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 The born-with radio had been replaced by a modern DIN unit, but the seller states that he has the original.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.
Just a comment regarding not have the L-82 emblems on the hood. I don’t beleive L-82 emblems were actually used until late 74.
It is my understanding, MJW, that THAT is correct. There were no L-82 emblems until 1974. It thus appears that the Corvette judge who is said to have restored this car, knew what he was doing.
Wow. Handsome in its blue over saddle with matching roof. Well equipped with the L82 and 4-speed. Of course there is the matter of a/c which the red one has. Interesting note is that the ’73 brochure illustrates white line tires in all pictures.
In reviewing all the CL photos it’s obvious this car has either undergone complete repaint OR it’s had a color change.
It’s evident on the rag top hard cover latches. They were not painted from the production facility.
Even with the not so good photos it’s obvious that the car has had some major glass repair to the rear tail light panel.
Something that I’ve learned from a old timey fiberglass body man is this.
Look at a Corvette body as a pane of glass. If it takes a hit on any panel there will be breakage in areas that are far and away from the initial strike point.
So..my thinking on this piece of glass. It’s been hit pretty hard in a very difficult area of the body to do a good repair on. Plus, it’s over anxious price is, well, over anxious.
AND, seems a little suspect that the owner didn’t reveal the trim tag.
Okay, I’m out.
I’m not a big fan of blue Corvettes but this one is a beauty. The saddle interior goes very well with the blue exterior. The pictures show that this “body-off” restoration was done to a very high degree. The seller is right, it would cost easily $100K to complete a restoration like this one, so $38K seems reasonable. Probably $35K will be the final selling price anyway. The only thing this car needs is a new owner to put some miles on it.
I had a 1973 L82 convertible. They had no hood emblems that year. Although I believe the 454 had emblems.
That explains it, thx for the input.
JO
Personally I would rather have the ’67 elCamino.
That’s actually a ’71 or ’72 GMC Sprint, and NOT a Chevy Elky. I mean it is, but it isn’t.
Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about! Blue ’73 convertible 4 speed…after the pretty red one yesterday! And Billy, I like the El Camino, too but you’re 4-5 yrs off on the year, pretty sure it’s a ’71. Gotta stop drooling now…
Chevy Guy, please take a closer look at the taillights. You can have the vette.
Have fun! I’m still thinking 1967. Some one that could clarify please join in.
If we could see the front end it would determine what year.
I think that you are correct. My apologies. I must of had a dough head moment.
In one of the pics, you can see the “GMC Sprint” nameplate on the tailgate. That’s a pretty rare vehicle if I’m not mistaken.
Just looked it up, and between ’71 and ’72, which this one looks like, there was a combined total of 12,009. Someone was lucky to have both of these in their driveway. That Elky/Sprint is nice, but man, the Vette is even nicer!!! This owner has good tastes!!!
I had a 73 4 sp L48 coupe. I also had a 71 LS5 4 sp coupe in 1976. I can tell with the utmost certainty my 73 was far superior in every respect. 73s had improved rubber body mounts, side door guard beams, no stupid vacuum wiper door and much better looking front end. And L82 4 sp is the best combo. I have driven several L82 4 sp 73s and that engine easily pulls to 6,000 rpm. 73s had no L82 hood emblems, but did have 454 hood emblems. Where I live we have no use for ac. Makes the car heavir and a PITA to work. This car was restored properly from the not so good photos. Nice to see smog pump and the correct mufflers. I love this blue beauty, but pushing 40K is too much.
It says he is asking $45,000 in the Craigslist ad.