Boy oh boy, am I conflicted! Plastic bumper C3s are not my favorite Corvettes, though the ’73, such as this fully restored convertible, is an in-betweeny with plastic up front and the ’68-’72 steel rammers outback, and it does get my attention, somewhat. This example, however, is just stunning, having been fully restored by a Bloomington Gold judge. This Lakeland, Florida baby is a looker, so take a walk with me. Tony P. gets two thumbs up for this find, and it’s available here on craigslist for $38,500.
Chevrolet built about 30K ‘Vettes at their St. Louis, Missouri assembly plant in ’73, 25K coupes, and just about 5K drop-tops. This car’s history is not disclosed, though the seller states that the restoration occurred in 2010 and that he still considers it a nine out of ten on the rating system. At the opening of the listing, it is stated, “If you don’t like the colors, wait and acquire what you like.” Well, isn’t that always the case? I’m not sure what that means unless it has something to do with non-original hues. The finish looks like Dark Blue Metallic, and the research that I uncovered indicates that Medium Saddle upholstery was available with that exterior shade, but a tan fabric top was not on the option sheet, so perhaps that’s what the seller is alluding to – too bad there’s no image of the trim tag. Anyway, I think the look is fabulous, and this car’s bearing is not to be denied.
This Chevy’s big draw is its 250 net HP, 350 CI V8 engine, a performance option known as RPO L82 – and it’s paired with a four-speed manual transmission. I’m one of those “trust but verify” kind of guys, and the VIN checks out the L82 claim, but I can’t make out the engine’s alpha prefix on the engine’s stamping pad. And curiously, the L82 badges are missing from the hood. The listing does state, “Numbers and date codes match…runs, drives, sounds, feels, and even smells like it did in 73.” Interestingly, this 250 HP engine cost an extra $299, or $49 more than the top option, a 275 HP 454 CI big-block.
The interior’s condition, at least what’s illustrated, pretty well matches that of the exterior – it’s exceptionally clean. The born-with radio had been replaced by a modern DIN unit, but the seller states that he has the original. I wonder if it can still be reinstalled; those DIN conversions sometimes require cutting. Not surprisingly, this is a non A/C equipped Corvette.
The listing opens up with, “Drive it or show it. Ready for both.” I never liked to show a car that I didn’t do at least some modicum of work on. And as far as driving this beauty, it almost seems too nice for that activity. This 1973 Corvette convertible has made me rethink that entire C3 plastic bumper business, at least the ’73 edition. True, they didn’t move out quite like their predecessors from just two or three years earlier, but dolled up the way this ‘Vette is, I could live with that difference, how about you?
Wow!!! TWO ’73 Vettes within a couple days of each other? This one looks like a really nice, very high quality restoration. Great color combination. The L82 and a 4 speed is icing on the cake here. I’d prefer that over the big block for better handling. Very nice one!!!
That is one beautiful color combo! It looks like Bridge Hampton Blue to me but but that’s just a guess.
A cleaner more aerodynamic look to many without the chrome front bumper but as most folks at BF have educated the rest of us here the general public thought it choked down when they looked at the power ratings. The same buying public of the time were not realizing the engines were quite similar in power but the output was measured in perhaps more realistic numbers and subsequently looked more favorably to the earlier years accordingly.
This one is tastefully redone and IMO should easily bring very close to the listed price.
GLWTS
38,500 for a 73 with no air. The only car less desirable is an 84. I hope he finds a buyer.
I tend to steer clear of the 1975 Corvette. It’s base horsepower of 165 is the lowest of any V-8 Corvette.