Nice Driver: 1973 Chevrolet Corvette 4-Speed

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We’ve recently seen a few nice C3 Corvettes at Barn Finds, but this 1973 model stands out. That isn’t because it is an ultra-cheap project car or a meticulously restored vehicle but because it is one of the tidiest driver-quality examples you will find in the current market. The seller made a few changes to improve its performance, including the removed components for those seeking originality. It has only been on the market a few days, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home fairly quickly. You will find it here on Craigslist in Greenwich, Connecticut, with a price of $24,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting it.

The C3 Corvette had been with us since 1968, but the 1973 model year brought the first of a series of significant changes to a vehicle that would soldier on gamely until 1982. The most visible of these was the replacement of the chrome front bumper with a new unit to comply with evolving safety regulations. It added to the vehicle’s weight, and some enthusiasts argue that it interfered with the purity of the original styling. That resulted in many people shunning these classics for decades, but they have found their place in the current market. The owner admits the ‘Vette underwent a two-stage repaint in its original Code 922 Medium Blue approximately a decade ago, and it still presents nicely. There is a pleasing shine and no evidence of significant flaws in the paint or fiberglass. They state the frame is solid, and I suspect the same is true for the birdcage. The immaculate presentation and lack of visible corrosion across every aspect of the car give cause for quiet optimism. The T-Top recently received new seals, and the storage bags are excellent. The trim and wheels are spotless, as is the glass.

Lifting the hood reveals one of the genuine highlights of this classic. Its L48 version of the 350ci V8 may have “only” produced 190hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque, but it was enough to launch this four-speed manual gem through the ¼-mile in 15.9 seconds. Those wishing to minimize their driving effort will welcome the power assistance for the steering and brakes. Faulting the engine bay presentation is virtually impossible, with shining paint and the correct shields intact. The small-block wears an upgraded intake, carburetor, and air cleaner courtesy of the fine folks at Edelbrock. The changes should unleash some extra power, although the seller includes the removed parts for those seeking a more stock appearance. This Corvette recently received a new master cylinder, stainless steel calipers, and pads. The cooling system was flushed, and new coolant was added. The seller indicates it has 95,200 original miles on the clock, and while they don’t say whether they hold verifying evidence, the car’s condition makes it plausible. It runs and drives perfectly, and potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition.

Leather seat upholstery is standard in many new cars but was less prevalent in the early 1970s. This Corvette features it in Black, and like the rest of the vehicle, finding anything to criticize is almost impossible. There is no evidence of wear, abuse, or physical damage. Finding these classics with aftermarket additions seems virtually obligatory, but this one is as it left the factory. It isn’t loaded with optional extras, but the new owner will undoubtedly welcome the power windows and AM/FM radio. The interior isn’t just about good looks because everything, even the temperamental clock, works as it should. The car comes with its original Owner’s Manual, Service Book, and receipts for all work done.

This 1973 Corvette would be an ideal candidate for an enthusiast seeking a car that needs nothing. Every aspect of this classic presents beautifully, and although it isn’t meticulously restored, its overall condition guarantees it will attract attention wherever it goes. The mechanical upgrades have undoubtedly unlocked additional power, which many will welcome. However, reversing these updates would take less than a day in a home workshop. If it ticks the boxes, you may need to act fast. I believe it won’t take long to find a new home, and I’d like to think it will be yours.

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Comments

  1. bobhess bobhessMember

    Beautiful!

    Like 4
    • Mike

      I haven’t seen ’73 Vette with a chrome strip around the front. It looks weird that way. Is it an after market thing?

      Like 5
      • DGMinGA

        Must be. Looks like a stick-on strip. I guess the owner wanted to have the look of a front chrome bumper. Swing and a miss.

        Like 4
      • steve

        Good eye Mike, that slipped past me. I’m guessing it’s a protective, self-adhering strip that was put on by an owner, in an attempt to preserve the bumper. That would have to go!

        Like 2
      • ACZ

        It looks like a piece of glue on body side molding.

        Like 1
  2. Joe

    So appears to be a very nice example of a C3….. that being said, the chrome strip is easily removed, though the bumper will require a repaint …..what concerns me is no mention of any driveline parts being rebuilt….lots of miles on it. Still a very nice car, but before dropping money, I need to know.

    Like 0
    • KH

      Heat trim gun and that strip will come right off. I’m not even sure it will do anything to the paint. People used to have someone bump the nose in the parking lot and chip the paint.

      I worked at a Chevy dealer in the early seventies and we had the first time corvette owner look out the windshield and showed them how far the bumper stuck out beyond your view. Quite a few came back with garage door or parking crunches from misjudging the bumper length.

      Like 1
  3. Al camino

    Tell grand pap to take off the white walls

    Like 6
  4. George Mattar

    Love the whitewalls instead of everyone else having BFGoodrich TA white letters. I have TA radials on my silver 73 coupe, but blackwall out with YJ8 wheels. I have my car for sale at $22,000. This one seems fairly priced. 73s are far better drivers than 68 to 72 models. I know. I had a 71 many years ago.

    Like 0
  5. Erik

    73 is the best looking C3, with the sleeker nose and the spoilers tail. It’s said that Larry Shinoda had commented that it was the only one that looked the way they had designed it. Edelbrock carb is a step down from a properly setup Q-Jet, but few people have experience with the Rochester running right. Nice to see someone still running whitewalls on it. Would make for a wonderful, drivable toy.

    Like 6
  6. Frank Sumatra

    I don’t remember the valve covers being bright red. I also don’t remember what I had for breakfast.

    Like 7
    • steve

      Frank, I think they are orange, as they should be. It’s probably the way the picture was taken.
      And it’s Thursday, so you had 2 eggs over easy, toast with butter, and black coffee. Oh, and a side of bacon!

      Like 2
      • Frank Sumatra

        Thanks, Steve! I thought I was tasting bacon all Thursday night. Gotta love that Thursday Breakfast Special!

        Like 0
  7. Emmet

    Engine has been removed and rebuilt at some point. And recently it looks like. Cool car, but the engine compartment looks off to me for some reason. The after market air cleaner maybe. Good luck with the sale.

    Like 1
  8. Bub

    What does the key slot on the rear valance open? Gas cap?

    Like 0
    • ACZ

      Factory alarm system.

      Like 4
      • Bub

        Thanks ACZ!

        Like 0
  9. TMK

    No air not worth much too me

    Like 2
  10. Neil R Norris

    I prefer the chrome bumper C3’s that predate the arrival of the dreaded and much crunched Enduro bumper. This is a nice driver 73 though. As a Vette Maniac, I give it a thumbs up!

    Like 1

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