When buyers in 1973 took delivery of their new Corvette, they received a car with greater refinement than its predecessors. However, that didn’t prevent them from owning a genuine high-performance model if they ticked the right boxes on the Order Form. The original owner of this ‘Vette did that, and after years hidden in a barn, it has emerged and is begging for restoration. The new owner could pursue that path, although creating the C3 of their dreams is possible. The seller relisted it here on eBay in Daly City, California, following a non-paying buyer. They set their auction to open at $6,800, although there are no bids. For those viewing it as a must-have, they offer a BIN option of $6,802. Comparing those figures, you can be sure that anyone seriously interested will hit the button rather than work through the auction process.
It is unclear how long this Corvette spent in its Californian barn, but the pictures suggest it led a literally colorful life. There are splashes of Blue and Red visible in some spots, with most of the exterior dominated by White paint and Gray primer. However, none of the shades are original, with the Tag confirming it left the showroom resplendent in Code 980 Orange. Considering it requires a total refurbishment, returning the ‘Vette to its factory appearance should not prove challenging. The front bumper cover is missing, and I believe a close inspection may reveal some cracks and imperfections in the fiberglass. The lack of glaring faults means that addressing them may not require a specialist. The seller supplies no information on the state of the frame or birdcage, but if the car spent its life in drier climes, it might be structurally sound. Some trim pieces are missing, but the original tinted glass looks excellent.
One of the most significant changes many buyers noticed as the C3 Corvette evolved was a reduction in the available engine options beyond the base small-block. In 1968 and ’69, there were five available. For 1971, that total dropped to three, and from 1972, buyers faced two choices if the entry-level ZQ3 wasn’t potent enough for their taste. The story remained the same when this car rolled off the line. The ZQ3 delivered 190hp, with the L82 producing 250hp and the LS4 big-block churning out 275hp. The seller indicates this Corvette features a big-block, but it isn’t original. Therefore, its specifications are unclear. The original owner selected the desirable four-speed manual transmission and power brakes. For potential buyers, there are points worth pondering with this project. As well as not being numbers-matching, the 454 is locked. It may be due to decades of inactivity, or it’s possible a previous owner parked the ‘Vette due to an engine failure. Whatever the situation, it could be a case of planning for the worst but hoping for the best. Reviving the big-block could be possible, but budgeting for a replacement as part of this project would be wise.
One aspect of this Corvette that packs a surprise is its interior. The Tag indicates its original owner ordered it trimmed in Dark Saddle Vinyl, but the seats now wear leather covers in the same shade with no problems beyond the wrinkles that form the character of this material. The remaining upholstery looks presentable, but there are a few shortcomings a buyer could address to lift it to a higher level. The carpet exhibits the typical fading we’ve grown to know and love while a couple of small plastic pieces are gone. The factory radio made way for an aftermarket radio/cassette player with speakers in the kick panels. None of the problems would cost a fortune to fix, and each would make a positive impact. The original owner added a couple of desirable options, including power windows and a tilt/telescopic wheel.
The chrome-bumper C3 Corvettes have been the preferred option for serious collectors for decades, with post-1972 cars spending years in the automotive wilderness. However, times change, and classics like this 1973 model can command reasonable prices since values began climbing sharply over the past five years. Figures of $25,000 are common, although prices on pristine examples can climb significantly higher. The big-block under the hood of this Corvette could be its strongest attribute and Achille’s Heal. If it turned freely and were numbers-matching, I think the ‘Vette would already be heading to a new home. The lack of originality and condition of the 454 will raise concerns in the minds of some potential buyers. Its problem could be minor, but they may be catastrophic. If someone has another motor sitting in their workshop awaiting a new home, the engine bay of this classic could be the perfect spot. The Corvette almost found a new home once, and I believe it will happen this time. Are you tempted to make it yours?
Not a corvette guy, but this year started a downward spiral for the next several years. Rubber and chrome bumpers. Couldn’t remove the rear window. Lower power levels. Having said that, if you can get one at a non Insano price, you can have a nice cruiser that isn’t terribly hard or expensive to work on.
454 with 4 speed & no a/c or p/w & no a/c rear gears is no slouch.
Lighter alum wheels here are a plus. & Swap in HEI, pull & plug the EGR hose, & discon air pump belt,
Everyone complains about rubber & chrome bumpers on these, yet no one does on ’70-73 firebird. Or on ’69 camaro if you got optional front endura bumper. & on ’68-72 gto.
Viewed from here, you have to assume that the engine is trash, so you are buying a ’73 Corvette shell with some salvageable interior parts.. Without looking at the birdcage/frame, you are gambling. Your $6200 investment could easily quadruple/quintuple when all is said and done.
But, it would make a nice project.
I can’t believe there aren’t any birdcage comments yet… They show up on every Corvette on here regardless of condition.
Mark, you’re too late, I made a birdcage comment. LOL. If you’ve had a Corvette with birdcage issues, you would know why it is a big deal.
I have an old Vette without birdcage issues but my brother has a 68 with birdcage problems and one of these days we will get busy switching frames.
Great write up Adam and thanks for the kind words, because when you get down to it, actually driving a 73 Corvette is far more enjoyable than a 68 to 72 model on crappy bias tires and hard body mounts. I own a silver 73 coupe with a 4 speed. I owned a 71 454 air coupe from 1976 to 1978, sold it to finance college costs. Then came a wife, three kids, a mortgage, so no Corvette again until 2015, when I found a 73 on Craigslist in north Jersey. It was in the hands of the second owner, who was injured in a work accident. It sat in his very dry garage and had accumulated only 4,000 miles from 1988 until the day I towed it home. I did a light mechanical restoration on it and drive it as much as possible. I never wash the car nor does it sit in the rain as I have been around Corvettes since 1972 and know they ALL leak water, hence birdcage rot. I have had the kick panels off my car and had some mechanical work done by a very respected Corvette shop and the owner told me my car is rust free. When I went to look at the car, I took a floor jack and asked the owner permission to jack up the car. I feared the worst being a Jersey car, but low and behold, the frame and all suspension parts just dirty. My 73 approaching 50 years young rides and handles better than that 71 did when it was 5 years old. I would love to save this car, but I’m getting too old for a project and would rather leave my money to my seven grandchildren.