Some classic car projects can prove more attractive than others, and this 1973 Corvette has a lot of positive points. After a decade hidden in a shed, the owner has coaxed its big block back to life with a touch of persistence and a pile of new parts. It is a solid car that seems to need little beyond a cosmetic refresh, and with bidding at a modest level, it has already sailed beyond the reserve. Located in Hartsville, South Carolina, you will find the ‘Vette listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has hit $7,400, and with the reserve met, this project car is destined for a new home.
After a decade in hiding, this Corvette has emerged in need of a facelift. Its overall presentation isn’t horrendous, and if its next owner wanted to slip behind the wheel during the upcoming warmer months with the exterior largely untouched, that would seem viable. Its Mille Miglia Red paint is tired and wears a host of small chips and marks. However, the fiberglass beneath looks pretty good, suggesting that preparing and painting the vehicle could be a relatively simple process. The front bumper cover is gone, but with replacements retailing for $420, rectifying that fault won’t stress the bank balance too much. The owner says that the frame has a coating of surface corrosion but is structurally sound. It would be worth the time and effort to treat the corrosion before it progresses too far because frame repairs can prove expensive. The exterior trim and chrome appear acceptable for a driver-quality classic, while the glass has no glaring issues.
After a decade of inactivity, the seller could have taken the easy route in reviving this Corvette’s numbers-matching LS4 big-block V8. However, they didn’t cut any corners, pulling the plugs and loading the cylinders with Marvel Mystery Oil. After giving that a couple of weeks to perform its magic, they dropped the oil and filled the pan with the good gear from the people at Lucas. They replaced the fuel tank, fuel pump, carburetor, radiator, water pump, thermostat, distributor, plugs, wires, power steering pump, and starter, then used a priming tool to feed the oil through the V8. It roared into life and ran perfectly. They say it produces no odd noises or smoke. Once satisfied that the 454 was in good health, they attacked the brakes. Once again, the list of new parts is extensive. These include a new master cylinder, calipers, pads, and rubber hoses. They flushed the lines and machined the discs, meaning the brakes need nothing. The seller doesn’t indicate whether the Corvette is roadworthy, but if it isn’t, getting it there should not present a massive challenge. Once it is terrorizing the tarmac again, that big-block and its Turbos Hydra-Matic transmission should allow the ‘Vette to storm the ¼ mile in 14.9 seconds as it would have during its glory days.
One area of the Corvette requiring the new owner’s attention is the interior. It looks tired, and the shopping list could be a reasonably long one. The Saddle leather upholstery has many rips, while the carpet exhibits some wear and fading. The door trims are warped, but steam and pressure may bring them back into shape without the expense of replacement. The back section of the console is cracked, which is typical. It is impossible to determine the condition of the remaining trim and plastic, but cleaning it before considering any other replacement parts would be a wise approach. The original owner ordered the vehicle with air conditioning, although it appears the compressor is missing. Otherwise, the Corvette features power windows and a tilt/telescopic wheel.
This 1973 Corvette isn’t perfect, but if it is as solid as the listing suggests, it could make a rewarding and affordable restoration project for a new owner who possesses good preparation and painting skills. With the bidding at a modest level and so much mechanical work complete, it looks more tempting by the minute. Have you ever felt the overwhelming desire to own a C3 Corvette? If so, does this classic look like the right one for you?
I’d be concerned about the “surface rust” on the frame and no mention of the bird cage. No pics of the frame either. It’s a 35K resto if you do most of the work.
Ease up on the surface rust, the tires are more likely to put you in the ditch on the way home. You remind me of a well known vintage car dealer— your car is the biggest pile of problems, but I will still buy it, even though it’s nothing but problems. Once he owns it, and gives it a good detail, the problems are nothing— and the price goes way up!
Deaks never have anything good to say….
“the glass has no glaring issues”. Funny.
That missing front bumper cover happens to all 73s. I own one. Even though garaged its entire life out of the sun, it literally fell apart as I drove it. Chunks fell off. Total urethane junk. I bought a fiberglass piece. 1000 percent better fit and after 7 years of driving it, still perfect. The interior is an easy fix, but gets expensive. Carpet is cheap, but new leather covers and foam not cheap. I got seat covers from Corvette America, now Top Flight. They fit perfectly.
SOLD for $9,700.
Resonable purchase based on everything that was done to get it running.
If it can be proven to have spent its life in the South, I wouldn’t be too concerned with the birdcage and frame, but based on past experience, I would still not feel comfortable spending any money on a C3 of this age without seeing the condition for myself.