they claim is supported by documentation. They say that it is in excellent mechanical condition, ready to hit the road with the new owner behind the wheel.
Air conditioning, Black leather trim, power windows, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio. The first owner didn’t restrict their cash splash to this Corvette’s drivetrain. The interior options are among the most desirable that enthusiasts seek in any Corvette from this era and help improve its investment potential. The seller states that the interior is original, and its condition is consistent with the odometer reading. The leather has developed the typical age wrinkles, but that’s as bad as it gets. There is no wear or evidence of abuse, and no aftermarket additions. If the buyer rocks up to a Cars & Coffee behind the wheel of this ‘Vette, it will immediately command respect.
It is fair to say that while emission regulations had taken a big bite out of the power and torque figures of Chevrolet’s big-block V8 since the glory days of the 1960s, a 1973 Corvette with a 454 under the hood is still a classic that commands respect. The originality of our feature car is admirable, with its owners resisting the urge to fit different wheels or an updated stereo. Apart from a solitary repaint, they have preserved this beauty as its creators intended. The odometer reading is below average, and its presentation ensures it can still turn heads. The seller’s price looks realistic, and with values climbing steadily, it could represent an excellent investment. Hmm, a big-block, an enjoyable driving experience, and a potential future financial windfall. I can’t think of a downside to that equation. Can you?
I especially like the luggage rack.