You probably think you’ve seen a few Corvettes gracing the pages of Barn Finds recently, and you would be right. However, there are good reasons why this is the case. The first is that certain variants remain relatively affordable. The C3 features iconic styling that is globally recognized, but the investment potential of these classics attracts many. This 1973 example is a perfect example of the breed. It is a tidy, solid driver that a new owner could leave untouched. However, lifting its presentation would be easy and inexpensive, with a competent enthusiast capable of completing the tasks in a home workshop. If you feel up for the challenge, you will find the Corvette listed here on eBay in Waretown, New Jersey. With the bidding at $9,100, the reserve has been met. That means there’s everything to play for because the highest bidder will take this classic home.

The 1973 model year brought the second noticeable change to the C3 Corvette’s appearance following the integrated fender flares that surfaced in 1970. However, the new urethane-covered front bumper wasn’t fitted to satisfy changing customer tastes or complaints but rather to comply with government regulations. Chrome on the front was history, and the new look was part of an industry-wide change that left no new car immune. The new bumper added weight and changed the frontal appearance, dividing opinions as it did. However, the chrome rear bumpers received a stay of execution before being consigned to history in 1974. Buyers continued to choose from ten paint shades in 1973, with this car wearing Classic White. It presents well for its age, but the seller’s information is sadly lacking. They don’t reveal whether the vehicle has undergone only repairs or restoration, so we must take it at face value. There are no glaring faults or imperfections, and scrutinizing the supplied images reveals no significant chips on the vehicle’s front. The Corvette is garage-kept when not prowling the streets, suggesting it is rust-free. The chrome, glass, and Rally wheels look pretty good, and the side exhaust should impart a muscular growl.

The Corvette’s interior brings an interesting blend of original components and custom touches. It is tidy and serviceable, meaning reversing the change depends on the buyer’s budget and desire for originality. The most visible modification is someone’s decision to replace the center gauge panel with an aftermarket cluster. Several companies offer this conversion as a complete kit, and the appearance of this one suggests that might be the case here. The installer may have decided to perform the swap due to faults with the original gauges, which is understandable. Locating a secondhand original cluster is possible, but even untested ones typically sell for around $300. However, reproduction gauge bezels retail for $160, and high-end reproduction gauges generally retail for between $60 and $75 each. Therefore, the new owner could recapture the factory appearance with total reliability for under $500. That option is worth considering because there are no other significant faults or defects. The Black leather seatcovers are in good order, the remaining upholstered surfaces are excellent, and there are no visible dash problems. There is an aftermarket radio that looks out of place, but replacing this while addressing the gauge issue would seem like a no-brainer.

Powering this Corvette is what I believe is the ZQ3 version of the 350ci V8. This was the entry-level powerplant in 1973, sending 190hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. The ¼-mile ET of 16.1 seconds was nothing to write home about, but things would worsen in subsequent years. By 1975, a similar Corvette would take 17.6 seconds to complete the same journey. Sports car? What’s that? However, this cloud may have a silver lining because this motor appears to wear an upgraded intake, carburetor, headers, and glorious side exhaust. The breathing improvements will almost certainly have unlocked extra power, which most enthusiasts would welcome. Potential bidders can consider this a turnkey proposition, with the seller indicating it runs and drives extremely well.

This 1973 Corvette is a tidy vehicle, and there would be no shame in leaving it as-is. Its few flaws would be easy and inexpensive to address, but would it be worthwhile? Naturally, that brings us to the question of value. The classic market took a hammering in 2023, with many fancied models suffering as a consequence. The ’73 Corvette didn’t set the world alight, but it defied the odds by posting a steady gain during the entire year. Recent sales results suggest the bidding should top $12,000, although the action has been pretty subdued. That means that if the winning bidder scores it for less, it could be one of the first bargains of 2024. It will find a new home in a few days, but are you tempted to make it yours?